Contest Winner: Mom!  
 
          If you have a mind much sharper than my own, you may be able to remember the introduction to my team (JUDAH), and the related contest. Basically, I wrote a brief introduction for each of my team members, and then challenged readers to write one about me. I was delighted to read everyone’s entries. I want to sincerely thank those who participated! You guys are hilarious and awesome. 🙂 It was nearly impossible to judge, but after all is said and done, there was one person who really knew me best: my mama. She’s always been, and continues to be, my biggest supporter. When she found out about my acceptance to the World Race, she decided to retire a year later to help financially. There is no one sweeter than she. Here is her winning introduction for me:
 
“Who knew? That the finicky little boy who wouldn’t eat his veggies or try new food would end up eating bugs in Africa.
Who knew? That the college boy who led two cars full of friends home
and then couldn’t find his way to his own house would someday lead a
team around the world.
Who knew? That the young man who loved his computer games and wanted to
spend his life working for those companies would trade his ranking for
a backpack and a bible and set out to share the love of God around the
world?

God knew.”
 
 
 
I’d also like to feature a tiny glimpse of her heart. Here’s a poem she wrote for my dad before they were married:  
 
“The Source”
 
Once my life was dreary
and darkness blocked out the light
Then I felt warm all over
because the sun replaced the night
It was exactly what I wanted
but was afraid it wouldn’t last
I remembered vividly
how it betrayed me in the past
Then a thought occurred to me
as I watched daytime turn to dusk
and I knew with all my heart
That it wasn’t the sun I couldn’t trust
I’d been blaming the sunshine
because it never seemed to stay
When actually it never moved
the earth had turned away
Today the sun can warm my heart
and I’m happy without recourse
for I no longer fear past darkness
Now I trust the source.
 
© Linda Darlington