Training Camp

WOW what an amazing 11 days. 

I went to say this first – if you are a future racer reading this to study up on training camp before you go, welcome to the most amazing family and do not be nervous. Just a couple of weeks ago I was going through reading every blog I could find about training camp while my heart was beating out of my chest. I promise, it will all be okay and it’s an amazing time to trust God and AIM. They are amazing humans, and training camp is a good time! 

I really don’t know how to create one blog about training camp, so it may pour over into another post down the road. So much happened this week and it was amazing! 

I slept in a tent for 11 nights in the 38 degree air, pouring rain, a mud stream running through my tent, a ton of daddy long legs and some other unknown bugs. If I had to use the bathroom (porta potty) in the middle of the night, I strapped on my head lamp and tripped over at least 3 roots on the way up the hill while greeted by some night time critters. I showered using a bucket 5 gallon bucket and did dishes in a tub of water. I ran/hiked with a 45 lb backpack for 2 miles, I survived!! I walked into this experience alone and walked out with family (as cheesy as that sounds, these people are pretty dope).

I grew so much deeper in my relationship with the Lord and learned how to listen to Him. I learned how to stand up to the enemy when he tries to tear me down (because he tries a lot). But I know my God is SOOOO much bigger than anything else in this world. I worshipped my heart out and loved every second of it. Training camp worship is on a different level and let me tell you my heart exploded each time. We could’ve sang all night long and I wouldn’t have complained. 

I tried so many different types of food from around the world, shout out to the kitchen, y’all killed it! I ate crickets on adventure day, Curry with my hands on India day, made a spoon out of cornmeal on Africa day and stuffed my face with plantains on Latin America day.

I gained such a strong support system. My leadership team is full of strong people that are on fire for Jesus and I can’t wait to learn from them. Shoutout to TT, Dawnette, Randy, Britt and Erica!! You guys have got your hands full with our crazy squad! The people in my squad are so amazing and I can’t wait to walk along side them for these next 11 months. One morning I woke up with anxiety and without question, everyone prayed over me and the anxiety went away. Praise God!! 

I saw God work in so many ways, you guys. I walked into training camp with $4,200 raised and I walked out with $6,800. Like, I can’t make this stuff up. He is so so so good. 

I am home for 73 days until I leave the country for 11 months! During this time, I am asking God to lead me and I am following wherever He sends me. I would love to meet up and talk further about training camp, The World Race or anything else if you want to hear more! 

Please pray for my squad and I for these next two months before we Launch. There has been some Spiritual Warfare going on and we need to keep our eyes on Him. Here are their names – Bethany, Connor, Brittany, Erica E, Erica J, Eva, Hannah, Kristen, Rebekah, Ryan and Sabrina. Thank you for reading this blog and keeping up on my journey!!