I have realized I am somewhat of a perfectionist when it comes to multiple people reading stories I write. So bare with me as I try to leave behind trying to sound profound and just write.
Last week I found myself in Gainesville, Atlanta soaking wet, setting up a tent with the help of a bunch of strangers. I found myself using porter potties and taking cold bucket showers with the moon as my only light source. Last week I found myself sitting in 3 sessions a day that made my hand cramp up with all the notes I scribbled in my notebook. I found myself eating a cricket (not bad) and trying an aged egg (never again). Last week I sang at the top of my lungs despite my stage fright. Last week was training camp for the World Race and I am going to attempt to give you a glimpse of it through this blog post.
Training camp challenged me in ways that I didn’t think I needed to be challenged in.
The first couple days I was questioning my decision. I questioned why I ever thought I could do this. I felt a bit like an outsider. Thankfully I have never really been a quitter so I pushed through. I kept embracing any curveball thrown my way. The constant rain stopped bothering me, looking presentable was out the window, and as I allowed myself to be more vulnerable with those around me I grew into deeper relationships.
I realized how easy it is to fall into a pattern of contentment in your faith. Church every Sunday, a prayer before meals, reading the Word which are all great things. But these things can become a habit that don’t challenge one’s faith. God wants to be KNOWN! He wants us to constantly search for Him, to be vulnerable with Him, to never stop pursuing Him. He wants to challenge us! During boot camp (as my yiayia calls it) He challenged me in many ways and I am happy to say that because of those challenges my desire to KNOW God is greater.
I learned that it is possible to live out of a tent despite the rain, mud, and daddy long legs, that one backpack containing 4 outfits is more than enough, and that utensils are not always the way to eat. I learned that its not necessary to shower as often (yea I know… ew), that porter potties are not something you get used to, and that headlamps are no joke.
I learned that in everything pray and when you do pray, pray out loud without trying to sound profound but instead just talk to Jesus as you would a best friend. I learned that there is a reason for everything God does and that in all situations give thanks to Him. I also learned that God is not safe, but He is GOOD! He is a MIGHTY LION. So of course He is not safe, but He is so so good!
I learned that a bunch of strangers can become like family in just 10 days. My squad consists of 38 individuals with the most beautiful hearts. We cried together, we sang together, we prayed together, we camped together, we kicked butt in “Squad Wars” (got 1st place), and we learned what it means to lift each other up through feedback (beep, boop).
I also got so lucky as to serve with these beautiful women as “Team Overflow”.
When I arrived at training camp I couldn’t wait to leave. Now I find myself missing it. I know… CRAZY! I think what I am trying to say is that I had allowed fear and anxiety of the unknown which was training camp to mess with my head. It was only when I turned to the Lord that I saw Him take something I feared and made it into something good.
I realize now as I am writing this blog that I am not able to fully explain to you guys the impact that these 10 days at camp had on me. I can’t imagine how I will even scratch the surface of 11 months.
What I can tell you with great certainty is that I am now even more willing to step out of the boat of comfort and into the storm without breaking my gaze on Jesus. Because the minute I step out of the boat and walk towards Him, the storm is no longer a concern because He has already won.
I leave in less than 5 weeks for South Africa and I am only $4,859 short of being fully funded! Please consider supporting me!
ITR 🙂
