Ive struggled to find words to tell you what I experienced a couple weeks ago in Georgia. I was there, in the middle of the woods for training for the World Race, having realizations about what this next year will look like. What did I expect for the training? Nothing. I thought it would be a fun time to test out gear and have some good worship sessions. Well, I was right… and wrong. Throughout the week, I was wet, cold, hot, sweaty, excited, stretched, challenged, educated, overwhelmed and more!
The experiences of camping out under the stars, constantly having red Georgia mud covering me, KILLING A SPIDER WITHOUT HESITATION, showering once a week, getting stung by scorpians (twice), eating without plates or utensils and running for 30 minutes (ok I may have power-walked a hill or two) were are neat little nuggets of a wake up call. I will not be comfortable on the World Race.
The 43 people that make up my squad, the 5 people that make up my team and all the other staff, trainers, and mentors gave me a taste of the community I will have the privilege of living in. I will be encircled and never alone, physically, emotionally, or spiritually.
The Spirit lead worship and teachings awoke a hunger in me that I cant ignore and cant get enough of. The team building and feedback sessions showed me that vulnerability isn’t weakness, instead it can give birth to trust and intimacy. I will be challenged to be vulnerable and go deeper.
After all of that, why in the world would I want to put myself through that for 11 straight months? Fairly simple answer: I’m hungry. I want more. I NEED more. Growth comes in those uncomfortable and challenging times. Transformation happens in a community of people that love you enough to give that tough feedback even if it means that the whole team ends up crying. (Love you team!!)
