One of the top questions I am asked is, “What does your family think about what you are doing” Well, here is a blog all about what my parents, brothers (and their wives), and sister think about what I am doing.
Dad
When I heard that Anna had decided to join the World Race, I thought – “how cool is that!” What a great way to share the love of God plus see places most of us will never see. I had no doubt that this trip would be a life changer – not only for Anna but for all the people whose lives God will touch through her.
Yet, with a little reflection, I realized there is another group who will be impacted as well – that is you and me! The bible says iron sharpens iron. Whether our support is financial or through prayer or both, as we follow Anna through her blog and watch how God is moving in her life, I believe it will encourage us to ‘step it up’ and accomplish great things for God.
I say – “you go girl!!”
Mom
From the time Anna was a toddler she has had a heart for serving people. As I prayed for her to find and follow God’s plan for her life He gave me glimpses of the future He prepared for her. I am excited for her as she is preparing for this wonderful adventure with Him; for the growth she will experience, the souls saved, and the friendships that will develop. I am also excited that we get to be a part of what God will be doing as we pray for and support her and her team.
Travis and Kati
We knew about Anna’s upcoming trip to 11 Countries in 11 months and was excited for her and the impact that she would have in the lives of others by the grace and power of God. With that being said, it was June 4th when we internalized what that really would mean… gone, gone, not just away at school, but thousands of miles away… for 11 months!!. We remained disheartened and frankly a little moody every time we considered her trip. After six days of sulking, we finally gave our fears, worries, and gloom to God. Immediately, a peace came over us and we felt a nudge and a thought: “It is not about what she will miss but what God will allow to be done through her.”
You see, God has blessed Anna with an incredible and unique skill set that He is using to be His hands and feet. There is a bigger picture to Anna’s travels than the Friday afternoon phone call, the mid-afternoon playtime with the girls, the jaunt to her clothing store, and the Thanksgiving meal. Anna is going to serve Him and others in a big sacrificial way. God has great plans for the lives of everyone on this planet and Anna will get to be a part of those plans for so many. So, as we grapple and wrestle our own selfish thoughts and worries about Anna, join us in prayer over her trip, her team, every person and piece of God’s kingdom she encounters, the lives she will touch, and the relationships she will cultivate.
We will miss you Anna, but this trip is bigger than us!
My Nieces Alexis, Jordyn and Brooklyn
There is a girl we know with a beautiful smile that lights up our eyes and a heart of gold. She is thoughtful and creative, athletic and bold. She is passionate and in love with The Creator. We call her “Aunt Anna” and sometimes “Anna Banana” (just for fun).
Jeremiah and Laurel
We are so excited that Anna is going to reach the nations! It is amazing to think of all that can be accomplished when Anna follows God’s direction and lives out her passion for people. We couldn’t be prouder of what she is doing. We will definitely miss her while she is gone, but are thankful that technology today makes it easier to connect with people afar. Anna, go out and accomplish what God is leading you to do!
Thomas and Jasmin
We are pretty excited for this journey that God is sending you on. We believe, that you are doing things, that many people would not feel comfortable doing. Things, that not even you knew that you could do. You are a powder keg of God’s love, compassion, and unwavering faithfulness. We are very excited for all the adventures you will have, and the “Places You’ll Go.” In a very short amount of time, you will go from hair, makeup, and phones, to wandering where the WiFi is weak. Congrats Anna. We love you.
Matthew and Tonya
We are so proud of Anna for stepping into this new chapter of her life. We are going to miss Anna’s heart for serving, her outspoken personality, and her fire for God. However we know this is Gods plan for her and these attributes will aid her in reaching these 11 countries. We are excited to follow along in her journey and to hear about all the new cultures she will experience. We can’t wait to hear the amazing testimonies of all the people she will be reaching. We love you very much Anna!
P.S. Don’t forget our souvenirs!!
Mikayla
When I first heard that Anna would be going on the World Race, I was excited for her. I was excited that she would be able to experience new cultures and food, and travel the world just like we always talked about wanting to do. However, I was even more excited about the fact that she would be doing what she is most passionate about, and that is sharing the love of God with those who have never heard of Him before. She has the heart of a servant, and it’s such a blessing to be able to see her walk out the steps the Lord has planned for her life. She can be the biggest pain, but she’s one of my best friends. I’m so proud of all that she has done and all that she will continue to do. I know that I will miss her, but I can’t wait to hear all of the amazing things the Lord is doing while she’s there!
