Post Boot Camp

Well I did the thing…

It’s been exactly a week since I got back from boot camp, and I have been able to reflect a good deal on what I gained from the experience.

Going into Boot Camp, there was a lot of pinned up anticipation and even anxiety on my end, and I’m sure a lot of the other racers felt the same. I was excited to meet the 40 people that I would be living with for nine months, excited to finally start this journey that I had been waiting on, excited to join a community that was so focused on God and spreading His kingdom, and even excited just to escape for a few days.

Despite all of this excitement, the Enemy also planted seeds of fear and doubt into my mind that I was struggling to shake. What if my squad-mates didn’t like me, or I didn’t like them? What if I’m not ready to leave my family, my friends, my life for a year? What if I had made the wrong decision?

With all of these thoughts going through my mind, I arrived at Boot Camp and was immediately overwhelmed. I was in a new place with new people and I had no idea what I was doing. All of my squad-mates were so kind and welcoming, and just as excited as I was to start this journey. Despite all of this positive energy, I was still filled with fear and doubt.

We went to worship that night and it was unlike anything I had ever seen or experienced. It is hard for me to describe what happens if you haven’t been to one of these worship services but everyone was just so spiritual. As we sang the songs (that I had never heard before) I watched as other racers got on their knees to pray, raised their hands in the air, and were moved to tears. And to be completely honest, I felt so out of place and completely uncomfortable in that moment. I thought that these people are way more comfortable in their faith than I could ever be and, once again, the seeds of fear and solitude began to overwhelm me.

As I laid in my tent that night, I prayed that I had made the right decision. I felt called to go on His mission, and I questioned whether or not I was capable of doing what God was asking me to do.

The following day, we had free time in the afternoon. We went out to the field and played Spikeball, frisbee, and football. The more time I spent with my squad-mates, the more I realized that these were my people. After a little while, all of the guys ended up sitting and talking and it just felt right. After knowing each other for less than 24 hours, we sat and talked and everything felt natural. We talked about food, our lives, fundraising, and even got into some deeper theological discussions. I knew right then that these men were going to be great supporters, teachers, and friends.

After that discussion I felt so much more comfortable and relaxed. At worship I no longer felt out of place. That night, I heard one of the best sermons I had ever heard.

The rest of the week flew by. I ate food that I’d never had before, made so many great connections with my squad-mates, and learned so much about my faith. I believe that God has been pushing me to abandon my worldly ties and this experience has proven how fruitful that can be. I am so excited to see how this community will help me learn to abandon my worries, my insecurities, and my comparisons, as well as what God will be able to do through me as a result.

“Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.” – Romans 12:2

-Will