My parents came to Quito, Ecuador as part of the World Race’s Parent Vision Trip (PVT). For 6 days, they got to do ministry work and explore the city with me. For this blog, I decided to ask my parents several questions about their experiences since I’ve been on the race and their experience in Ecuador. Also, they’re going to ask me questions about my time on the World Race.
Questions to parents:
1) What was the hardest part about letting me go on the World Race?
Mom: It was scary for me to “throw you to the wind” to travel to the ends of the earth (although I knew that God had provided this wonderful opportunity for you). I had no knowledge of your day-by-day life and no control at all over it. Also, I was lonely for you and missed your presence in our home. It was a great opportunity for me to trust the Lord with your life.
Dad: First of all, I was thrilled for you to be participating on the World Race, as I knew it would be a good experience for you. However, the uncertainty of knowing exactly where you were and what you were doing made it hard at times and made me feel a bit uneasy.
2) What place are you most jealous about me seeing?
Mom: India and Nepal – they seem like such colorful, scenic, and adventurous places. I would love to see them someday.
Dad: I would have to say you exploring the Himalayas in Nepal and Victoria Falls in Zambia & Zimbabwe. After seeing the video of your team’s backpacking outing at Mount Malanje in Malawi, I was also a bit envious of that.
3) What is one thing that the Lord taught you this year or that you gave up to Him?
Mom: He has you in His hand! He has me in His hand, too! I had to give you up to Him (He had you already) and trust Him for your care and well-being.
Dad: I had to learn to trust in Him for your health and safety and for new relationships being formed and new experiences for you. Since you love adventure and taking risks, I really had to give that to Him.
4) What was the most difficult season with me being gone and how did you go through it?
Mom: The hardest part of all was saying goodbye to you at Launch. I didn’t see how I would get through the pain of saying goodbye and being apart for such a long time. The Lord provided for me, though, and gave me peace and comfort during those first 4-5 days you were gone.
Dad: Well, it was knowing that I wouldn’t be going to Willy’s Mexicana Grill as often since you weren’t around! Ha! Seriously, I knew your leaving would be much harder on your Mom, and I was concerned about her being down especially if work demands kept me too busy. However, God really gave her peace and comfort.
5) What was the thing you liked most about me being gone?
Mom: I have enjoyed time with your Dad! The house has been so quiet, especially during the day, and I didn’t have to worry quite as much about my cooking! (Ha!)
Dad: Honestly, I didn’t have to think about how you were doing in high school! I loved being able to spend more time with your Mom, although Jackson (our 5-year old golden retriever) certainly wanted a lot more of my time.
6) What is one way that you both have grown in these part nine months?
Mom: I have grown in my faith, especially through the Perspectives’ course that Dad and I have taken this winter. I have grown in my trust to God for your life, and for my life, too – that, as our sovereign God, He has us both in His hand.
Dad: I have grown in faith as far as trusting God. Your being on the World Race has certainly enriched my prayer life over these past 8 months.
7) What ministry did you enjoy most during PVT? What about PVT did you enjoy the most? What did you think of Quito and Ecuador?
Mom: I loved Camp Hope, which is a daycare for special needs children and adults. I met there a most special little 3 year old boy, who is confined to a crib, is blind, and also has to be fed through a stomach feeding tube. The only thing one may do for him is talk to him or pray for him or tickle him lightly under his chin. He has the shiniest dark hair and such a content and gentle spirit.
Dad: I really enjoyed working with the children at Pan de Vida (Bread of Life). Pan de Vida is a cool ministry that works with those less fortunate.
Mom: I enjoyed our nightly worship time with all racers and their parents. The testimonies were inspiring, the teaching relevant, and the singing beautiful.
Dad: As far as PVT in general, I loved spending time with you and meeting the other racers and their parents. What a great group of people!
Mom & Dad: Also enjoyable was our Easter afternoon of prayer walking and handing out roses to young girls and women, during which we had opportunity to pray with several individuals who asked for prayer, as well as generally encourage those we handed a flower to. Initially it was out of my comfort zone to do this, but with 30 minutes or so practice, it became so do-able! It was also a great time to get to fellowship with Garrett, Tamara and their parents.
Mom: I loved South America and the South American people, who were friendly and helpful, and appreciated my humble attempts to speak Spanish with them!
Dad: I loved Quito and Ecuador! It was very enjoyable going to the equator and exploring old town Quito with you, Nick, Rodrigo and their parents.
Questions from parents (they apply for the whole race):
1) What ministry host did you bond the most with and why?
Definitely my ministry host in Nepal. He was the bomb and we hit it off immediately. He was a great example of a true servant of the Lord.
2) In which country were your gifts most used and how?
I can’t really think of a certain country, but in Asia, my gifts in creativity through my photos and videos were used to show God’s handiwork. In Africa, my love for children was definitely apparent.
3) At PVT, what were you looking most to share with us?
One thing I looked forward to at PVT was showing my parents my long hair, my photography and videography, but most of all, telling them about my experiences and my growth in my faith.
4) During PVT, what was your favorite activity and why?
I definitely enjoyed chatting with my parents and my other friend’s parents more than most of the planned activities, but I definitely enjoyed the Parent and Racer basketball game the most.
5) Which gift or clothing item that we brought were you most excited to receive?
Definitely my Patagonia khaki short shorts. To be honest, they aren’t in dress code at all but I had missed them so much for 7 months and couldn’t do it anymore. Ha ha. (Dad: I would’ve thought it was the 13 packets of Chick-fil-A sauce that we brought you).
I hope you enjoyed this question and answer session with my parents and me. It was a very special time having them see the work that my squad had been doing in Ecuador. My next blog will focus on the work that I’ve been doing during my time in Quito. I’ll be returning back to the USA on June 4.
