*Read all the way to the end to see photos from our Parent Vision Trip week!*
The Beginning
When our daughter, Sharon received acceptance for the World Race, there was much excitement, happiness and of course anticipation as to what to expect. On our part as parents, we were wondering about the challenges and the what if’s… There was funding she had to raise, much preparation was required but she was ready to do it full speed ahead!
Sharon had been a runner for many years. In fact, she loved to run marathons and ran many, but entering into the World Race of AIM to become a racer to travel to 11 countries in 11 months?? WOW! We knew within ourselves that she would love every moment of the hard work and challenging moments that she would face! Our daughter is a compassionate young woman who always has a heart for others. We knew she would love it. It was a wonderful opportunity for her to fulfill her purpose. We were so proud of her and we were excited to see how this would turn out.
Her launch began in October 2018 and would end in August 2019. A total of 11 months she would “run” to many countries sharing the good News of Jesus, to bring comfort, hope and peace through the Word of truth and through serving others.
The Opportunity
I have come to realize that Adventures in Missions is one of the best organizations in training and preparing those who are will become Racers. They not only train the Racers but also train and inform parents as to what to expect. And this is where the opportunity begins. Parents are told that they may have the opportunity to be with their Racers for about a week wherever their Racers were sometime in the 7th month. As a parent, I would have the wonderful pleasure to minister alongside with my Racer, if she invited me. I’d be able to do ministry together, as well as do life together.
When I received an official invitation from our daughter, I was absolutely ecstatic. I didn’t realize fully at the time that I too was about to enter into my own journey. God had something in store for me as well!
My Reaction
Preparation for the trip began immediately. I began to check things off of the checklist that was sent to us…airline tickets to reserve, 2 books were recommended for PVT which we began to read. What a blessing and encouragement these books were: The Art of Listening Prayer and Kingdom Journeys. Both books helped us to prepare our hearts for missions and discipleship. There was much to do. The more I prepared for the trip, the more excited I became. I couldn’t wait to wrap my arms around our daughter. I couldn’t wait to have one of those great conversations with her, which we always had in the past. I would get to see her in a new environment she passionately loved.
When we arrived in Managua, Nicaragua we were met by a team at the airport who would take us to a hotel where we would stay overnight. What a pleasure it was to meet up with parents (some of who we met at Launch in October) at the airport. Being at a hotel prior to going to Granada gave us a flavor of what this country was all about. Excitement was in the air. It was near that time in which we would finally be reunited with our Racers face to face!
I don’t think I slept much because of the anticipation of seeing our daughter! When we took our luggage to be placed on the van I couldn’t wait to get there. The arrival to REAP Granada is an experience I will never forget! There were Racers all over greeting us!! When our daughter came to us, I think I almost crushed her with my hugs. We had arrived. Now we would begin to experience some of the things Racers experienced.
My Experience
When Sharon led me to the place where I’d be for the next 5 days I was so excited! My bed was decorated with balloons, notes, snacks and poster welcoming me to this place!
All parents stayed in facilities which were gender specific. I loved it because it meant that I would get the opportunity to get to know other mothers.
I immediately observed the community in which my daughter lived. The Racers were intentional and purposeful in living out and being more like Christ. There was encouragement and love among each other. It was a place of fellowship.
I also felt that being at the mission had become my personal journey and I was entering into a place out of my comfort zone. I saw in my daughter a glow I had never seen before in her. She had grown and matured in the Lord and the joy of the Lord was being reflected through her. I saw her love, her gentleness toward everyone. Oh my, what a blessing! She was taking the lead in the ministry she’d be doing and I was happy to follow and experience it with her.
The ministries we experienced with our Racer were life changing. One of the ministries we went to was to a dump. Sharon prepared us a little as to what we would encounter. Many people lived in this dump…young and old; men and women. There was garbage all over. Sharon would be speaking words of life, hope and encouragement to those who lived there. It was beautiful and so emotional for me to see our daughter speaking with love and gentleness; speaking words of comfort and hope to the people around her.
Every single one of them had their eyes fixed on her as they listened to her tell a story about a woman who had suffered for many years and was healed by Jesus. (St. Mark 5). She also shared her story as to how the Lord does care for them too. As she ministered to everyone, I did tear up because of the transformation I saw in our daughter right before our eyes! She literally lives out Philippians 4:13. How proud and humbled we were.
Another ministry we participated in was prayer walks. Again, our daughter boldly was able to reach out to folks in these extremely poor communities and pray with each one through translators. I know and feel that lives were touched and the impact of hope will stay within the hearts of these people for a very long time.
I have come to realize that when we are taken out of our comfort zone, we will grow, mature and accomplish so much. Although this was a 7-day mission trip for us, I can truthfully say this journey stretched me and I am so thankful to the Lord.
Daily worship was like no other being led by the Racers. Each service was AMAZING! The songs of worship, the sharing of the stories, scriptures were so inspirational, uplifting and reassuring. The Holy Spirit was present in each worship service! I was blessed to see all of the Racers ready to be used by the Lord and they were.
Toward the end of the week we all had the opportunity to see more of Granada. Everyone went on an excursion to a volcano and a lake. Looking at the breath-taking pictures I took all I can say is like the song writer who wrote lyrics about God’s handiwork…How Great Thou Art!
Our Daughter
We have been hearing so much about Sharon through parents and Racers. The love of Jesus being displayed through her so others can feel it… is marvelous. The impact she is making on the lives of others within each country since being in the World Race is wonderful.
On Saturday, it was a very special time of blessing our Racer. We wrote our blessing ahead of time to read to her. I eagerly looked forward to this moment. But when we found out that our Racer would participate in foot washing our feet and we hers, what a blessing. Oh my, what an incredible night! Loving and sharing and thanking our Lord was so beautiful. I cried and cried tears of joy as I was able to hug our daughter and shared the many memories I recollected; and the three of us, my husband, Sharon and I prayed together.
Conclusion
REAP Granada (Restore, Educate, Activate, and Perpetuate), is truly a haven for those who work there, volunteer and worship there. Scott and Jennifer are true examples of what it is to be true Disciples of Christ through their lives of love toward others…..”By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.”
There is so much more I’d like to share, it would go on and on! In concluding, I’d like to end by encouraging all parents (if they are able) to attend…do go. It will be the greatest experience of your life.
This time was a time for us to reconnect with our daughter. Our conversations were full of joy, with lots of laughter, sharing and catching up. I am thrilled to see what God is doing in Sharon’s life and the journey she is on! Through this visit, the Lord is showing to me a new journey to prayerfully pursue as a result of this trip! WOW!
We are so grateful to the team surrounding the Racers through mentoring, training and counseling. Thanks from the bottom of our hearts to AIM/The World Race for the Parent Vision Trip! Thank you Scott, Jenn, David, Sarah and Tom!
Our dearest Sharon, continue to keep up the good work! We love you, and so proud of you. Continuing in prayer for you and the Racers!
The best is yet to come!!
Love,
Mom
Our whole squad and our parents visited an active volcano for adventure day!
We fixed chairs and added support beams as a family!
We visited the dump where people work for less than 2 dollars a day picking through to find recyclables. We brought food to serve. For some of them it will be their only good meal for the day.
