This was written by my mom, Karen, about what it is like to be a World Race mom. Enjoy!
There are moments in our children’s lives that we never forget. One of those moments for me, is when Amanda first told me about The World Race. Amanda’s senior year of college was underway and I knew she would soon be making plans for her future. She started with, “Mom, I want you to pray about something I feel like I’m supposed to do. I’m not asking you to pay for it. I need to know I have your support.” I felt a peace come over me. There was no panic, even when she told me how much it was going to cost. I told her that if God wanted her to go, He would provide because her Dad and I certainly couldn’t pay for it.
The months flew by. We had a garage sale to earn money for her. It was a lot of work, but a great family time. We had a dessert night also. Financial deadlines came. God provided. When it looked like she wouldn’t have enough funds to leave with her squad, God provided again.
All too soon, it was September and we were traveling to Atlanta for Launch. For days, I had been asking God to give me the courage of Hannah as she took Samuel to the temple and left him there. I am so glad that we went to Launch. Adventures in Missions is a great organization. We felt so much better after being there and hearing their heart for the young adults they take to share the gospel to the world. And they do a great job of letting you know what to expect. Getting to meet the other parents is such a treat. And we were able to meet many of the members of U Squad.
I was not someone up on the latest technology. But before Launch, I upgraded to a smart phone. Amanda walked me through an introduction to Facebook, Instagram and Viber and set them up on my phone. As a World Race parent, you become so grateful for technology! And the Parent Facebook page is a great source of information and encouragement.
And then Amanda was gone. There were moments of tears, but I knew she was doing what God wanted her to do. The holidays were hard. We tried to do things differently. Some friends invited us to their house for Thanksgiving dinner which was easier than being at home. For Christmas, we changed up our menu and had seafood gumbo. Yes, we live in Louisiana, so we could do that for Christmas.
There were nights that I would wake up and couldn’t go back to sleep. I would get up and check to see if anyone on her team had posted a new blog or pictures on Instagram. The time difference is a challenge. Many times when Amanda had internet, we were at work. But once again, God was faithful. One day, on my break, I sent her a Viber picture of some of our fall flowers. I knew it was late at night there. She responded right away, “Pretty.” I asked Amanda what she was doing up. She said “Crying.” Things had been hard. We were able to make a quick Skype phone call, and I was able to encourage her.
There are difficult days on the Race. As parents, we can pray for our children and encourage them. I like to tell Amanda that I’m her number one fan! Our children need to know that we support them.
Another time, I woke up and went to the kitchen for a drink of water. My phone was flashing and I saw that she had sent me a picture. I commented about it. She answered right back and had some health questions she needed to ask. I was able to talk to her for few minutes and make some suggestions.
Amanda got food poisoning at one point. But God was faithful again. They happened to be staying with a missionary couple, and there was a substitute mom to take care of her. I was so grateful!
I have found that my view of the world has changed. I really didn’t have much understanding of what life was like for people in other countries. I learned that clothes dryers are rare. I was surprised to hear that there were thrift stores in other countries, which was a great blessing since their route changed a lot and Amanda ended up needing some warmer clothes. And there are dollar stores in other countries too! On a Racer’s budget, that is a great find.
There have also been things Amanda has seen that as a parent, I would love to protect her from, but this is the world we live in. People sell their children into a life of slavery. Amanda will have much to process when she returns home, but I know that God will again be faithful to help her with that.
We are now in month 10. She is in Swaziland and doesn’t have internet. We have heard very little from her, and learned recently that month 11, in South Africa, will probably be a time of little internet for her team again. I have missed our Skype sessions!
We are counting the days until Amanda is home again. The World Race is a journey, for our Racers, and for us as parents. I am thankful that God walks with us each step of the way.
