This past month, my parents had an opportunity to join me for a week of ministry in Chincha, Peru for Parent Vision Trip. After not seeing them for nine months, it was awesome to hang out with them, hug them, and just catch up on life.
But more than anything, it was awesome to get a fresh perspective from them.
After traveling for so long, there are many aspects of the World Race that seem very normal to me. Rough living conditions, circumnavigating foreign cities, impromptu ministry plans, and having no plans at all are just a part of everyday life.
But to my parents, these things were new, fresh, exciting, and sometimes even frustrating. It made me realize that what I am doing is not normal, but every day is a new experience that God has given me to share his love in unconventional ways.
I could have written a blog about PVT and all of the experiences we shared, but I thought it would be fun to ask my parents to share what it was like from their perspective instead.
And so here is what my parents wrote about their time in Peru!
Dad:
I am so glad to have been a part of the World Race with you. Lima and Chincha Peru were very different than Georgia.
I have to say that I would never have thought that I would ever visit these places. I was often way out of my comfort zone. Lima was hot, dirty, noisy and more people than I am used to. You can’t flush your toilet paper, there is no air conditioning and no one speaks English. There are walls and bars around everything, and because of this I often did not feel safe.
So why am I glad I went?
I was part of a larger plan. I was given a gift to be able to be a small part of your world. We praised God every day and he used us to make an impact on the world through the ministry of the World Race. I saw hope and joy in the eyes of children who are receiving the love they deserve. God spoke to me and I shared my testimony with a group of parents who struggle with the world they are faced with. I prayed for Rosa, a woman who has problems with her children and her health. Though we did not speak the same language I let her know that God cares and she can receive healing. I will keep her in my prayers.
Mostly I enjoyed our time talking and seeing that you have grown into a young woman with a mind of your own. I’m so proud of you and look forward to your homecoming and seeing you continue your race here at home.
Love always , Dad
Mom:
Parent Vision Trip, Chincha, Peru 2016
I’ve seen lives changed by the love, listening and sharing of the word of God by Anna and her team.
I’ve seen families happy and thriving in the most impoverished place I’ve ever been. Living in homes barely reconstructed from the earthquake in 2007. With dirt floors, bars on their windows in fear of someone stealing what little they have, insufficient plumbing and poor infrastructure.
These people know nothing else, but their children are healthy, happy and well provided for. The community’s willingness to open their arms and hearts to Anna, her team and the parents who could join them is a true testimony to any thriving community. We only asked we be able to share our love and the teachings of God’s everlasting love.
Our hosts Robert and Becky Cooley opened their home and church, Casa de Fe to Anna and her team for month number 9 of The World Race. Their precise planning and the hard work of their congregation made their first PVT a success. I’d like to say, “Thank you and job well done!”
The racers were helpful in making the introductions of parents to parents to racers easier by talking to each other about us all. Many times I wondered exactly what Anna had told her friends! Ray and I were amazed by the diversity of this group of parents along with their commitment to their children and their love for God.
Even though Anna told us this was the most exhausting week they’ve had on the Race, it was worth every minute being able to share what she’s been doing while she’s been away from home.
“My testimony…of sorts”
Since the day Anna invited me on this mission trip I’ve learned to “step out of my comfort zone” by knowing that she and I were meant to share this special time together.
– I know this about Anna…she is a strong young woman, beautiful, open hearted, family loving and willful Christian. She and her father believe with all their hearts that God is good.
– I know this about myself…I am a strong woman, beautiful, open hearted, family loving, willful non-Christian and my family loves me just the way I am.
Even though some of you may or may not have figured this out, I’d like to thank everyone who participated in this year’s Peru PVT for helping me “step FURTHER out of my comfort zone” because you accepted me for who I am without knowing me first.
-Tara Norman (A.K.A. Anna’s Mom)
