Training camp is done.

The first week felt like a month. And the next three felt like one week.

Strangers became family as we lived on top of each other and shared every moment with each other.

Some takeaways that I have learned from this experience.

1. People who are truly in your corner won't force you to agree with them. When I got here, I knew I had a different way of seeing Christianity than most people around me. My leaders and peers have embraced those differences, and we have debated and disagreed. And that's okay, healthy even.
2. I am not here forever, so I am going to have fun and make memories. Nana, you may need to stop reading. But a specific example of this is I got a tattoo. My friend was doing stick and poke with a sewing needle, so I told her I would get whatever she drew on my ankle. And I did. Life is too short to be a stickler and not take these opportunities to live life to the fullest.
3. Discomfort makes us grow closer. Sleeping in tents. Eating honey and cucumbers and tortillas for lunch (yes, that is it). Having to do laundry in a bucket. All these things were difficult, but we did them together, and now we have a bond unlike any other, and we haven't even left the country.
4. God is bigger than I ever realized, and I am excited to see where this adventure takes us.

Training camp has pushed me emotionally, physically, and mentally. But it has been an incredible way to start this thing off.

Also, I am not in Georgia anymore. All the guys are currently building houses with Samaritan Purse in Kentucky. And we have beds and really good food, which is wild.

I appreciate all the support and prayers. I would appreciate prayers for the next week that our ministry is fruitful and impactful. And as we gear up to leave the country, that all of that would be smooth

,

Thanks for everything.

-Drew McKinney