Training Camp!

Two Weeks of Training Camp in Gainesville, Georgia: A Journey of Growth, Laughter, and Community

Wow, where do I even begin? It feels like I’ve known my team for years, and yet it’s only been two weeks. Training camp in Gainesville, Georgia, was an unforgettable experience—challenging, rewarding, and full of new friendships and insights that I’ll carry with me for a long time.

To be honest, it wasn’t all sunshine and rainbows. I didn’t exactly pack well for the freezing temperatures we experienced, and my sleeping pad had a stubborn habit of deflating each night. But despite the physical discomforts, the people around me and the experiences we shared made it all worth it.

The People

I’ve been blessed with an amazing team of individuals who have made these last couple weeks unforgettable. I’ve met some of the kindest, most fun, and spiritually grounded people, and it’s crazy to think we’ve only known each other for such a short time.

Let me introduce you to some of them:
• Emily – Hands down one of the sweetest people I’ve met. She has this incredibly giving heart and is always ready to help out. If you’ve forgotten something or need anything, Emily’s your girl. She’s come through for me more than once already. Plus, she always has a fun fact to share, so you can count on her for an interesting conversation anytime.
• Ella – A bundle of joy and pure energy. Ella is the one who’s always up for a good laugh, has the best aux playlist, and never fails to bring some dance moves to the table. She can turn any moment into a fun one, and I’m so thankful to have her as part of this journey.
• The Boys – Jackson, Grant, Wesley, and Tyler—strong men of God who each bring something unique to the table. They’re incredibly well-rounded, grounded in their faith, and I’ve learned so much just from being around them. It’s been awesome to see their growth, and I know we’ll all lean on each other as we continue this journey.

The Experience

Our time at training camp wasn’t just about getting to know each other; it was about growing together as a team and learning how to serve the Lord in a variety of scenarios. Each day was a new challenge—whether it was navigating through TSA at the airport, preparing for travel days, doing kids ministry simulations, or taking on a marketplace scenario. Every experience pushed us to think on our feet, grow in faith, and support one another.

We started every day by packing up our things and moving them to a small room, only to repeat the process at the end of the day by setting up our “spot” on the floor. It was a bit of a logistical nightmare at times, but it built resilience and teamwork in a way I hadn’t anticipated.

One of the toughest but also most memorable moments was the travel day simulation. We had to pack up all our belongings for the next four months and haul them through downtown Gainesville. It was a mile-long walk through busy streets and shops, with a load of heavy bags on our shoulders. It was exhausting, but looking back, it’s one of my favorite memories from camp. It really bonded us as a team, and we laughed through the whole thing—encouraging one another along the way.

Spiritual Growth

Perhaps the most impactful part of training camp was the spiritual growth I experienced. We spent so much time worshiping, praying for each other, and sharing our personal stories. It was powerful to see how the Lord was already working in each of our lives, and how quickly we formed a strong sense of community. Through our sessions and worship times, I experienced the Lord in new and profound ways. I know this journey is going to be one full of learning and growth, and I’m excited to see what comes next.

On to Africa

As I sit here in the Qatar airport during our 9-hour layover, I can’t help but feel a mix of excitement and anticipation for what’s ahead. After this layover, we’ll be catching a flight to Johannesburg, and from there, we have a 5-hour bus ride to our destination in Eswatini. It’s going to be a long travel day, but I know it will all be worth it once we arrive and begin serving in kids ministry.

I’ve learned so much in these two weeks, and I’m ready to put it all into practice in Africa. I can’t wait to see how the Lord continues to work in our lives and in the lives of those we will serve.

Stay tuned for more updates—I’ll be keeping you all posted on this incredible journey!