The night before I left I was so fortunate to be able to spend time with family and friends. My mom cooked a delicious meal and we all came together and ate. We laughed, enjoyed each others company and had a wonderful time!! At one point I sat back and realized that I am loved. I have been blessed with such amazing people in my life who support me, encourage me, challenge me and love me. I knew these things prior to this dinner yet this time I soaked these moments up. It was beautiful.
While at training camp I have become more grateful for family and friends, for laughter and memories that I can carry with me on this journey. Yet what is so awesome is while at training camp we came here not knowing anyone. Thirty people all strangers we expected to become friends and then become a family within the four days here at training camp. Well to my surprise we have become friends and are a family. We have laughed, we have encouraged, and have challenged one another.
Within the first night at training camp, 5 hours after knowing each other, we were told to grab three items per person and then we were given two tarps and were to build a tent in the woods and have fourteen people sleep on this one tarp. We were not told the length of time we were going to be sleeping, whether one night or all four. Three girls to one pillow, nearness, yes. Who knew spooning didn’t actually involve a utensil! Talk about unity and team bonding.
These memories that I am creating here at training camp and the ones that I will be creating in Nicaragua I will be able to bring these memories and life lessons “home” with me. I am loved and so freaking blessed with the people in my life and these new friendships. With this I give thanks and am full of gratitude. I hope to take this mind set home and use this as a tool in Nicaragua.
