After that we prayed for the Alberta head coaches, and then the head coaches prayed for their teammates individually after that as well. What a blessing it is to have someone lay hands on you and pray for you specifically.
After lunch we had some more on field training, trying to get familiar with the schedule of camp and things like that.
We then returned to the lodge where we had the head coaches tell their testimonies (kid version), also known as the version that they would be sharing with the kids during coach's corner. All the rookie coaches got a chance to see what that kind of looked liked, and Bev told us that we had to prepare our own and present it after dinner. We were given some time before and after dinner to prepare, I went into my room and prayed that God would reveal a story in my life that could relate to the theme of the day. I sat there for about half an hour just trying to recall something that I could use, but I was completely stuck. I panicked and stressed out for a while but, as I was walking to the dining hall for dinner I was reminded of a story I could use, what a relief. I tried to eat my dinner as quickly as possible so that I could go back to the lodge and prepare for my testimony. After another half an hour, it was time to present. If you know me...oooo boy, you know that I'm absolutely terrible at presenting or speaking to a large group. I'm a very anxious person and public speaking has always been one of my weaknesses. I tend to stutter a lot, talk too fast and usually I speak very quietly as well. This was also the first time any of our rookie coaches had done this, so we were all nervous. Before I left my room to present I just prayed to God for courage and boldness to be able to speak the right words during my testimony, not just for this presentation but as I do each camp during the summer as well.
I was one of the first few to present, and it was nerve racking for me. However as soon as I started presenting I felt this calmness that I've never felt before. I had written down my testimony and story down on 2 pages of loose-leaf paper but I didn't even have to look at it, yet the right words just came out of my mouth without thought. I could just remember thinking to myself as I was presenting "wow! where is this coming from?" I have no doubt in my mind that what happened was the work of the holy spirit, it was just this unbelievable experience for me. When it was time to give feedback and advice, I was told that I spoke very clearly and projected my voice really well. Honestly, that is the first time anyone has ever given me that feedback when I've presented...anything really. After that, the rest of the rookie coaches presented as well, and Bev told us that this was the best coach's corner presentation she has ever heard from a group of rookie coaches. That was just so encouraging for me to hear, and really gave me more confidence. At that moment I just had an overwhelming feeling of joy. Joy in the fact that I have no power or ability in my own but when I rely on God's power, he can do amazing things through me, even through my weakness. That was such a moment of relief, it felt like a burden had been lifted from my shoulders. It just reminded me that we were created by a power God who can do anything. It reminded me not to worry, not to have this fear of incompetence I had. The fear that I couldn't lead the skills/drills or coach's corner because I've never done it before. I was reminded that if I just remain in Jesus, he will remain in me and his glory will shine through me. That if I remain faithful in Jesus, he will give me everything I need to do these camps. Reminded to be totally dependent on Jesus, because "No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me" John 15: 4. And that is the goal this summer, to bear fruit, to bear fruit that lasts.
After that we practiced our coach's corner session again and that finished off the night. Our group went off to practice some juggling, when Travis sunk his tooth into Lane 's forehead(my teammate) by accident. (they were both trying to head the ball) There was so much blood, that his entire forehead was covered in blood, and it would not stop gushing out. The sink pretty much turned red as well but we were able to bandage him up after it stopped bleeding.
After that we played soccer/tennis/volleyball on a beach volleyball court, which was a pretty fun bonding experience. It got dark out, and everyone went to sleep except for me and 2 other coaches. We played UNO until 1, which was a terrible idea because now it's 2 am and I have to wake up at 7:45 again for 8 am breakfast.
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