These past 2 weeks at training camp have been so tough but so rewarding. 
I came into this experience thinking I’ve got this, I won’t be homesick and miss all the worldly things, I’ll learn new things but it wont be challenging, and I was wrong. My first full day here i missed my family more than I ever thought I would. The love I have for my family is endless and I knew I would miss them, but realizing i have spent my whole life together with them for the past 20 years and now I’m leaving everyone for 9 months without seeing them hurts my heart. Being around my friends and family has always been a comfort for me and I am learning that you might not always have your comfort with you 24/7. 

Missing Worldly comforts is another new thing for me. I have been so used to having everything I need right next to me, just a 10 minute drive into town and everything I needed was right there. Learning that that is not the case anymore and I don’t have that luxury anymore is definitely an adjustment, but it is the most humbling thing, and for that I am so blessed and thankful. 

Days are long and full here, I am learning so much but I am also being challenged the most I have ever been. Realizing there is so much I don't know and so much more that goes into this kind of mission work was something that has taken me back a bit. Days that start at 6am and end at 11pm filled with new information for me to process takes some getting used to, but I am growing so much in my walk with the Lord and learning so much about being disciplined in my Faith. 

Regardless of all the struggle and change, I have never felt closer to God. Spending everyday in His word, worshipping Him, being surrounded by a like minded community of people and learning so much more about myself and my relationship with God. Being away from family and friends has made me appreciate them so much more. Being away from worldly comforts and sleeping in a tent has humbled me and is teaching me to be more grateful, because things could always be worse, so enjoy the little things and be grateful for what you do have. Long days filled with sessions back to back and activities all day, although can be challenging and tiring, is helping me grow so much in my faith and understand God on a deeper level. God is so good and these 2 weeks have been the best weeks. I am making so many lifelong friendships here and learning that these beautiful people are now my comfort for The next 9 months, they are the ones God gave me to lean on when things aren’t comfortable.
So excited to see what this year brings.