training camp was hard. & here’s why:
1. sleeping in tents in Georgia’s summer heat !!
2. PORTA POTTIES ONLY
3. ice cold bucket showers
4. hiking 2.2 miles with my 35 lb. pack in 38 min.
5. bug bites. everywhere.
6. meals served with no utensils & nowhere to wash our hands (nasty)
7. four people on our squad decided to go home & not do the race
But you know what? For some reason I had trouble coming up with this list. Of course these things really weren’t great at all, but the Lord was with us. The Holy Spirit was moving.
This sad list of seven is minuscule compared to all of the good that happened at training camp. (if you had told me that I would be saying this after camp, I would not have believed you.)
I was scared out of my mind going into camp, even though I was telling everyone that I was excited. I didn’t want people to know because I was so embarrassed about my nerves. Most of it was because I didn’t know what to expect. I’ve had the privilege of going on many mission trips, but I have never had an intensive training camp as part of my preparation. I’ve never been tested physically to see if I could go on a trip, knowing that a possible outcome was being told I could not go. I’ve never slept in a tent BY MYSELF! The enemy was filling me with so many lies. SO MANY!!
What if I told you that Jesus broke down those lies? What if I told you that I was hearing the voice of the Holy Spirit left and right? What if I told you that I left camp with over 40 new best friends? What if I told you that Jesus gave me a word to cling to during the hike AND HE DIDN’T STOP THERE!! What if I told you that all of this actually happened?
Jesus is not intimidated by our doubt. Not even a little bit. He is the KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS!!!!! Why would our doubt & fear & plans shake Him?
Of course I knew this going into camp, but I was able to witness it. I was able to see the Lord work around and push through everything the enemy was trying to do to drag us down. It was honestly one of the sweetest weeks of my life that I had the blessing of walking through with Jesus by my side. What. an. honor.
“Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.”
The enemy is LIKE a roaring lion. What a faker. We don’t even have to worry because Jesus has already conquered. What a promise to rest in!!
Thank you all so much for your continued prayers!
I love you all a lot(:
~ Kate!!
I would love to share more about training camp if you’re interested! Let me know in the comments specifics of what you want me to write about, or reach out to me if you want to grab coffee!
Here are some ideas I have
– the fitness hike journal pages
– hearing the voice of the holy spirit
– jesus kisses from camp
This post makes my heart SO HAPPY!!! Even if the only positive thing that happened at camp was you hearing the Holy Spirit talk to you, it would have been enough! Praise the Lord for ALL the ways He was working through Training Camp for you and your squad. And Praise the Lord that He is going before your squad and will go with each one of you. – Mom
LOVE THIS!!!! What a testimony to the greatness of our God!! Kate, you have a real gift of being able to express your humanness and God’s awesomeness all at the same time! Looking forward to reading more of your posts as you “race around the world”!!
Can’t wait to chat more about it! Love you! Joan
So awesome to see God work! Glad that training camp went well and that you are already being drawn closer to God! Can’t wait to hear more.
Kate I just wanted to let you know I am very proud of your choice to do The World Race. You are actually putting FUMC on the map and you are showing our youth real leadership and courage!! You will be in my families thoughts and prayers daily!! Keep your head up and stay true to your faith in God and your steps will be confirmed in the next chapter in your life. Love always!!
Kate, this was great to read! I’d never heard of the World Race. I am so impressed and proud of you! Praying for you…
So wonderful to hear from you Kate. Praise GOD for being with you and your group.
Praying for you!
Kate I’m 100% with momma on her post!! My heart was so happy getting to hear your update in person (and give hugs as well ??) and now soaring again while reading your update. So excited to be a part of this journey with you!!
* my hugs were supposed to have !! (Not ??)
Way to slay those fears Kate! You are one tough spiritual cookie! Anticipating incredible work by the Holy Spirit thru you on The World Race??
Way to go! I would never have had the guts at your age to go for it as you are now! I am so glad God has taught you much about conquering fear… your journey will be so much richer because of
it. Continued prayers for a rich experience with God!
Jesus kisses from camp.
“Satan is LIKE a roaring lion”. That is one of my favorite verses but I’ve never caught that it is really a verse about his weakness. He’s a faker, an imposter. The true power is Jesus.
Sweet revelation from Jesus, sister.
Excited for how he grow you or this next 9 months.
Kate, I will be personally praying for you throughout the 9 months, God bless and God speed.