Training Camp Update!

Hi everyone!

It seems I’ve put off writing a blog for a bit too long, so here we are! We’ve officially completed three weeks of training camp, and I feel so so blessed.

Training Camp!!

I know many of you are confused as to what training camp even is, so I hope that I can clear it up a little. Training camp is in Gainesville, Georgia, and it’s a time designed for us to connect with our squads, build each other up, get ready for various challenges we will face, and most importantly, be poured into by the Lord. That way, when we head out to the mission field all over the world, we can pour out Jesus’ love to others!

So what does training camp actually look like? Well, first off, we’ve been sleeping in tents and living out of our packs, so that’s definitely been a big adjustment! If you had told me a few years ago that I would be living in a tent, I don’t know if I would’ve believed you! As challenging as that sounds, however, it’s been really fun for me and I do enjoy my little space when I crawl into my tent at night. We’ve been showering in this little repurposed trailer, or taking bucket showers if you dare, and our bathroom situation is literally just porta potties. We do laundry in buckets and hang it up to dry.  All of that combined means you feel almost constantly dirty, and we’ve had a couple of downpours as well, so I’m sure you can imagine what that sogginess is like!

Despite the uncomfortability at times, it’s taught me a lot about simplicity and gratitude. I’ve realized how little I actually need to live day to day, and it’s been kind of freeing to let go of the extras. It’s also made me appreciate small things I used to take for granted, like even a hot shower, clean clothes, or just being dry! More than anything, though, it’s bonded our team. We laugh through the mess, encourage each other when it’s tough, and those moments make the inconveniences worth it.

As far as day to day life, we get up around 7:00 and head down to the dining deck for morning devotional time, which is individual, and then breakfast a little later. After breakfast (and washing dishes outside), we normally have some combination of sessions, which are like sermons or teaching points, scenario training to prepare us for different things we’ll experience on the field, team time, prayer, or free time and other fun! Every day looks a little different, but they’re all so fulfilling.

I’ve learned so much about God and myself, and what it means to take everything away and simply live as a child of God. I actually got rebaptized since being here as a full surrender of everything I’m holding on to that I need to let go of. A large part of my testimony is being a people pleaser and crafting an identity for myself in what others think of me. I know now that I only need to live for an audience of one, and no one else!

My bible is marked and my notebook is so full with things I’ve learned and revelations I’ve had, and I’m so excited for how I can keep growing closer to God.

There’s been a lot of challenges being here as well, in terms of growing relationships of people that you’re with all the time, difficult scenarios, and days where it just feels long and hard. But I feel challenged spiritually and mentally, and I’m definitely growing a lot out of it.

Something I do feel very blessed by, though, are the amazing people I’m surrounded by. I feel so loved and built up, and I’ve never been surrounded with people who are so on fire for Jesus! In addition, we have such amazing leaders and mentors and teachers pouring in to us, and their wisdom is such a blessing.

Currently…

So right now I’m actually writing this to you from Black Mountain, North Carolina! We’re on our week of domestic ministry, and we’re serving by helping to rebuild houses that got damaged and destroyed after the hurricane last year. We’re working in our smaller teams (about 6 people who will be our team for the entire rest of the year whenever we’re split up or anything) from 9:00-5:00 every day this week doing construction work and anything else that’s needed. It’s such a blessing to be able to serve in this way! When we get back after this week, we’ll have about a week of debrief and preparation, and then we’re off to Colombia!! We fly out on the 4th of October, and I can’t wait!

Prayers and thanks! 

As for prayers, I would just love some prayers for my spiritual journey and just that I would keep chasing after God and being poured into by Him. Also for strength and boldness and courage as we get closer to meeting all the people whose lives we’ll touch and just that their hearts be softened for God. Lastly, just for unity among our squad and that our relationships absolutely blossom as we continue to grow closer!

Lastly, I just wanted to say thank you so much for everyone who has continued to send me words of encouragement, check in with me, and for everyone who has felt led to donate to my mission funds. I’m currently 75% fundraised!! I’m so incredibly grateful for the love and support surrounding me. It’s truly what keeps me going on the hard days and helps me stay grounded in why I’m here. Every message, prayer, and donation has reminded me that I’m not doing this alone, and that means the world. Thank you for walking with me in this journey — I couldn’t do it without you!!

That’s all for now! I’ll try and get better at posting here more frequently, but thanks for all of your patience and grace. I miss you all back home, and I’m sending so much love your way!

Much love,

Kezia ❤️