Originally posted 10/22/2020
It has been about a week since I got home from training camp for the World Race. Yay, training camp round 2! When I made the decision to launch again in January 2021, I realized that meant I would have to go through training again, and I did grumble a little to the Lord about it. This was one of those moments where I knew how hard it was going to be since I went to my first training camp about a year ago, and now I was going through it all again. It’s like when you don’t go to the gym for a while but want to get back into the habit. You know it’s going to be rough at the start, but it will be worth it once you get moving again. God showed up and made it all worth it. I got an attitude check: I didn't have to go to training camp again, I got to go to training camp again.
The first day I was filled with nervous energy. I was about to meet my new squad (i-squad) for the first time in person! My mind filled with thoughts of ‘will they like me’ and ‘what if I don’t fit in with them’. God immediately showed me that I was letting these thoughts gain control of my mind and that it was more important to keep my thoughts on Him. Ultimately it doesn’t matter what others think of me, because God’s opinion is the only one that matters. But, after meeting the squad, I really didn’t have anything to worry about.
God has been preparing each of our hearts for this journey next year, and He is binding us together more each day. We have been messaging for the past few months, but nothing compared to getting to hug them and actually get to know them. With a mix of a few returners and people from different launch windows for the Race, this is quite the crazy group. And after bonding over campfires, through worship and team building challenges, I am excited to grow with them all. I feel comfortable being my goofy self with them already, and that is totally thanks to God!
Training camp is a crucial time to learn important truths and skills before launching onto the mission field. Our time there was filled with scenarios that get us ready for how to treat a host when we stay in their home, or how to make sure everyone has what they need in case luggage goes missing after traveling. We also spent the majority of our nights sleeping in our tents, even when hurricane Delta came through and brought lots of rain. And we also “enjoyed” bucket showers throughout the week.
Our meals were similar to what we might encounter in countries we visit, so it was good, but I didn’t always know what I was eating.
If you look closely you'll see crickets, and we had no idea what meat we were eating. It gives new meaning to mystery meat...
Along with getting us physically and mentally ready for the Race, we were able to hear from some amazing speakers to help us get spiritually ready. We learned about our identity in Christ, how to seek unity in our squad and teams, how to hear God's voice, and how to be a part of bringing God's kingdom to earth. We also learned about the importance of spending time alone in the presence of God daily. He wants to sit with us so we can get to know him more intimately. The way I know God now is so much deeper than it was even a year ago, and I know He and I will grow closer over the coming months, and over the rest of my life.
This coming year is going to be filled with more unknowns than usual on the Race. At this point we are hoping to launch internationally in January, but if that isn't an option we would start domestic and later go international as countries open their borders. I don't have a lot of for sure answers, but I know who is in control of it all.
I-squad, I'm so excited to get to serve with you and grow alongside all of you this next season. I love you all more deeply than I thought I could in such a short time. Let's go change the world together!
Prayer Requests:
Unity on the squad and within each team. We are from all different walks of life, so pray we can use our differences for the Kingdom.
Finances- we are all in the thick of fundraising and it can be discouraging at times. Pray for God to continue to provide and for financial breakthrough!
Time at home- we are all back in our respective homes waiting for launch in January. Please pray for God to use us in our hometowns, and for us to be obedient to however He leads.
