After being on the race for two short weeks, I left.
Those two weeks in San Andres, Colombia, were nothing short of incredible. I grew spiritually, bonded with my teammates, received private Spanish lessons, was within walking distance of a beach, and even had a real bed and shower! What more could you ask for your first two weeks on the field?
But it all came to a quick halt with one text message…
When I was praying about starting this new journey, God gave me a word.
My father had been fighting stage IV Melanoma for over 3 years when I had originally signed up for the World Race. At the time, his condition was stable. However, the few months leading up to launch his condition greatly worsened. I would be lying if I didn’t admit that I was struggling internally. On one hand being a believer, I wanted to trust that God would heal. He is completely capable, if this was part of His plan. However, on the other hand, being a previous oncology nurse, I knew without a divine miracle his condition was terminal.
For over three years, I had experienced a complete roller coaster of emotions. Awaiting the latest scan results, praying for no progression. Living in complete FEAR of the newest results. So much fear and no understanding. I didn’t want to lose my dad! He was too young, was a father to 10 children, grandfather to 14, and absolutely loved God.
Anyone my father came in contact with would hear the gospel, especially during his fight. I may not know the Lord today if it wasn’t for him raising us in a Christian home and his unwavering faith. So, why MY dad? Couldn’t you keep him long enough to see my youngest sister graduate from high school? Or walk me down the aisle one day?
I remember at WR training camp we had a session that was really impactful. Grieving was the topic. Instantly I recognized being in the depression stage of grief concerning my father’s condition. They kept reiterating the end result, hope. I wanted that! This depression stuff is terrible! So right then and there I gave my dad’s condition to God and said whatever happens I will still place my hope in Him. I can’t explain the God-given peace I experienced at that moment.
“Dad coded and is in the ICU.”
This message sent me on the first flight out of San Andres. Transferring flights in two Spanish speaking cities, alone, was terrifying! God worked it out. I arrived back in the U.S. and shortly after we were told we had 5 minutes to make a decision that had a survival rate of 1%. My father surviving that surgery = miracle. I spent the next 10 days in the ICU with my father. Everyday was worse than the previous day. I’ve never seen so many things go wrong with one person in my entire nursing career.
On February 5th, my dad went to see his Savior. We prayed that God would give him a huge welcome home party with a banner and all! I believe He did! I know that when my dad met Jesus, the words, “well done thy good and faithful servant,” were spoken to him.
The last words my dad spoke to me were:
“I love you so much and go and bless others the way you blessed me.”
So here I am.
I will love and miss you Dad XOXO.
