Training Camp: in photos

12 days of training camp in Gainesville, Georgia left all my clothes stained red from the dirt, my hammock and sleeping bag wet from snoozin’ outside, my journal full of sermon notes + good ol’ truth, my stomach content with *delicious* ethnic foods, my camera memory full of laughs and sweet memories, and my heart exploding with love, hope, and excitement. 

One of my goals for the upcoming year is to accurately depict my experience throughout the World Race; to tell the stories with authenticity, humility, and dignity. If you know me, you know I’ve always told stories through movement and dance, but now I’m trying a new medium: photos. (check out my instagram @kati.simpson for more photos in real time!)

Here goes!

I moved from Orange County, CA to the east-side of Seattle, WA two days before camp, so everything I owned was dispersed all throughout my parents’ house. Though it was a late night struggle, by the grace of God everything made it into my pack!

I arrived at the Adventures in Missions Headquarters a day early with the opportunity to attend the Storytelling Workshop. We posted up in a tent city!

We learned from some of the best about videography, photography, and writing. 5 of us from Y Squad created a short about why we chose the Expedition Route! Check it out here!

We had sessions on everything from forgiveness to cultural conceptualizations, the 10/40 unreached window, listening prayer, spiritual gifts, and even a demonstration of how to take a proper bucket shower (very important). 

We sang, danced, praised, and worshiped! 

We were given “scenarios” to replicate experiences that might actually happen on the field. Our first one was when half of our squad’s packs were “lost” at the airport. With only my day pack, Aspen (pictured below!) graciously let me sleep in her tent and use her sleeping bag. After that, I actually never set my tent up again because I loved the pillow talk & community so much! Side note: There was a frog in my tent the first night… roomies!

There was intentional community: I’m grateful to have been a witness to how fast walls can be torn down when the spirit of love & authenticity overcomes. After all, I’ve never been a fan of small talk & I’ve never met a stranger, so I felt right at home! 

We played ridiculous games together. (Sorry y’all, I couldn’t resist posting this!!)

We made a campfire & I introduced my squad to Resee’s filled smores! I am so sorry that y’all didn’t know about this magical concoction until now. My sincere apologies. 

Within our squad, we have 4 teams who will minister and serve together! Here’s my beautiful team: daughters, comprised of Bella, Hannah, Laura and myself!

We got ROWDY with Squad Wars! We came in third place but it’s FINE.

But then we all rallied together to celebrate baptisms (even my own!!) & the Heavens were roaring!

The 17 other humans of Squad Y became family in a matter of days, and I can’t wait to serve the least of these together. Y’all have my heart already.

And here’s the whole fam: Squad Y with our mentor, leaders, and coaches! Next time we’ll all be together we will be LAUNCHING to our first stop: China!!

And, I am still in need of financial support! I have a deadline of $10,00 to be raised by July 17th. Please consider partnering with me to make this possible! Every donation counts towards spreading love & letting Heaven come to earth. I appreciate y’all more than you could imagine!