Hello Everyone!! I can’t believe this day has finally come. I made it to Atlanta for World Race Training Camp. I left early Saturday morning on a 5am flight leaving Spokane to Seattle and soon after hopped on the plane for Atlanta. I met 1 girl from Spokane who is not only on my squad (group of 34) but also my team (6 of us). I’m so beyond excited to get to know her and bond over our home city. On our Atlanta flight we also met 3 other people who were heading to training camp so that was very cool to meet them and find our way around the airport together. Once we made it to the hotel where check in was, got to meet all these people that I have only ever seen on a screen. Besides the few that I previously met in Colorado back in June who I was so happy to hug again. One thing that brought me so much joy and excitement was the idea that some of these people will become some of my best friends by the end of these 9 months. That we will get to know each other on such a deep level and learn to rely on one another when we need help. Friendships that are routed in the Lord, and built around similar goals. I know very close to nothing about these people and the same for them with me so we will get to know each other’s true, authentic selves. There are no preconceived notion’s about one another or knowing them because they are “John’s sister” or “Susan’s son” we get to be ourselves and the person God has called us and created us to be. That brings me great joy. Although I will miss my friends and family (and those reading this) dearly, I have peace that this is where God wants me to be and will use me. We can’t let fear, sadness, or comfortability hold us back from the amazing things this life has to offer. So I challenge you, if you are a friend of mine who is starting freshman year of college, put yourself out there, leave your comfort zone, make good friends. If you are an adult back home, look for ways to best serve your community, bring somebody joy even if it may seem like a small burden for you. Leave what makes you comfortable and you will have experiences that you could of never even dreamt of. One last thing for those at home, although you probably hear this often (and adults you may even tell your kids this) treat people the way that you want to be treated. If you are sitting there thinking “hmmm it would be nice if someone dropped me off some flowers right now because I’m feeling down” go bring someone else flowers. Or if you need an encouraging text message, send someone else one. It might now provide you with exactly what you need but sometimes it does. Sometimes it fills you up in ways you couldn’t imagine. Wow that was a wild tangent but I hope you can all try to live that out in one way or another. (comment down below ways that you could do this for those around you)
Thank you for all of your support that has gotten me here. I love you and wanted to let you know that I am doing great. Prayers appreciated for me and my whole group.
With Love, Lauren
So proud of you Lauren and cannot wait to hear about all the amazing things you will do! Praying for you!
Can’t tell you how excited I am to get this blog today from you! You sound so excited and happy to be there! You are right…some of these friends will last a life time!! You are greatly missed here already….but knowing how happy and content you are makes the missing much easier. Keep glowing, Girl! Love you sooooo much!! Granny
So great! I know you will do great things and continue to share your kindness with all everyone around you. Mitch brought me flowers today since he knew I was sad you left. Such a kind gesture that for sure will last a very long time. Love ya!
Lauren!! Ahhh you made it! So excited for you and this journey you are on! I am excited to follow along with your blog. 🙂 Praying for you sweet girl and your team! If you meet a gal named Jackie tell her Cassady says hi 😉 haha
Have a great time at training camp and launch!!
Lauren! I’m so excited for you and the adventure ahead. Your perspective on the upcoming year is so inspiring. I’m cheering hard for you here in Spokane ????????
Thanks for the update! Love c
Yea for new friends and new experiences that will most definitely stay with you for your whole life! Praying for you all the way! Can’t wait to hear about your adventures and service. Love, Carrie & the Dinwoodie clan 🙂
Praying for you as you develop strong relationships and grow deeper with the Lord. Thank you for sharing your heart!
So glad you and Marly get to bond and had the opportunity to travel together. Praying for all of you!
WOW!! So excited for your journey Lo. You are wise & mature beyond your years. I know everyone in Spokane is so very proud of you, especially your parents! You are exactly where God wanted you to be & this journey will bring you profound growth. Best of luck !!
Lauren,
I love your attitude. It was great meeting you. I am excited that Sasha is with a great group of Godly young women. I can’t wait to see what God has planned for your squad and team. Rob
Hi Lauren! I’m Josh Ockrin’s mom and we got to meet just briefly as your van was leaving. I love the excitement you have over ALL of us getting to be a part of this 9 month journey! I’m praying about what God can do in and through me here in NY these next 9 months as well. Praying for you and your squad!
-Kristen Ockrin
I am so happy to see where this year takes you. One of the things that has always made you special in my eyes is how you have been willing to help others and this is another example. You will have so many adventures, this will be so much fun for us at home to get to see the tiny window into your world during your travels. I will be keeping you close to my heart and in my prayers for you and your team for good health and safe travels during this year of growth. Sending you so much love!
I’m picking up what you are laying down in this post- saying yes to doing for others what I want done for me!! Love it- keep writing!!!!!!
What a great start to this exciting adventure you are on! This is very inspiring. Looking forward to reading your blogs.
Mrs. Olson 🙂