My life began on August 5th 1993, and my parent’s lives changed forever that day. When I was born, I didn’t come with an instruction manual, my parents weren’t given a rule book to raise me by, they were on their own.
My childhood was more than great. Growing up my parents taught me right from wrong, put me in time out when needed, and praised me for all the things I did correctly. They supported me in pursuing my dreams, and loved me through my rebellious seasons. My parents set rules and expectations for my brother and I, rewarded us when we followed them and disciplined us when we chose otherwise. As I got older, they taught me to be modest, they taught me how I deserved to be treated and how I was to treat others. All this to say, I wouldn’t be the person I am today without my parents.
To be honest, I’ve taken my parents for granted more than I would like to admit, but after ministry this month, I have a completely new respect for them. You see, the kids I’ve spent the last month with have parents; however, they haven’t set boundaries for these kids like my parents did for me. Here, it is normal to see kids wandering the streets all hours of the night.
My heart has completely broken for these kids, knowing that without the structure and discipline given by parents, they will continue to fall into the generational curses of alcoholism, drugs and teen pregnancy… because there is no one to teach them differently. For those fathers that are present in their lives, they work day in and day out while their mom’s spend hours preparing meals and/or running their restaurant. Many kids, are raised by single mom’s, and some raised by their older siblings while there mom is working to keep food on the table. Although, I’m only here for a month, the Lord reminded me why He sent me here; to invest in these kids, to teach them right from wrong, to say excuse me, please and thank you, to teach them how to be gentle with one another, show them love but ultimately introduce them to someone who can change their lives completely and that is Jesus.
Since being here in Tambo de Mora, I have had the privilege to teach my sweet boy Jose how to throw a football, something so simple that my dad taught me, but his dad isn’t around to do the same. I danced and jump roped with Daniela and Estefanie until my feet. Tamara holds a special place in my heart. The first day we were in Peru, I saw her looking at the kids play from across the street. The following day, in my broken Spanish I asked her mom if she could come play. The last time I took her back home, it took 30 minutes to say goodbye because she wouldn’t let go of my finger. I left with tears welling in my eyes and a little girl running after me.
Throughout the month, we have taught them manners and reminded them how much they are loved by Jesus, but after tomorrow, we won’t be here anymore to teach them anymore lessons.
None of us are born with an instruction manual included, but I have learned that if you raise your kids to know the Lord, the Bible is a pretty great manual to live your life by.
My heart is full tonight, as I say an extra prayer to the Lord for giving me the parents I have and encourage you to do the same. So much in life we take for granted and although I am far, far, far away from my parents tonight, I just want to say I love you both so, so much and I wouldn’t be where I am today without your love, support and encouragement.
Thank you for loving the Lord and raising me to know Him.
{Casa de Fe}
