I made it to Training Camp!!!

Hey friends!! I figured since I’ve been here at World Race for ONE WEEK ALREADY, I should give you guys a little update on all that’s been happening!

I MADE IT!! Arriving at training camp last Saturday, we didn’t even pull past the welcome sign by the road when I was greeted with a group of staff and leaders screaming, “WELCOME TO TRAINING CAMP YOU MADE IT WE’RE SO HAPPY YOU’RE HERE!” All the hype made me beyond excited and determined. Shortly after I was able to meet my entire squad, and to say we were excited would be an understatement. I saw these beautiful people, and was hit with so many emotions as we were all hugging and screaming like we had known each other for years.

On the first two days of training camp, World Race does something called “parent launch.” Where my parents were invited to drop me off, sit through classes and a worship night, then on Sunday they were able to take me off campus for lunch! Leaving my parents was probably one of the hardest things, but truly so pure and beautiful. I’m going to miss my parents more than anything, but to see and feel their love and support while dropping their daughter off for 9 months was incredible. I love you mom and dad!!

Once my parents left, I was smacked in the face with a ton of different feelings and emotions as I was now surrounded with 30 others my age, all feeling the same way. The feeling of what in the world am I doing here, quickly disappeared when we started getting to know each other, laughing together, and worshipping Jesus!

I have absolutely loved getting to know my squad, and finding a routine at training camp! For my squad, some training camp staple activities have been sleeping in tents or hammocks, washing laundry and showering using 5 gallon buckets, team building, training sessions, brushing my teeth with my besties by the “spit tree,” morning runs/workouts, and growing my relationship with Jesus in a whole new way.

Part of training at World Race has been through scenarios! My squad’s first scenario, was having all of our gear packed and “airport ready” by 7am the next morning. We then piled all our bags on two separate tarps, and left our tent site for training sessions that morning. Our leaders then gathered everyone together to tell us “the airport lost half our bags.” So we all found a partner and shared EVERYTHING with them for the night. This experience TRULY made us bonded, and I was able to know my squad mate real well!

Worship here at the World Race has truly changed my life and I’ve only been here for seven days. The Lord has shown light in parts of my heart that have been dark for months. He has wrecked my life in such beautiful and tender ways, and flooded my soul with His love. Day after day I get even closer to Jesus, and have felt what genuine worship is like. I’ve seen the Holy Spirit move in my squad mates lives miraculously. I’ve seen the active and alive Word of God change hearts abundantly. If every part of me has already made a transformation this drastically in week one, I can’t wait to experience what Jesus has for my squad over the next NINE MONTHS.

CULTURE DAY!! This past Thursday, everyone on campus participated in culture day, and was assigned a different country! My squad’s country was Indonesia, which meant we had to cover any tattoos, wear long skirts, hide our shoulders and ankles, and eat different foods from around the world! Our Guatemalan breakfast consisted of eggs, beans, tortilla chips, and plantains. African lunch was jam and cheese sandwiches, which honestly was pretty good! (Yes, just two slabs of bread with jelly and a piece of cheese.) After lunch we had a spontaneous African dance party on the dinning deck! Then our Indian dinner was coconut curry chicken and rice. Culture day was really fun for me because I think one of the many things I’m excited for the mission field, is learning and experiencing different cultures and food!

FUNDRAISING UPDATE!! This entire process has left me speechless. The Lord has brought in $13,930! Leaving me with only $3,570 left! Thank you again so much for all of your constant prayers and support during this journey!

Some specific prayer requests as my squad and I continue training over the next five weeks:

• The Lord continues to change and mold hearts to have a teachable spirit.

• We are able to find a balance between training and finding rest.

• Jesus keeps giving us strength and wisdom to experience the growth He has for us.

• Against any spiritual warfare.

• My parents and family as they are getting used to me not being around at home 🙂

• All the leaders would continue to let the Lord use them to train us well.

Training camp has been the most rewarding experience. I can’t wait to keep all of you updated on all Jesus has planned for this entire season!! Love you guys so much!

Ashley:)

Here are just a few photos to make you feel like you’ve been here with me at training camp!