I knew 11 months ago that my Race was not my own.
Every person that I said goodbye to, followed me on social media, subscribed to my blogs, supported me in prayer and financially; it is as much been your journey as mine. I was a vessel this year for the Lord’s work. You experienced it, too. He’s been moving at home and in each of your lives. I want to hear the stories! I want to share your stories as well as mine!
I’m going to start with sharing just a piece of two stories: my mom and dad’s experience with the Race. I’m the third of four kids in my family, and I know a piece of my parents’ hearts. They made me. They trained me up. And they watched me go. So I asked them for just a taste of what the World Race has been from their eyes.
They answered the same questions separately and their answers are true to their personalities for sure. Enjoy their words and maybe a few commentaries from me!
1. What were your initial reactions or feelings to me leaving for the World Race?
Mom- At launch I can honestly say I was more excited than anything. Knowing God had provided the way for you to go I was confident you were in his hands. I also felt pretty sure you were ready for it.
Dad- I did not want you to go, only because I worried about your safety. However, I knew in my heart I would never try to discourage you or be negative. As Gamaliel (from Acts I believe) pointed out, “If this is of God I do not want to be against it.”
Me- I heard about the Race 6 years ago so it definitely didnt blindside them. I’ve been grateful the Lord stirred missions in my heart so young so that my parents had time to soak it all in.
2. What is the biggest change you’ve noticed in me so far? (Eventhough I’m not home yet)
Mom- Your growth in your walk. Relying on God. The hunger you have for Christ…and the hunger you have for the foods you have missed!….”the list” [me- theres a 3 page list on my phone of food I want from home…]
Dad- your expressing what God is doing through you. Knowing that you recognize when God is working out details. You handled set backs and discouraging moment well, recognizing them as opportunities.
3. What has been the biggest struggle for you as a parent?
Mom- not being there for you when you were sick was hard. There were definitely times of concern for safety and travel But I don’t feel like I have really worried. missing you at special times of family gatherings and when granddaddy was so I’ll.
Dad- Not being able to be with you when you were sick. Just knowing “I” could not protect you.
Me- again, they answered this separately and had the same struggle. Two becoming one, amirite?
4. What is one thing you’ve learned, not about me, but from this season involving the Race?
Mom- God will provide and protect. Absence does make the heart grow fonder. And we never can know what blessings God has in store for us unless we say yes when he calls. Oh and technology is a beautiful thing!
Dad- God is still “very active” in reaching out to the lost. It reinforced in me that we only see God working when we are looking for His work in all things. God still works out small details.
5. Describe your overall experience or something you learned from PVT.
Mom- Pvt was wonderful I was way more emotional than I thoght I would be. I learned that you were experiencing that only a very few people would ever get to do and trying to soak I everything and observe the racers ….it was overwhelming. One of my favorite things was listening to the racers testimonies.
Dad- I thought the PVT was very well organized. I think seeing you and the rest of your group together working wh th the children and reaching out to the college kids showed the diversity of God’s reach. When we went to the gathering in the college town, in my eyes I thought it had been an unfruitful exploit. Little did I know around 50 people had showed up and been receptive to the event.
6. What’s one piece of advice you’d give to future World Race parents?
Mom- pray for your racer
Dad- trust God. They are in His hands. If we, being sinful men and women, know what is good for our children, how MUCH MORE is our Father in Heaven willing to do what is good for them.
Me- do both these thing! Please! This is loving your racer well. Pray for them. Tell them what your praying. Ask how to pray. Tell them what the Lord is showing you about your child. Ultimately, entrust your child to the Lord. They are His children first. He WANTS to protect and provide for them. And they are also adults. It’s their walk and their calling. Let them live it out.
7. What are you expecting/how are you feeling about me transitioning home?
Mom- I am expecting a season on transition not sure how long that will last. I am excited,a nxious knowing a lot has changed and also not knowing what the next season looks like. But most of all excited!!!
Dad- I expect you to miss your friends terrible. I expect him to want to do more, to be antsy like a caged horse, wanting out of the barn to do some work. Yearning to know what God has planned for you now.
I look forward to hearing you tell me what God has done through you and your friends.
If God is for us, who can be against us? You are forever changed and transformed through God’s hands. Love you.
Me- yeah I’m expecting all the things. Mourning and rejoicing all at once. I’m a new creation in an old habitat. But I’m ready to listen to the Lord and keep chasing Him as hard as I have been this year. I’m ready to be home!! But definitely still want to be active and working. Love you Mom and Dad! See you SO SOON!!!!
