Mom,
When asked who I admire in this life, my answer is almost always you. You have risen up out of every circumstance that life has thrown your way and have done so with love and perseverance. No matter the situation, you have always made sure that me and Rhianna are provided for and that we know that we are so loved. This year, I’m not there to give you a card or to sit beside you as we get pedicures for your day. I’m not there to tell you how much I care or to give you a hard time. Instead, I sit here in a Starbucks in Thailand, writing out these words to you from afar trusting that this is where I’m called to be for now. I hope these words sum up my heart and are a good enough substitute for the card I didn’t send ;).
Thank you for never failing to support my dreams- no matter how crazy they may seem to you.
Thank you for helping me to learn from mistakes and always leading with wisdom.
Thank you for valuing growth and for the ways you demonstrate and encourage that in my life and yours.
Thank you for teaching me to have a giving and selfless heart- I’ve learned that from watching you.
Thank you for always welcoming and supporting those who mean the most to me- whether that be investing in friends that I bring home or giving to my family here on the Race.
Thank you for raising me to be independent and to live this life I lead- even though that’s often meant me being far from home.
Thank you for always trusting my faith and how the Lord speaks to me, even when that doesn’t make sense to you.
Thanks for loving and supporting me in every way- even knowing that this is most likely not the craziest thing I’ll do or the last time I’ll be away.
Thank you for always being patient with communication while I’m away- with my lack of doing so and the frustrations of wifi when I do attempt to call. For understanding and blessing my attempt to stay present where I’m at and still stay in touch with you all back home.
Thank you for being you! I pray that this day is one where you know how much you are treasured and how much you mean to us. I pray that the Lord grows you in this season, as he has me and that he makes himself even more known and evident in your life. I’m excited for you to come and get to do this crazy life with me in Africa- see you in a few short months!
Love you!
Sylvia
For all you moms out there who are separated by states or oceans from your darlings who are serving the Lord, check out this link. Thank you for the ways that you’ve sacrificed and for being your child’s biggest supporter. Thanks for the ways that you are contributing to Kingdom work. Thanks for your trust and for your prayers. You may not know how valuable and cherished you are, so I want you to hear that now.
https://www.imb.org/2017/05/11/tribute-mothers-missionaries/
Thanks to you all, I am FULLY FUNDED! Your support has been phenomenal and I would not be having these experiences without YOU! However,there are still plenty of opportunities and need to help support me with misc. personal living expenses and funds for me to use to bless the ministries and people I’m working with. The race has proven to require more personal funds than I had intended for ministry wardrobe purchases, equipment, food, and in being able to bless others. Pray about how and if the Lord would have you partner with me in this way! If you are interested in helping me with this, send me a message or you can donate through https://www.paypal.me/SylviaBarrett.
Want to follow along with my journey? Hit SUBSCRIBE! It will just ask you for your email and you will be notified of any new updates while I’m on the field. I won’t be on social media a ton, so to keep updated, follow along with me! I’d also LOVE comments. They will provide need encouragement as well as offer a way for you to let me know any prayer requests that you may have!
Want to communicate with me while I’m on the race? Do so through hitting Let’s Chat on this blog, commenting on my posts, through facebook, email, or what’s app. Know that I may not have daily access to wifi, but I will get back to you when I do!
