Finding a way to describe Boot Camp has been hard, but there is one word that continually comes to mind: community. I’m sure I can speak for most of my squad by saying that I was terrified coming into this past week. I was fearful of how I would fit in or if I would be comfortable enough to be myself in front of a group of forty people I had never met. Let me tell you, these fears and reservations were broken the minute I met my squad.
During Boot Camp, I saw Jesus in seemingly meaningless things: squad walks to breakfast at exactly 7:12 a.m., killing bugs in each other’s tents, zipping up each other’s rain flys, after-dinner dishes, and games of ninja. We were put in a lot of uncomfortable situations, bucket showers, for example, weren’t ideal, but some of my squadmates and I had the most intentional conversations while pouring cups of freezing hose water over ourselves. I also saw the ways Jesus was moving: hours of insanely freeing worship, squadmates praying over each other without hesitation, and deep, intentional late-night hammock conversations.
Community is so important to everyone’s faith journey: accountability, confession, and endless love come from a Christ-like community. Like many others, I never had this in high school and I am so beyond excited to be in an amazing community with 40 other people and our amazing leaders!!
After not even spending a week with Gap I, my heart is so full. These forty other people already feel like home, the Lord makes Himself so prevalent in my squad!! Boot camp gave me a glimpse of the many emotions the race will consist of, from pure joy resting in community to terror of the daddy long legs in some of our tents, I am so beyond excited to see what the Lord has in store for us!!
Gap I, you make my heart so happy!!
My squad and I are asking for many prayers as we are home for two months and then return to Gainesville in September for Launch! Thank you to all who have been supporting us through prayer and donation! Love you all!!
Avery – I am so encouraged by your faith walk! I am praying for you and your squad as you head out in September – for God to move in ways that only He can in your lives.
Love you!
Aunt ‘Chelle
What a great way to start your journey! I can’t wait to hear more as you get going!
This sounds amazing and what a brave path to pick!
Love this sooo much!! I look forward to more Jesus stories and praising and praying with and for y’all!!
Such a beautiful and incredibly accurate definition of the new community && family God has placed us in!! Man I am SO thankful for you avery, & all the joys we will get to experience together !! I love you so much tent twin.
Family is where Jesus is.
Sounds like you had an awesome week. Continue to buy in to vulnerability.
Excited to finally meet you September!!
Hey Avery! It is kind of hard to put Boot Camp into words, isn’t it?! I love how God can use other people to ultimately draw us closer to Him as each and every person is ultimately a reflection of His image. To the King!
Avery, you are such an inspiration! I can’t wait to read more about your journey with Christ in your blog! Take care sweet girl! ??