I brought my laptop with the World Race website pulled up into the living room and sat down next to her nonchalantly as she watched something on TV. I could hardly wait until the commercial break came for her show as I pressed the mute button before I lost my nerve to actually tell her.
“I just think God wants me to do this because it feels like we’re running out of time to go and tell others about Him before He comes back,” I told her when her eyes widened at the thought of me going to 11 foreign countries.
That was about a year and a half ago when my mom and I had that conversation. Now I am at the end of the sixth month of my Race and I know that I wouldn’t have made it this far without her.
Fundraising efforts. Countless trips to Target for “just a few more things I need.” Being my companion to see the travel nurse who was obsessed with Robert Redford. Listening to my rants and fears. Praying for me. Driving me to Atlanta on her birthday for my final days in America. Being flexible with communication from me as I travel in and out of countries with limited wifi. Sending me encouraging words when I text, “I’m giving up now.”
The list goes on and on. My mom has truly been the most amazing support system of my Race to the point that I’ve joked with my team that she wants me here more than I want to be here!
Well now my mom has the most incredible opportunity of being a World Racer too! I’m not going crazy, guys; I’m serious. My mom is coming to do a week of ministry with me in Chiang Mai, Thailand, in my ninth month on the field. For seven days, we will be ministry teammates, adventure buddies, and roommates after being apart since January. If you know me at all, you know that my mom is my person, and that just the thought of us getting to do missions together makes me tear up! After all she has been through, my mom is the most deserving of a little adventure with Jesus.
As exciting as it is to know that I’ll get to hug my sweet mom in just two and a half months, the financial side of this privilege is also very real. Just as her darling daughter did, my mom will be fundraising to come to Thailand. So yes, this is me begging you all to make this dream of ours a reality! Would you donate to allow my mom this once in a lifetime chance to serve with me? She has given so much of herself to this Race already, so the fact that she gets to truly be a part of it is so awesome.
If you feel led to give any amount at all to her fund, visit the following link to do so:
www.gofundme.com/jodypowell
