Last month we had a week called Parent Vision Trip where parents had the opportunity to come to Thailand and spend a week doing ministry with us.
My parents were unable to come, but I still wanted them to have the opportunity to share a little about their experience since I have been gone.
Thoughts from my Dad:
Since Averi was about 13, we knew that the Lord touched her heart with a desire to go into the mission field. When the idea of The World Race came about, we knew it was a done deal. Throughout the whole fundraising process, we never doubted God’s goodness.
Since our last goodbyes in Atlanta up until today, I have not had a single worry about Averi and her team. I have missed Averi every one of those days, but have known that God is in control and is watching out for this wonderful group of young adults. I have kept a daily log of my feelings and little snippets of things going on in our lives back home in Stillwater, America. The times we have been able to FaceTime have been a blessing, along with the blogs and vlogs put out by the racers.
I am so thankful that the Lord has blessed Averi with this opportunity to spread the Gospel and the love of our Lord throughout the countries they have visited.
I have missed Averi daily, I can’t lie. I am so looking forward to her return back to us.
Thoughts from my Mom:
I have always told people that Averi belongs to God. As she was beginning this journey with and for the Lord, people would ask me if I was scared or worried and how I could let her go? My response has always stayed the same, “She belongs to the Lord and He said I am ready for you, and I am okay with that.” Of course, in the back of my mind I was thinking, “Am I ready for it?” Turns out, I was. From the beginning I have been at peace with her going. Never once have I doubted this was her time.
Because Averi and I have an extremely close relationship my family thought I would cry everyday, but because of this amazing peace I have been given I have not worried about her. I have cried a couple of times because I do miss her, but when I don’t hear from her for a few days I am not worried. I pray for her daily, knowing the Lord has her in His hands.
I am not one, unlike Averi, to walk up to people and start witnessing. Since she has been gone I have had the opportunity to do just that as more and more people have asked how she is. I have been able to tell them what she and her team have been doing, and discuss some of the stories of the people they have met and the opportunities they have had to witness to others. This has taken me out of my comfort zone and I am so happy for it.
Her life is changing and at the same time so is mine, and hopefully the lives of the people we have witnessed to as well.
Averi is an awesome young woman. She is the light of our lives and is now going out to be a light for the Lord. We love her with our whole hearts. I can’t wait to wrap my arms around her, but until then I know the Lord has his arms wrapped around her!
