Hello!

About a week ago I had the amazing opportunity to go to boot camp in preparation for my trip in the fall. I had no idea that I could feel so at peace within such a new and uncomfortable environment. Within four days, the 40 people on my team that were once strangers began to feel like family. I truly believe that God hand-picked every person individually on my team for a purpose, and that was made very evident as everyone quickly became a little community.

At boot camp, we prepared both our hearts and bodies for what we might encounter on the race. From sleeping in tents and taking bucket showers all the way to morning team devotionals and joyful worship. I keep saying that being uncomfortable is where someone grows the most, and that is ringing true with each new opportunity I have been given throughout this process.

An area in particular that I believe God is encouraging me to grow in is humility. I have been given a constant reminder that nothing is truly about me. Everything is fully and completely for the glory of God. It takes a full surrender of self; in the way of thinking and acting to allow God's glory to fully shine. A mentality of less of me and more of Him.

Something that I have begun to develop is an "I don't care" mentality. This is not one that is hopeless or rooted in anguish, but rather an attitude that accompanies full surrender. An attitude that recognizes the differences  in others, but chooses to celebrate those differences rather than mourn a lack of what someone else has. An attitude that is appreciative of the seconds they are living, rather than wishing they were with others in an effort to "not miss out." 

This is an attitude rooted in peace. An attitude that allows God to be seen in everything because He is the only thing that you are allowing fill your mind. It is re-prioritizing what is truly important. 

With that being said, I am learning to daily surrender my life. I am learning to let go of comparison, and instead hold on to the only thing that matters.

I am so thankful for each opportunity that I have been given to continually go outside my comfort zone, and I cant wait to keep growing both in myself, and my friendships with the people on my team over the next year:)