On March 13th, I’ll see my parents in Chiang Mai, Thailand for the first time in 8 months for PVT (Parent Vision Trip). I’m excited but I’d be lying if I told you I wasn’t nervous. A lot has happened in all of our lives in 8 months.
The last time I saw my parents, my grandmother was still alive and living with us.
The last time I saw my parents, I didn’t know where I would be living after the race. Now I’ve signed a lease and have a roommate for the fall of 2018.
The last time I saw my parents, I wasn’t sure if I believed in casting out demons. Month 2, it happened right in front of me and I could feel the presence of God flowing inside of me, protecting me.
The last time I saw my parents, none of us had any idea what I was getting myself into.
The last time I saw my parents, they both gave me notes knowing that it would be impossible to say everything they wanted to say in those goodbye moments. I read them that night after they had left and continue to read them somewhat regularly. They are a sweet reminder of my biggest fans.
The last time I saw my parents, I was different. In the 8 months I have been on the field, I have witnessed incredible things, both good and not so good. I have had wonderful experiences and really hard nights where I was angry at God for what He was putting me through. I have rejoiced, grieved, worshipped, prayed, cried out to the Lord, laughed, and loved harder than I ever thought possible. There is no doubt that I am not the same person who stood in that hotel lobby saying goodbye 8 months ago.
PVT is going to be an awesome experience for me and my parents as we serve alongside one another and my fellow racers and their parents. I have always desired to have my family with me on other mission trips but it never seemed like a possibility. God has given us this opportunity to grow and to seek Him together. It may not be easy but He is going to be moving in all of us and I cannot wait to see the fruit that comes out of this next week.
Please keep my parents and all the other parents of our squad in your prayers as many are currently traveling or about to travel. Pray for an awesome week full of incredible encounters with the Holy Spirit and pray for boldness for all of us!
