When first arriving in the Atlanta airport I didn’t really know what to expect. I knew that the next few days at training camp were going to be hard, but I didn’t really know what all that entailed. Originally I thought that by it being hard we were going to be roughing it the whole time to prepare us for what’s to come. But I soon realized that this was not the case. The past couple of days have really been hard in challenging personal issues and the barriers that truly prevent us from our full potential....

The past four days of training have been a lot harder than I thought they would be. I, by no means, prepared myself mentally for the reality that I won't be coming home until December. I thought I knew what I was getting myself into, but I never realized how hard it would be. I have been feeling overwhelmed, homesick, and alone. I have a great team of 21 college students and two leaders who all have their own unique qualities and are all wonderful. But at the same time, I don't have that mom that can comfort me with a hug, or that best friend who I can talk about anything...

The past four days have been mind-opening for all of us. Constant support through out and worship have been a big part as well as the super fun activities. Some of the super fun activities included dance-offs as well as painting. We have been learning how to be unified through Christ as a team as brothers and sisters. It has been wonderful to get a chance to make new friendships that could last like a lifetime. Everyone is genuinly kind and caring. I couldn't ask for a better team. The gifts God has given everyone here is amazing and the staff is incredible. So many God-loving people...

                                   I’m sitting on my 3-storey bunk bed enjoying the cool, soft breezed, Georgian rain. I am in love with this weather. After a season of heat and humidity, this is just exactly what I need.             Seeing, hearing the drops of rain bring so much comfort to me during this training. Not that it was so taxing or hard, but this rain is such a glimpse of God being such a good father. He really cares about...

I am courageous through God. What encouraging words. Since I arrived in Atlanta, which happened to be on my birthday, I fought with God on why he wanted me to leave my family, friends, and school. I knew I was supposed to be extending the kingdom and showing people God’s love who needed to know about it, but I felt weak. Through the few days I have been at training camp I have truly connected with God on such a different level. Three people prayed over me, one person I had never met! All three peo­ple telling me that I was courageous. I don’t know about most people but to...

               By this time tomorrow, I’ll be in another country. I still can’t wrap my mind around that. Training camp has been pretty crazy, but I feel like our team has meshed together really well. The first day in Atlanta, after riding the Marta, we arrived in a place called the SafeHouse. They’re an organization that provides ministries for the homeless and that’s where we would be sleeping for the first night. Late that night, we were given the opportunity to go out onto the streets and just talk to people. We walked a...

It is my fourth day here at training camp and today is the last day we will be here. Tomorrow my team and i will be on our way flying to the beautiful Guatemala lands. Upon arriving we stayed the first night at a safe house. Kind of like a shelter. Our first activity was to walk around atlanta, Georgia and just talk to the people around us. It happened to be Dragoncon weekend where everyone is dressed up in costums and such. it was pretty much the most interesting thing i observed in a while. first i met these two men from brazil with my one teammate and we were just making casual...

“It’s in Christ that we find out who we are and what we are living for. Long before we first heard of Christ,…He had His eye on us, had designs on us for glorious living, part of the overall purpose He is working out in everything and everyone.” Ephesians 1:11 (Msg)   Let me first start off by saying that this is not my plan, but His. Being back in Alabama with all my friends would definitely be a lot easier. I fought God for months about coming on this trip. I didn’t understand why God would want me to leave the life I had when I was already so...