I am not a blogger, but my mom always says that the number one rule of writing is to write what you know, so here’s what I know….
I know that these past two weeks of training camp have been DIFFICULT. Not the kind of difficult that I used to think was difficult, but the sleep-in-a-tent-every-night-while-it’s-pouring, live-with-40-people-you’ve-only-known-for-a-few-days, never-have-dry-clothes, eat-weird-foods, total-physical/mental/emotional-exhaustion-every-day kind of difficult.
Basically, adjusting to this new “World Race Life” has proven to be a way bigger challenge than I could have imagined.
But here’s another thing that I know: The mental, physical, and especially the spiritual challenges I am facing are bending and breaking me into a new shape. Estella (Charles Dickens’ character from Great Expectations) was the first person to say that, but when she said it, she was only hopeful that she was being bent and broken into something better. I don’t have to hope, because I already know that I am. I am being bent in ways I didn’t know were possible, and I am being broken to some staggering extremes, but I am already seeing the better shape begin to take form.
That’s something that I know.
Here are a few more things that I know:
We should never underestimate Jesus. When He says He will never leave us or forsake us, He means it.
Prayer works miracles.
We need community more than we think we do, especially the kind who pushes us to be the best version of ourselves.
It’s good to have our perspectives challenged. Even (and maybe even especially) our perspectives about God.
This is not going to be an easy journey (she said, soaking wet, smelling like a dead animal, and utterly depleted of mental and physical stamina) but it is a necessary one, and there is so much more for me to learn if I’m willing.
Oh, and here’s one last thing I know: I will never again complain about the weather in my hometown (Yuma, AZ) from here on out. #georgiahumidity #iykyk
“I have been bent and broken, but—I hope—into a better shape.” Charles Dickens, Great Expectations
Thanks for the update! The rain is awful and it sounds like they are shaping you into a team-mentality vs a self-mentality, strip away what you know and rebuild you as a team. We are proud of you and praying for you.
Loved reading this and looking forward to more! Good Growth only comes from bending. Those words are so much easier to say, meme, encourage others with, than live. I’m thankful for a God who loves me so much that He forces those bends because He knows I would never choose them, but oh man I’m so much better for them ??. I’m praying for you and had no idea what this adventure really was all about, but excited to see you on it.
So glad the training is going well. Stay well, prayers are coming your way daily. This will be the expirience of a life time. Blessings to you always.
Annie! You are doing it! You are surviving the hard! You are sharing what you know! You are trusting our amazing God! And you are being bent and broken to know, trust, and love him more. I am so proud of you! – Susan
I am so thankful that you posted. I am so proud of the Godly woman You have become. I am so excited to see what Our LORD has in store for you. Please know I am praying for you daily.
Love and miss you
Janis Dea