Last week was one wild roller coaster ride. Also known as "Training Camp." Let me tell you about it.
On Friday July 13th, I boarded a plane to Atlanta. I didn’t know exactly where I was going, I didn’t know what I was going to do when I got there, and I didn’t know anyone else who was going to be there. I had NO idea what to expect. This worked nicely, because the first thing they told us when we arrived at camp was not to expect anything; to throw out any and all expectations. And I’m glad I did. Because I could have never expected what happened last week. Not in my wildest dreams.
- I would have never expected 23 absolute strangers to become 23 brothers and sisters in a matter of days.
- I would have never expected to call sleeping two people and two gear packs in a one person tent in 110 degree heat “pretty comfortable.”
- I would have never expected to grow to not hate ugali, an African dish which is basically slop made up of cornmeal and water.
- I would have never expected to see God physically heal people in front of my own eyes and under my own hand.
- And I REALLY wouldn’t have expected Him to use me to do so.
- I would have never expected to be surrounded by and prayed over by girls I just met in order for God to show me the love of sisters.
- I would have never expected to become so vulnerable with people I barely even knew.
- I would have NEVER expected to prophecy over people. And to be okay with it…or better yet…to like it.
- I would have never expected to be blind in the middle of the woods.
- Or to face so many internal conflicts.
- I would have never expected to fall so in love, both with God and my squad, as I did last week.
- And I would have never expected to come out of it feeling this prepared to bring forth the kingdom of God.
Training camp blew my mind, you guys. I have 22 new best friends and they are seriously some of the most beautiful people I have ever met. They are not your typical Christians. Following Jesus isn’t just a part of what they do. It’s not even the most important part of what they do. It’s ALL they do. These Christians are crazy. And the best part? God’s 100% into that.
I spent a week with these kids and God moved in absolutely insane ways. He broke chains. He wrecked comfort zones. He healed bodies. He healed hearts. He redeemed lives. He baptized believers. He brought hope. He revealed Himself. He listened. He spoke. He showed up. Big time. And I don't know about you, but these are all things that I could have never expected.
So what do we learn from this? Well, I think that training camp was just a little glimpse of what to expect over these next 9 months…Nothing. If one week in Georgia can hold this much of God's unexpected, I can’t wait to see what God's got up His sleeve for this upcoming year.
Meet the squad 🙂
And my team. These 5 will be my family for the next 9 months. And I already love them to death.
So much love. There will likely be a whole post coming soon all about the story behind this picture.
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God Bless y'all!
Abby
