To You, World Race Moms

 

Yes, you, sitting awake at crazy hours of the day, knowing that I am starting (or ending) my day across the globe. 

You, the mom who has mastered the art of crying tears of joy, sadness, and pride simultaneously. 

You, the mom who has adopted my squadmates as her own and who has fought fiercely in prayer since the day I was officially going on the World Race. 

You, the mom who has never left an encouraging word unsaid or a blog left unread. 

You have taught me selfless love and unconditional acceptance, and you have cheered without ceasing as I cannon-balled out of the nest and spread my wings. 

You have somehow found ways to nurture me from halfway around the world. Your words have held me close in the strongest hugs on the darkest and loneliest nights in villages far, far away.

 

 

And to you, World Race Mom – 

Yes, you, the moms who have helped to send me out. 

You, the moms who are opening their Facebook pages to send messages of love, to read stories of the past eight months and to like the photos of the journey you have played an integral part in. 

You, the moms who did not birth me or raise me, but who did help me to grow up. 

You, the moms who have taken me in as their own, fed me, and have given me a place to find rest and peace when I am far from home. The moms who have prayed with me and have prayed for me every step of the way. 

You have taught me what biblical leadership looks like. You have illustrated the beauty of the body of Christ in tangible ways. Your involvement in the journey of my life – however long or short term – has been more influential than you know.

 

 

 

 

And to you, World Race Mom –

Yes, you, the mom who sits next to me everyday. The mom I meet every time I step off of a bus or a train in a strange land. 

You, the mom who shares a cup of instant coffee with me, and laughs with me about the unknown that is so characteristic of the World Race. 

You, the mom who is taking care of her household and supporting a ministry, and yet still is able to take in 7 new kids every month. 

You, the mom who may not speak my language, but can always speak to my heart. 

You have shown me what a supportive wife in ministry looks like. You have taught me how to help lead a family on mission. You have shown me patience and taught me the love of Christ that extends beyond all language and cultural barriers. 

You have shown me hospitality and have blessed me by welcoming me into your own families. You have changed my world and encouraged my heart in more ways than you know. You have helped to break down walls I built up and you have been a greater gift than I could have ever asked for.

 

Thank you. 

Thank you for being beautiful examples of the woman I want to be. 

Thank you for being invested in the journey of my life –  no matter how near or far I have been from you – and for being the support system that has made it possible. 

Thank you for giving me a home – a home to come back to, a home away from home, and a permanent home in your hearts.

Thank you for showing me what it looks like to trust the Lord with the people you love most. 

Thank you for illustrating the beauty of the body of Christ in the way that you love and serve others. 

Thank you for allowing the Lord to shape your heart into one after His very own, and for walking in obedience to help teach me to do the same. 

Thank you for helping me discover beauty: in myself, in my faith and in the world around me.

Thanks for being a mom. 

 

Thanks for being my mom and for calling me your own. Happy Mother’s Day! I love you!