On January 21st, I arrived at the AIM base in Gainesville, and what a crazy few days it was. Life inside of a “bubble” was definitely a pretty wild adjustment. For those of you who have not experienced this concept yet, to sum it up, it mainly consists of wearing a mask anytime you pass by someone in a building and only being allowed to leave the bubble to get COVID tested. It is definitely a unique concept that required everyone to be intentional with their actions. 

To put the whole training experience into a nutshell, we were able to learn effective methods of ministry and how to serve God to our fullest potential. We had several days that consisted of all-day sessions and worship. God could not have blessed me with a better squad, either - every one of them holds special places in my heart. We were able to bond before heading here to Costa Rica and serve alongside each other. Another aspect of “mission life” that required some adjustment is the abandonment of the most overlooked portions of life. For example, beds are a dream that I can only imagine - I have not seen a single bed since I left home. Also, air conditioning and warm showers are now a pastime (but in all honesty, the cold showers aren’t the biggest setback in this 95 degree Costa Rican weather). With all of this being said, I could not be happier with the lifestyle that I am immersed in right now. It is truly one of a kind. God calls for total abandonment and commands us to take up our cross daily. It is such an honor to be able to live that commandment out to the fullest extent.

Training camp was such a fulfilling few days!! AIM did the best job preparing us for exactly what we are going through right now and I could not be more thankful. I ask that you keep my squad, as well as my sister-squad that launched with us to Africa, in your deepest prayers. Here are some ways that you can be praying:

Continued health/safety

God's hand to be shown

Life change

Peace

Rest

God is using us for His glory, and I strive to be more worthy of that honor every day. Thank you all for being a part of something greater than yourselves, I love you all dearly <3