First week at training camp

Praise God! Today marks one full week at World Race Training Camp, and I can already say that the Lord has been moving in mighty ways. Even before I arrived, God began shaping me spiritually and emotionally, and He is continuing to stretch me each day.

I thought arriving at camp would be simple and smooth. The plan was to fly into Atlanta a day early, spend the night in a nice hotel with my parents, wake up refreshed with a good breakfast, and then check into camp right on time. But God had different plans. Our flight from Little Rock to Dallas was delayed due to weather, which caused us to miss our connection to Atlanta. What followed was a long, exhausting night in the Dallas airport—waiting from 4 in the afternoon until 10 the next morning before we finally boarded a new flight. We actually tried for another flight that morning, but because so many people were being rerouted, we were bumped and couldn’t all fit. Honestly, it felt impossible. Yet by God’s hand, we all got on the next plane together, and my mom was the very last person allowed to board. It was a miracle! Looking back, I see how even this delay was a good growing experience, almost like training for the field itself. I got to walk through it with my parents by my side, learning patience, flexibility, and trust in the Lord. Instead of arriving bright and early, we didn’t get to camp until 6 p.m, well past the scheduled check-in…but God had been with us every step of the way.

To make things harder, my big hiking pack didn’t make it with me. Inside that pack was everything – my tent, sleeping bag, sleeping pad, skincare, makeup, Bible, notebook, and even my swimsuit. Praise God I had packed all my clothes in my carry-on, and I had my guitar. But still, I felt so unprepared and out of place.

The Lord provided right away through my squad. The first night, a sweet girl named Carline invited me to share her tent. Then I stayed with my now-close friend Abby for the next few nights. Their kindness reminded me that even when my comfort was gone, God’s provision never fails.

Still, I struggled. Each day at camp is full of worship, teaching sessions, prayer, and time in the Word. Without my Bible and notebook, I felt empty-handed and a little distant from God, like I was being poured into but couldn’t pour back out. On the third day, things came crashing down. We had a lake day planned, and since my swimsuit was stuck in Dallas with the rest of my things, I broke down in tears- looking back it’s so silly now, but at the moment I was so discouraged and exhausted. Going from tent to tent, trying to gather borrowed items, I felt defeated. But then something beautiful happened: my team surrounded me, prayed over me, and spoke truth into my heart. What started as a breaking point turned into a blessing, and that day at the lake ended up being so full of joy.

Looking back, I see how God used all of it for good. It reminds me of Mark 6:7-13, when Jesus sent out the disciples and told them to take nothing for their journey. He stripped them of comfort so that they would depend fully on Him. In the same way, God gently removed my comforts, yet I was never without. My teammates cared for me, and God provided everything I truly needed. Through this, He showed me His mercy and grace in such a tangible way.

When my pack finally arrived, Abby and I decided to keep sharing a tent. We now have one tent just for sleeping and another for gear, which keeps things so clean and organized. What felt like a setback actually brought us closer together, and I know that was part of God’s plan all along.

Training camp itself has been stretching, but so good. I have never camped in a tent for more than one night, and now it has been a week—and I still have four more to go! I’ve even learned that I prefer bucket showers over normal showers here (something I never thought I’d say). I haven’t had coffee in a week, and I’m learning to rely on Jesus alone for strength… with the occasional energy drink or Diet Coke (sorry Mom). I’ve stopped screaming at bugs and just kill them now. Growth comes in all forms!

Spiritually, it has been a lot to process. We have two to four deep sessions every day, and I’m encountering things I’ve never seen before—people speaking in tongues, healing, prophetic painting during worship. It’s a lot to take in, and at times I feel spiritually numb, which is discouraging. But I know God is working, even when I don’t feel it. Please be praying that He would open my heart fully for His glory and help me continue to discern what I believe as I grow in faith.

Even in just one week, I’ve already experienced so much love and connection. Our squad feels like family, and it’s a miracle how quickly God has knit our hearts together. I am beyond excited for all He is going to do in the weeks ahead.

Today is my Sabbath, so I’m spending it cleaning up tents with Abby and hopefully getting some laundry done. I’m thankful for this rest and for the chance to reflect on how faithful the Lord has already been.

I’m not yet fully funded for this mission, and if you feel led, I would love for you to prayerfully consider partnering with me. Truly, any amount helps. Thank you for supporting me, loving me, and walking alongside me as I follow where God leads.

God is so good. Praise Him for His provision, His faithfulness, and His plans that are always better than mine.

Love you all!