That time I went to South Africa
When I was a little girl, going to church with my grandmother was one of my favorite things to do. There were so many kids, going to Sunday School and VBS was never awkward; instead it was anticipated with excitement. Also, Nancy was there. Nancy was several years older than me and the object of much fangirling. She was just as kind as she was beautiful and we all hoped she might be our VBS teacher. Once when my older cousin Mike was visiting, rumor has it he told the Sunday School teacher, “I didn’t come here to learn about Jesus. I came to see Nancy.” This was my attitude going into the PVT (Parent Vision Trip). I did not intend to go and learn about Jesus. I was there to see Mac. Isn’t it funny how God changes your plans?
I can’t say that South Africa was on my bucket list of places to visit, mainly because I do not like to fly. But when your oldest child asks you to visit him on The World Race, a 16-17 hour plane ride seems perfectly sensible. Truthfully, it was not as bad as I was expecting. We arrived on Saturday, got a good night’s sleep and met up with other parents at noon on Sunday.
The feeling pulling up to a crowd of grinning racers eagerly searching for their parents was a beautiful sight to behold. Seeing Mac for the first time in 8 months was a gift I will treasure for a lifetime. We spent the afternoon learning about all his adventures on the race. All over the beautiful grounds of Moria, parents were soaking up their children. The racers are even more precious in person than they seemed on their blogs. Their love for Jesus is overflowing and they taught me so much about being intentional, open, and available.
Takeaways from this adventure:
• God has a purpose for everything and everyone. Even if your life takes a serious turn south, God can use that too if you allow Him.
• Worship songs in Afrikaan are sung from a deeper place than I’ve experienced. Beautiful barely scratches the surface.
• Mac and I had some of the most honest discussions on this trip. These conversations may not have ever happened if I had stayed home. What a treasure!
• Giraffes are just as breathtaking in the wild as I thought they would be.
• When teaching life skills to young people, unless you start with God creating all of us with purpose, the lessons will be impactful.
• My favorite quote was “Most people die at 40 and are buried at 70.” Oh Lord, how I pray this is not true about me!
• This generation is not afraid of change. They are bold, loving, and inclusive. They don’t think like our generation and that is a good thing!
• Singing around a campfire was a heavenly experience.
• Watching “Parks and Recreation” with Mac was just as much fun as I expected. His laugh is what I have missed most.
• When it is obvious your child is right where he is supposed to be, it is easier to make peace with his desire to travel the world.
• God uses us as parents to shape our children. He is also powerful enough to shape them through our shortcomings. God’s provision is remarkable.
• When an African tribal dancer invites you to join the group, you forget your inhibitions and dance in the rain.
• The world is not as big or scary as I thought. People are people everywhere. We all need a Savior.
• Airplanes after a 17 hour flight resemble a frat house after the weekend.
• God is more redemptive, loving, and merciful to us than I can comprehend.
On this trip I got to experience God’s beauty in my son, his squad mates, their parents, young people learning life skills, children dancing & singing, wild animals roaming, and shoppers at the mall. I was reminded that I need to be more intentional about sharing God’s love and redemption for others everywhere I go. God showed me that He can use a situation for the benefit of everyone involved and that benefit can be very personal. This adventure was the gift for a lifetime and I am very thankful!
