Dear Mom,
I woke up this morning ready for a day of rest, however “rest” looks these days. I pulled out my Bible and journal, at least 2 weeks behind on updates, processing and quiet time. As I prayed, I felt the Lord calling me to join Him in giving thanks. For what? For you.
Month seven began and the days drew near when I knew you’d be coming to visit and join me in ministry for a week in Ecuador. Apart from those given details I didn’t know what else to expect. I hadn’t seen you since you moved in November, a little over 8 months ago. I know I shared with you my nerves of “two worlds colliding.” One world of life, pre-World Race. A life & lifestyle I haven’t experienced in 7 months. The other world, one of 24/7 community, Jesus, worship, long days of ministry, few hours of sleep and sweet moments of vulnerability, healing and prayer. This is the world I never want to leave. But it is also a world I wanted, and more importantly, the Lord wanted you to experience.
As we made our way to the bus terminal where all the parents were waiting I remember most of my teammates locking eyes on their parents and running the rest of the way into their arms. You, on the other hand, locked eyes on me and ran to meet me. I was caught off guard as a lump in my throat developed and tears came to my eyes. I hadn’t expected tears.
You pursued me the rest of the week, even amidst some of my irritability spurned by late nights and lack of caffeine. You showed me such grace every day, knowing when I needed coffee, food or just time to play my guitar alone. It’s a grace you’ve shown me all my life that until now, I didn’t recognize the depth and beauty of it. A grace that comes from the Father’s heart alone.
I thank my Father because waist-deep within the race, month 7, when I was tired, weary, frustrated, ready to be done with routine, He answered my prayers for joy, energy, excitement and memories with you. The week you came to visit was a week of rest in a way that only the Lord knew I needed; it was a rest that only a mother could help foster.
My heart leapt with joy and delight to see you experience our times of worship, arms extended, voices praising and prayers lifted high. The community life: 40+ people crammed in a room for a meal and the only place for us to sit? The hallway. You never once complained. Rather the optimism I inherited from you came forth day after day. Three racers and our parents, “The Northern Lights” sitting joyfully on the hallway floor in community, with gratitude and experiencing life in the way God always intended.
You never once questioned what we did. Treasure hunting? You brought your bow & arrows ready to see where our Father would show up. Faithfully, as always, He did. You joined in like a natural at home, praying like a warrior and speaking life into our team. You blessed me in ways only a mom can: splurging for a dairy-free ice cream cone, sharing a glass of wine on the terrace, hopping the Equator with me… Even bringing sweet treats from home: vitamins (lots of vitamins), oils, socks and an abundance of my favorite candy. Thank you.
It gives me more hope and encouragement to know that when I return to US soil I won’t be alone in this experience, that you too have seen (even in such a short time) how God speaks to me, to this squad and to the nations. You’ve touched hearts and in turn, have been touched and changed as well. The community life you experienced, it’s legit and my biggest prayer is that the Lord blesses you with this back home. I pray you continue to seek His voice through listening prayer, whether He gives you a word, a scripture, a vision or a song. Sing it out.
My heart is glad and content. Before you came, I waited and anticipated my mother to join me in the mission field for a week. But when you left, I didn’t see my mother any more. Instead, I saw a fellow sister-in-Christ. A daughter adored by our Father in heaven who is pursuing you so intimately. You’ll always be my mom, but even more deeply and truly, my sister-in-Christ who I leap with gratitude and joy to see growing in the faith and her walk with Christ.
I love you something fierce,
Allison
M-squad Parent Vision Trip: Quito, Ecuador
