August 26th I took my first plane ride to Atlanta Georgia with my parents to launch. I went in unsure of how I was really feeling. I was excited to see everyone, and nervous for everything to come but I really didn’t know anything about what to expect for training camp. The first day went great. I got to meet my entire squad after talking to them online for about 10 months. The next day I said goodbye to my parents for the week while everyone else said goodbye for 9 months. I didn’t feel like I could process the fact that I’m actually on the World Race until I came back from my sisters wedding. Now it’s starting to feel really real. It’s sad having to say goodbye to everything I knew for 19 years of my life but also really exciting to know I am finally here after everything.
On the 28th we all loaded our hiking packs into a charter bus and left for World Race Training Camp. I don’t even know where to begin on how these last two weeks have been. They have been so difficult mentally, spiritually, and physically. After only the first week I knew how fortunate I was to have the life I did back home. I had big portion sizes, washing machines, actual showers, and showers with hot water. I had mirrors, privacy, alone time, a bed, a bathroom.
The first week we had to take ice cold bucket showers. AKA my new least favorite thing to do in the entire world. We are only allowed showers on specific days, so even when I feel disgusting I still have to wait. Now we are able to use real showers with actual hot water. PRAISE THE LORD. We are also using porta potty’s. When you wake up having to use the bathroom you have to unzip your tent, walk through the mud, and walk a ways to be able to go. I did laundry for the first time yesterday and I already miss washing machines. I have to wash my clothes in a bucket and hang them to dry, praying it doesn’t rain so they won’t mold. And I love camping but I can’t say that I ever imagined myself staying in one for 4 weeks.
If you supported me in any way to get me here, whether by donation or by prayer, I can’t thank you enough. It may have sounded like I’m complaining but I promise I’m not. I’m just slowly getting used to the drastic change from the life I had. I really am growing to love it here. When it comes time to go home in 9 months, I will never take anything for granted again.
The point of training camp is to not only get us used to the conditions we may have to endure in other countries but to also grow us spiritually so we are as close to God as we can be for when we go around the world telling people about him. We spend a lot of time in sessions, learning so much. We wake up extra early each day just to have alone time with God. Being here has pushed me to do things I would have kept putting off at home.
And my team…
I am still getting to know them and slowly feeling comfortable around everyone but I can already tell you I love them all. God knew what he was doing when he put our squad together and gave us our leaders. It is so incredibly amazing to be surrounded daily by people who share the same faith as me. This is going to be such a sweet 9 months. A time to grow together, cry together, and build lifelong friendships.
Thank you God for the people you have allowed me to spend these first two weeks with. Thank you for my squad and for my leaders. Thank you for such a peaceful place to spend my weeks training to serve you. And thank you for the most generous people who made it possible for me to be here.
I cannot wait to share with you all that God does in these next 9 months.
