Hey all!

Wow!! Praise God for training camp! This has been the most challenging week, but it’s been so sweet. Coming into TC, it was really scary knowing I was about to meet 40+ strangers who I would spend these 9 months with. I was concerned about building relationships with each person and if I would feel like I belonged. But the Lord quickly revealed to me the beauty of this community. It is the greatest privilege to do life with these people. Each of them genuinely exemplifies the image of the church that I have always longed for. They are passionate, vulnerable, and crazy about the Lord. It’s been 10 days and they already feel like family, and I’m beyond excited to continue pursuing God alongside them. These friendships are deeply rooted in Christ, so I know I have a lifetime of loving them ahead of me. Thank You Jesus that I don’t have to do this alone, thank You that I’m called to community.

In the past week, we have experienced so many adventures together! From setting up my tent that first afternoon with no idea what was coming, to taking them down with people I love dearly, this week is one I will always remember! Bucket showers after extremely hot days, porta potties, living out of a tent, and bucket laundry are just a few of the shifts I’ve made in my daily life. Our squad also got the opportunity to hike Mount Yonah this past Wednesday afternoon! It was so so challenging, but fellowship on top of a mountain is unmatched. Hot dogs on sticks over a fire, a beautiful sunset, and talking deep theology. And to think that’s what this next year will be full of! We also had long, hard sessions that challenged me deeply, and a genuine worship that I’ve never experienced before. To give you all a little vision of my squad and the people they are : in our free time at night, the guitars are pulled out and the Lord receives all our worship and praise. We love to testify to what the Lord has brought us out of, and we love to know each other deeply. We love to encourage, and we love to look more like Christ. I’m so excited for more adventures with these people!

But it hasn’t been all about the community and adventures — the Lord has done a wonderful work in my heart already. There is something truly profound being stirred up in me. The first couple days were intense, and to be honest, I was struggling. Saying bye to my parents was HARD, and I felt so overwhelmed. It was difficult to process everything all at once while also trying to be present. I soon realized that I literally couldn’t do it by my own strength, and that I didn’t have to! As I pressed into the Lord, more and more things were brought up in my heart. Things that I realized I had to let go of in order to purse Him wholeheartedly. I fixed my gaze upon Him again and surrendered my wants, needs, and burdens. It’s been a week, and I feel so incredibly humbled. It’s been a week, and I feel like a different person. It’s been a week, and my life is transformed. I can’t fathom who I will be in 9 months.

We have been talking a lot about unity within this body. The Lord has gifted each of us with a specific piece of Him, and we get to partner with each other, as a body, to use those gifts. I have been learning what it means to press into mine, and that it’s okay that i’m not the best at everything! ALSO!!! I was made new in Christ through baptism! Friday night, almost 30 people were baptized, PRAISE GOD! As I am learning what it means to walk in my God given identity, I am realizing how far the Lord has brought me. I felt prompted by the Spirit to rededicate my life to Him and proclaim His glory, and it was truly incredible! The Lord sees me and He knows me, and I LOVE HIM! This is just a tiny glimpse into my heart, and I hope it encourages each of you!

We have left training camp in Gainesville and are currently on our way to domestic ministry in Adrian, Georgia. Here, we will be building/starting an Adventures in Missions base, YAY! This is just the beginning of our ministry, and I’m beyond excited for the months to come!

God is GOOD and I truly believe He will use this team to change hearts, change communities, and bring the gospel forth. Would nothing hold us back from that. What a joy it is to partner with Him!!