For the 2.5 years between college and the Race I taught in our kids program at church. Year one I spent my Wednesday nights hanging out with first graders, and they were crazy. Year 2 and half of year 3 I spent teaching missions to 2-5 graders.
These are the kids that I really really know well. However there are so many more children in my church, and they are amazing. Before I left I had the chance to stand before them and tell them about my trip.
As I stood in front of them I saw a generation that has the potential to change the world for Christ. To bring so much glory to his name in our city, state, country, and around the world. They are a talented, driven, loving, passionate, and incredible group of children and it is an absolute pleasure to be their teacher.
Over the last 7 months I have heard time and time again from their parents that they are praying for me every day by name. These kids have stood beside me in prayer every day for more than the last 7 months because I know for a fact they were praying for me before I left. It is such an encouragement to me to know that they are praying for me and I wanted to send out a little something to them.
So here is my letter to my kiddos.
Hey guys,
I miss you all so much. I have spent a lot of time over the last 7 months thinking about you and I talk about you as “my kids” and show your pictures to my team when I see them on Facebook.I brag on you a lot and tell all the funny stories I have about each of you.
I learned a lot from being your teacher. I learned that even if I am not the best at teaching, as long as you know I love you deeply I am doing a good job. I’ve had to do a lot of teaching so far this year, and I’m still not that good at it, but because of you I know I am good at showing love to people.
I also learned from you that living out my faith as an example is the best teaching I can ever do, and that is what I remember most.
When this trip gets hard and I don’t want to do it anymore and all I want is to hug my parents and them to tell me everything is going to be alright. When I dislocate my collarbone and I just want a doctor I really trust. Or when God shows me things that he wants to work on in my heart and it hurts.
In those moments I think of you guys and my 4 nieces. I think of the look on your faces when I told you about the World Race. I think about how you all are learning about sacrifice and missions through me. I think about the example of choosing Jesus that I am setting before you, and it makes all the hard moments a little bit easier.
In the last few weeks I have heard several stories about you guys. About how you are praying for me by name each day. About how you know where I am in the world. That you get mad at your parents when they forget to mention me in their prayers.
And I want to say thank you. Thank you for reminding me again and again that this journey isn’t just about me. God is so so big and he is working through me in your lives, and through you in my life. Your faithful prayers remind me so much of our heavenly father.
The Bible says that he will never leave us or forsake us. (Deuteronomy 31:6). Even though I have left you, you have not left me or forsaken me. You have stood beside me so faithfully these last 7 months, and I am so grateful.
The people in the Philippines, Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam, Malawi, Zambia, and Zimbabwe are grateful too, because without you guys I wouldn’t be the same Audrey that I am today.
So know when my days are hard, you are who I remember. In the hardest moments its your faces that have pushed me to dive into another day of ministry. It’s knowing that you are all watching me and cheering me on that makes doing this a little more sweet.
I cherish every moment that I get to spend here on the field, but I will cherish every hug and moment I get to spend with you just as much.
I miss you so much HWC Kids and I love you even more.
Ms. Audrey
