-       jumped in a lake fully clothed (yep in sweatpants)

-       been SO happy to drink instant coffee and smell chicken

-       sung Disney’s “A Whole New World” at the top of my lungs while washing dishes

-       camped outside under a tarp…no tent…just a tarp

-       eaten a banana boat covered in butter, marshmallows, chocolate chips…glad I’m not still fasting!! J

-       led my team through unfamiliar territory only to canoe to our very own rustic campsite

-       made 38 new friends and within 24 hours call them family (and really mean it!)

-       legitimately worship God to the “Rocky” soundtrack…no joke…really!

-       experienced such a breakdown of lies that were tethered to my heart, and be able to release them after YEARS of holding them tight…

-       finally experience true FREEDOM from the Lord for my past

-       dance in the presence of the Lord freely in worship with my peers

-       carried someone (pretending to not have use of their legs) literally across camp on my back while not being able to use my arms!

-       worshiped God while floating in a lake with my new family

-       shouted the promises of God on top a chair so loud the building shook J

 

OK…so maybe I have done all of these things…now…after spending only 5 days at training camp I have experienced TONS of things I never had before. I have been overwhelmed but incredibly excited by what God has been doing in my own heart as well as the hearts of my teammates this week. I have experienced Joy, Freedom, Truth, and Empowerment like NOTHING I have ever dreamed of or imagined was possible for my life. I am learning that all the healing and freedom and joy I am receiving I now have a responsibility to give….I CANT WAIT to encounter the nations and show them Jesus’ love through being a servant and sharing my story!

 

God has so clearly hand picked each of my “squad-mates”, our team has had the word “JOY” spoken over us because we spread joy when anyone encounters us. We have grown very close very quickly and I can hardly imagine how much more those relationships will grow over the next YEAR!

 

I am so thankful for the training I am receiving; everything the staff has put us through has been intentional and showered in prayer in order to prepare us effectively for going on the mission field. They have created an atmosphere in which we are uncomfortable but challenged and I am so glad!



I’m getting VERY used to being covered in sweat and red Georgia dirt….

 

 

Please continue to keep praying for team unity, leadership skills refined, wisdom increased, and God’s glory displayed!