clairemccafferty - The Adventures of Training Camp!

Hi everyone!!

It is officially the END OF TRAINING CAMP!!! WHOOP WHOOP!!! And we leave for Guatemala in 3 DAYS! I can’t believe it.

These past 6 weeks have been so incredible. I want to give you a little glimpse into what all we have been doing here in Georgia!

Weeks 1-3: a lot of sessions in the training center! Lots of different leaders from Adventures in Missions spoke and taught us about anything ranging from cultural differences and kids ministry to the history of the Bible and how to deal with spiritual warfare. There was team building exercises, new foods, and we spent the month sleeping in tents! We also took a trip to Mt Yonah! We hiked to the top and spent the night there. It was a fun break from sessions for the day, and the sunset was beautiful!

Week 4: we were still in Gainesville, but we were able to do some local ministry! We had a session in the morning, and then the teams would split up in the afternoons. My team was able to work at a food bank. We packed food and drinks, and had the opportunity to help pass them out to people. While we were walking food carts to people’s cars, we talked to them and even got to pray for them! There were prayers for families, jobs, and healing.

Week 5: we traveled to Florida!!! This was our official state side ministry! We helped to rebuild some homes that had been hit by hurricane Ian. My team, Team Harvest (my wonderful team- Emma, Alexina, Hannah, Kailey, Katie, and myself all led by the one and only Ally Krick!) was split into two homes. It was sad to not be all together, but it was so sweet to be reunited with the other half of Team Harvest at the end of the day! Ally, Emma, Katie, and I worked with a man named Johnny. What a joy it was! He was constantly making us laugh! We painted and installed doors and trim. We also met his sweet neighbor, who brought us popsicles in the afternoon and shared her story and faith in Jesus with us. On Thursday night we had a night of sunset worship on the beach that was unreal. God’s love met us there so clearly! It was such an amazing week being the hands and feet of Jesus in that community!

Week 6: back in Gainesville! This week is our week of debrief! We’ve had sessions with our whole squad, individual teams, as well as one-on-ones with leaders. I’m so thankful for the week set aside for rest and processing!

Some things I am celebrating in this season:

The JOY that our whole squad has together! I love them! I’m also celebrating learning how to truly rest in the Lord and use Him as my strength.

AND IN THREE DAYS WE LEAVE FOR GUATEMALA!!!! I’m so excited! I know my whole squad and I are expectant for all that God is going to do during our time there.

Sending love from Gainesville! 🫶🏼