-Hey everyone! This is Amber, and I have something very special for you. This is a guest blog from my mom, this woman has so much words of wisdom and I love her so much! So without any further ado, I’ll turn it over to her!
“Hey Mom and Dad, I’ve decided to go on the World Race!” It was a little over a year ago I heard those words. I knew what the World Race was because a close friend had been on the 11n11 (11 countries, 11 months). But we have to rewind a little further before we unpack that. FYI if your kid says those words to you, you’ll need to take time to process. It’s a lot.
Amber always dreamed big. She always had that one item on her Christmas list that was near impossible to find. n item so unique that they weren’t common and more than likely I never heard of it. (This was before I had prime ya’ll). She always expressed herself in creative unique ways. The world would try to cram her in a box. She always colored outside of the box. Beautifully, I might add.
I always knew God was going to do amazing things through Amber. She is the reason our family are crazy Jesus freaks. That’s a whole other story, but know this, God used Amber to save our family. He’s always used her in big ways but she didn’t always see it.
She had been on short term missions before, but this was much bigger. When I heard she decided to go, I wasn’t surprised really. Looking back I know God was lining it all up. Perfectly.
Things that go through your mind when you hear the words: ‘You have to raise how much? Whoa, what countries?’ If you’re like me, you make an organized list of what needs done, fundraising ideas, and all the things you need to say before your racer leaves. (Enneagram Type One representing!)
So we rolled up our sleeves and began fundraising. Amber is so creative. She sold artwork, photos, crochet items, bracelets and other creative items. It was amazing watching her create and fund raise using the unique skills Gad has given her. Fun fact: Amber’s senior project was to crochet items for patients at the cancer center so they could be warm. She is amazing.
Before Amber left on the Race (I can’t believe it’s been 4 months already) she played the violin on the worship team at church. Shortly before she told us she world be going on the Race, as I watched her worship, I felt God tell me she is ready to fly. My heart jumped with excitement for her. She is now flying around the world serving, learning and growing.
Be warned, goodbyes are way harder than you can ever prepare yourself for. I was excited for her adventure and I knew God would provide and protect. It hurt to say goodbye, but in my heart I knew she was ready.
I’m so excited for each call, text message, video chat and random pictures I find stalking social media. (Don’t judge, it’s a WR mom thing) I have been overwhelmed with her team and squad’s unconditional love of her. I see her growing in freedom. Freedom that comes because she’s realizing God created her beautifully unique to show the world how to color outside the box.
