I am now on day 6 of training camp, and I can’t believe the amount of growth I’ve experienced in just under a week. I have learned so much through the sessions and speakers, as well as the squad leaders, coaches, and mentors that have been pouring into us. I’ve already seen changes in my habits, my speech, and the ways I think about the world around me. I thought that God would start working in us when we’d start outreach, but I was very wrong. I’ve heard so many testimonies of God working in and through people here at this camp, and I’ve experienced plenty of my own as well. God is so good, and I can’t wait to see all the ways he works in and through us in these next 9 months to come!

Most of our days run on a similarly schedule, with today being the exception as it is our sabbath. Most days consist of sessions, prayer time, and worship crammed in between meals, and evenings spent having fellowship with our squads. We’ll play games, worship, and just have good conversations with one another, and it’s so cool to see so many different personalities come together and get along so well. Yesterday we got the opportunity to leave campus and go on a little adventure, where we hiked a local mountain. After we reached the peak, we just spent quality time with one another while enjoying God’s incredible creation. Myself and my two good friends, Hailey and Matthew, had an amazing opportunity to minister to someone right before we left, and it’s a little bit of a long story but it would’ve never happened if it weren’t for the people I was surrounded by. Like literally if any of us three were not there it wouldn’t of happened like it did, but sure enough we were all there and were able to plant a seed of hope in that lady’s heart. I love these people so much and I’m so excited to spend the next 9 months with them!

As awesome as at training camp has been, there have been some negatives. We only have access to nice showers every 2-3 days, and if we want to shower outside of that schedule we take a “bucket shower,” which is exactly what is sounds like. You take a bucket, fill it with water, and shower. On top of that the heat makes it hard to get a good nights sleep, as we sleep in tents and go to bed covered in dirt and sweat almost every night. However, I’m learning to accept it, and it helped me to realize how much I take things in my life for granted. I have been blessed with so much, and I really can’t complain.

God has been teaching me so much as well! I’ve learned to be patient with Him and his timing, and that He can’t use all of me if I don’t surrender everything I have and let go of the things I’m holding onto. He’s taught me to be sensitive to the Holy Spirit, and not just talk to God but also be willing to listen. This camp so far has been life changing and it’s only the beginning!

-Wes

As I reflect on our journey, I can’t help but marvel at the transformation we’ve experienced. Down there—where it all began—was a place of anticipation and excitement, a starting point filled with the unknown. And now, as I stand in this moment, I see just how far we've come.

This mission trip has been more than just an adventure; it’s been a profound faith journey. Each step along the way has been an encounter with God, revealing His presence in the faces we’ve met and the stories we’ve shared. Those initial moments of uncertainty have blossomed into spiritual growth, guiding us toward deeper connections with one another and with the divine.

What a blessing it is to witness this beautiful unfolding! I am filled with hope, knowing that every experience we've had has been a part of God’s greater plan. We started with open hearts, and now, we are returning transformed, ready to carry these lessons into the world.

As I reflect on our journey, it's incredible to think about where we began and how far we've come. This mission trip was not just a sequence of activities, but a profound faith journey that has shaped each of us in unique ways.

Down there is the place where our adventure sparked, a humble starting point filled with anticipation and a hint of uncertainty. And now, as I stand here, I can see the beautiful tapestry of experiences we’ve woven together—each moment an encounter with God that has led to significant spiritual growth.

It’s a reminder that every step we take, whether on familiar ground or the unknown paths ahead, is filled with purpose and promise. God is always guiding us, inviting us to embrace our mission with open hearts. I am filled with hope as I look back at our beginnings and forward to what lies ahead.