Days 6-8: Arrival Day!! Prep for Wapo (8/20-8/22/20)

Today is the day: all the ‘20-21 NET Missionaries arrive today!! My voice is pretty shot from music training the past couple days, but my energy and excitement is through the roof. I have already seen people come through since yesterday, for special reasons such as my boy Matt R. (Maylene, AL), who came in a day early because of family business. The rest of the day was a blur: my goal was simple to meet and learn and many names as possible, and freak out when I see familiar faces. I did it, but without remembering the order nor what we did. I recall multiple jam sessions with musicians and whoever wanted to join us, specifically with Justin R. (Hagerstown, MD), Lil’ Chris C. (Central Point, OR), Maria C. (Gilbert, AZ), Brian S. (IN, 2nd Year), and Bryson A. (Moscow, ID). I will likely get to know other peeps, just give it a couple weeks at Wapo. It was incredible to see second years again, including Mark J. (Wichita, KS), Skyler W. (Flagstaff, AZ), John Paul F (IN), Joey N. (Grand Rapids, MI), Audrey F. (Tipp City, OH), and Rachel H. (Rosseau, MN). My final highlight was easily my small group. I’ve already introduced Mario and Joey D., but the rest of the squad came in and I already love them to death. Non-consecutive 2nd years Patrick O. (Beaumont, TX), and Andrew R. (Buda, TX), bring veteran experience with Mario and I, but different experiences, which is exciting. The other two first years are James R. (Moorhead, MN), and Eddie V. (Goodyear, AZ). James is straight out of high school like Joey D., while Eddie has a college degree and a couple years if work experience under his belt. All types of different people in our group, and I’m ready for it. Our leader is Anthony H. (Turlock, CA), who I knew last year since he was a Team Leader for Team 13 last year. I knew for sure they would be great when we sung “I Want it That Way” together right before turning lights off, it’s gonna be a good time. . . The first morning with all the missionaries, we dressed up for individual photos and opening mass with Fr. Brian Park, the chaplain for NET. It was great seeing him and hearing his homilies again, they always are so relatable to the NET missionary since he was a missionary himself back in 2003. After lunch, we had our first small group, which was chill, although since we already eat together every meal we already knew eachother. It’s always a good time with the boys, though. From there we had a separate training for 1st years and 2nd years, which helped us understand eachother as brothers and sisters in Christ. After dinner, I took a walk with Audrey, since it’s the first time we’ve talked since April when I learned she’s coming back for a second year. We both have a fire for ministry that has grown over quarantine, which is super exciting! Then to add to the fire, Mark Bercham (founder of NET) gave the “Call to Mission” talk again. I heard it last year, but there was more conviction and fire in his voice for ministry this year than last. I learned a couple more things from the talk, and recognized how much the talk related to me after a NET year. When we headed into small group to discuss, there was a fire as well in all our hearts. It’s only been a day, but we are so ready to take on the challenges ahead of us! It was beautiful seeing that from seven holy men. There will be more challenges, more suffering, but we are ready for it. Awh, I cannot say enough how much I love this already, I am so freaking blessed. . . As we prepare for Wapo, we have a fun day in store. Lots of fun activities and competition such as Crazy Olympics, but it was alot of time with old friends and new friends, just like how it will be all of camp. I now realize I havent explained Camp: there is a camp we go to for two weeks in Amery, WI, called Camp Wapogasset Lutheran Bible Camp. NET has been going there for training for years, and it is a beautiful place to be for two weeks away from our phones and the world, a great time to disconnect. All of today has flashed by because of it, I’m so ready!