Week 1 of training camp is over! In a few days we will go to a different part of Georgia to do local missions before flying out to Guatemala later in September.

The week has been full of worship, teachings, training for our specific countries, and meaningful time with those around us. By day 3 it felt like we'd been here a week, and by day 4 everyone was excited to be here, but missing home.

The squad God gave me is amazing. Everyone has a heart longing for God, and we can go from dance parties as we clean to coming alongside each other in prayer and fellowship. I truly can't wait to spend 9 months with these people and do life together.

For the past week I've been living out of a tent, doing laundry in buckets, and using porta potties instead of real bathrooms. Definitely not the American life I'm used to, but enjoyable and definitely going to be worth it!

Week highlights:

 • Arrival. Guys the countdown until I leave finally hit 0! And it was so fun finally meeting everyone in person instead of just seeing a tiny profile picture on messages.

 • Lake visit. One day our leaders took us to a lake where we got to hear our coaches testimonies, and then hang out, swim, and have more bonding time as a squad instead of being around everyone else here at training with us.

 • And my current favorite: Commitment and baptism night. Last night we all signed the commitment again for the race. In the time we also took communion as a squad and our leaders washed our feet. These small acts felt so intimate, and with a few people being baptized after that, the night was filled with an uncontainable love for Jesus shared by everyone.

There have been so many moments of God working on my heart, and on those around me.

Please continue to keep all of us in your prayers. Specific things to be praying for is continued squad unity as we grow to know each other better, health since there's starting to be a sickness going around, and for everyone's hearts as we are going where God calls us but still missing home.

As I sit down to reflect on my recent mission trip, my heart is overflowing with gratitude for the encounters I've had along this faith journey. Each moment spent serving, each smile exchanged, has drawn me closer to God and deepened my understanding of His love.

It’s incredible how a journey like this can illuminate the path of spiritual growth. In the midst of serving others, I found myself being served in return—by the smiles of children, the resilience of families, and the unwavering faith of my fellow team members. These encounters were not just moments; they were divine intersections that reminded me of the power of community and the beauty of God’s handiwork in our lives.

With each day that passed, I felt a shift within me, a gentle nudge from the Holy Spirit encouraging me to embrace the lessons unfolding around me. The challenges we faced were met with unwavering hope, and through prayer and shared stories, we witnessed God’s presence in profound ways. I learned that faith is not just a destination but a journey—one that requires stepping outside of our comfort zones and trusting in the Lord’s plan.

Reflecting on this mission trip, I see how every experience has contributed to my spiritual growth. The laughter, the tears, the moments of doubt and revelation—all of it has shaped my understanding of what it means to walk with God. I came seeking to make a difference, but I returned transformed, with a renewed sense of purpose and an eagerness to share this love with my community back home.

As I move forward, I carry these encounters in my heart, knowing they are a reminder of the incredible ways God moves in our lives. I am hopeful for the future, filled with anticipation for the next chapter of my faith journey. May we all continue to embrace these moments of connection, allowing them to guide us closer to Him.