Hey everyone!!! I have left home for 9 months. I am currently at domestic ministry right now at a camp in Adrian, Georgia. I’m about two weeks into the race and i feel like its been a month lol. I have learned SO MUCH since I left home, its crazy.

Quick little overview on what these will look like! I am genuinely just saying whatever the Holy Spirit guides me to. I have no plan or structure on how to write these. So, one may look a certain way and the other may look completely different. 

TRAINING CAMP

 The start of training camp was not at all what I expected. A little less than a week until training camp, I figured out I had appendicitis. I got my appendix removed the Saturday before we left. I had no idea if I was going to make it to training camp due to unknowing the speed of my recovery. We still drove down to Georgia on that Thursday. There were some other health issues that came up and added to the pain. The biggest issue at this point was that I couldn’t sleep. My body was constantly in fight or flight, so I felt anxious and my heart was constantly racing. For about 6 days straight I would lay in bed until around 4am because my body wouldn’t let me sleep. So, going into the first couple days of training camp, I didn’t sleep and was running off adrenaline.

The Lord worked on my heart so much during this time. I had to ask for help, which if you know me I like to do things on my own. I couldn’t carry my own chair from the dining deck to the sanctuary which made me feel so degraded and weak. I couldn’t participate in some of the activities as much as I really wanted to solely because I couldn’t. It was such a new, raw experience and place I had never been in before. It was a struggle to put energy into getting to know my squad because I felt horrible. On top of all of the other emotions of leaving home for 9 months, I was in so much pain. I couldn’t laugh because it hurt so bad. I had to rely on the Lord in a new, vulnerable way. He taught me to trust Him with the healing process. I can honestly say I FEEL GREAT TODAY. The healing process went the best it could have, praise God.

 The schedule each day was very packed with sessions, worship, team bonding, etc. It was exhausting honestly. However, it was SO worth it. I learned so much during that time. I got to bond on a deep level with the people on my squad. I had many vulnerable, deep conversations that built friendships that will last forever. I truly believe I have met some of my lifelong friends here on the race. 

There were a couple different cultural exercises that will prepare us for intense situations overseas. There was a mock marketplace and a mock house visit. Both were very helpful in learning how to go about situations and connect with people of different cultures. 

A fun little twist I didn’t expect was getting a role on the logistics team. Basically our leaders pray and follow the Lord by picking different people on our squad to be a part of extra task jobs. Logistics is a very big role. My and my team will have to direct our entire squad through travel days. We will plan debrief which is our processing time after our chunk of ministry. Our information meeting was from 9:30 - 3:30 LOL. It is such an honor to be chosen for this role because it is a very respected job. I am very excited on how the Lord is going to push me and what he is going to teach me through this role.

DOMESTIC MISSION

Our domestic mission spot is at a camp called Camp Adrian. We have been doing all kinds of things to help build a space to invite people to experience the Lord. My team got the job of watching the kids of the staff so they can work. To be completely transparent, I was disappointed. I was expecting and looking forward to putting my head down and getting the task done. All of the other teams were painting, power washing, cutting down trees, trimming bushes, and cooking. However, I continue to trust the Lord in where he has put me. I have seen these kids grow into knowing me and the Lord through me. I’ve had to discipline and be stern with them in a loving way.

I have learned more and more about the people that I’m doing ministry with. My squad is very big, so its been difficult trying to get to know each person intentionally and individually. But, we have 9 months together so no rush. 

PRAYER REQUESTS 

• Basically my entire squad is sick. Most of us have sore throats and just don’t feel well. Please pray for our health as we rest up before heading to Jamaica. 

• Traveling to Jamaica!!! Since I’m on logistics, it is our job to get everyone through the airport. I’m a bit nervous, but I know the Lord is in it. We travel there on Thursday the 17th.