*This is a drawing I did while I reflected on training camp
Ok, here goes the first blog post after leaving my home and everything I know. Am I crazy? I think so. Do I keep having moments to myself when I ask “why am I here?” Yep. But every moment has already made this trip worth it.
Simply Getting There
On my flight to Atlanta, I had the pleasure of sitting with a stranger beside me named Kristine. We talked almost the entire flight and she shared with me about her work, the reason for her trip, her fear of flying and how excited she was to travel again. When our plane landed, Kristine suddenly thanked me for helping her not be afraid and asked if we could take a photo together. Of course I said yes! During that flight, all I could think was “wow, I don’t know you but I love you.” I felt refreshed and alive again as it has been over a year since I last got to meet someone this way. I was only a few hours into this adventure and God already showed me a piece of myself that I didn’t realize I lost. Thanks Kristine!
If I’m being honest, landing in the ATL airport kinda sucked. I got lost and the confident pilot I asked for help sent me to the opposite side of one of the largest (and busiest) airports in America. But after lots of walking, sweating, confusion and Katie’s help, I made it out OK.
These People are REAL
I started to get to know my squad through zoom in November 2020. Of course we’re all equally crazy so we get along well and each of them grew a special place in my heart over the months. Lets be real though, nothing feels sketchier than leaving your pandemic-locked-down country to meet your online American friends in a random hotel room late at night. Not proud of it, but I stand by it. Coming to Atlanta has been the best choice I ever made. From the hotel to getting to training camp, it was like a dream. I wasn’t required to wear a mask; I could actually HUG people; we had an INDOOR worship service and SANG! (My throat is still recovering) I keep having moments when I look at my squad-mates thinking “you’re real!” I didn’t think I could love 30+ people so much in a week.
Romans 12:12 Training Camp
“Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.” This is how I’d summarize the pain, suffering, joy and beauty of training camp. I wear this verse on a ring I have attached to my necklace (since in some countries it can be problematic wearing a big cross on your neck.) This verse has been handed to me in notes, letters, prayers and more since I was young.
I could write a book on those 7 days but I’ll try to keep it short. The World Race team really put us to the test. From the amazing food to eating crickets and century eggs; being awake by about 5am every morning; climbing a mountain; setting up and taking down our tents almost every night; learning how much I hate repacking my bags; being re-baptized; the joy that is a bucket shower; how much one body can sweat; amazing sessions you struggle to stay awake in because you’re tired; everyone losing about 5-7lbs; and the wild ride of doing it all with a group of people who love loving Jesus. It was hard but so much fun.
I’ll write more some more specific stories later. If you want to know about any of them, send me a message or comment on here and I’ll happily share!
You did an excellent job of describing a lot of goings on in a few words. I love how excited you were about starting off on this adventure and how much love you felt for your squadmates!