Hey everyone:)
Week 1 of training camp is complete…and it’s been wild. It’s been hard and emotionally exhausting yet so good at the same time. Days are long and time sleeping feels short, but each day the Lord shows up and meets me right where I am.
Each day we have 2-3 sessions where we learn everything from forgiveness to repentance to how to interact with those who have never heard the name of Jesus.
This week, we’ve already had many sessions, incredible worship, a revival night, cultural day, house visit scenarios, spontaneous worship, a break out soccer game, a trip to the lake, and so much more.
The first day we made this our home, my entire squad fell in love with each other. All 30 of my teammates are now my brothers and sisters and my leaders are gifts I didn’t know I needed. It’s been so special to see each person’s gifts and talents that the Lord is manifesting in their lives.
One of the coolest things I’ve experienced being here is truly just falling in love with the Lord all over again. Just looking at His face and learning that I was made to be loved by Him. I’m learning what it looks like to rest with Him even in the busy moments.
The Lord also has shown me the power of a yes-the power of obedience-and even the power of a maybe. Just by listening to Him and submitting to what He asked of me when He asked, He used me to pray over one of my sweet teammates and He set her FREE.
Freedom is our portion as His kids.
Today is the Sabbath for my squad, which means that it’s a day focused on resting with the Lord. So, here I sit, meditating on all He’s done, writing my blog, calling family, and spending time with my teammates.
Each one of my new besties has a different perspective on this experience, yet they all point to the grace of our God.
If you’re wondering what it’s like to sleep in tents, shower with a bucket, use portta potties, hand wash your laundry, and live with 30 of your new best friends, I can tell you that it’s amazing. My tent is the coziest little space, even though it’s always filled with dirt and sometimes small creatures. Bucket showers are freezing but give us an opportunity to be grateful for cleanliness. The portta potties smell but at least they’re clean. Handwashing laundry is a long process but gives an opportunity to build community. Living with my brothers and sisters is the most unique experience. We get to share anything needed, lay in hammocks stacked 6 high, have breakout worship sessions, eat meals all together, pray over each other, and I always have a buddy.
I have felt BROKEN so many times this week, but I wouldn’t change a thing. I’m so grateful for this time separated for the Lord. This week I’ve seen my God’s face, been broken and rebuilt (each day) and am learning to minister to the people He loves so deeply.
Thank you for reading my heart, everyone.
I can’t wait to see you all soon, but for now, I’m honored to share what the Lord is doing here, and open doors to what He might like to do in your life.
With so much love,
Rissa🫶
I, so, love this for you. Thank you for sharing this- all of it. What a blessing it is to KNOW that you are exactly where you are meant to be, learning to do exactly what you are meant to do.
I love you so much, and I am SO excited for this journey. Keep doing what you’re doing, one day at a time ❤️
Sweet one, thank you for taking the time to share about week #1 and for so transparently sharing your hearts perspective from your week! You ARE right where you need to be and God is going to move IN & THROUGH you, no doubt about that, it’s just so fun that you are sharing the HOW with us! I’ll pray over week 2, that the brokenness is replaced with even more peace! So so glad you’re making new friends, you ARE quite easy to love! Big hugs from the Gott household!
Dear, dear Rissa. – you share your heart and soul so beautifully! It’s truly wonderful that you KNOW and desire to follow where Yahweh is leading you. I am thrilled you are traveling with so many like minded young adults! You all are truly like Jabez – expanding your horizons! Along with many others, I will be praying for you and your friends this week. Love ❤️ you soooo much! Mimi!