I want to take a moment to talk about an unsung hero on this trip. Not only on this trip, but in my life.
As far back as I can remember, I have had a number one fan. She’s always backed me and believed in me, many times when I did not believe in myself. She never doubted and never told me I wasn’t capable of something. She’s gotten used to my crazy antics over the years. From watching me skydive on my 18th birthday to me telling her I was going to Central America to work on an organic farm. She is often the quiet presence on the side of the room, but she is always there. I really believe at this point anything I told her I decided to do would not surprise her. People keep asking what my mom thinks of me doing the World Race and I say, “She supports me.” Honestly I think there is some relief that I am doing a mission trip this time around.
I never knew it was abnormal for a mom to be supportive. I didn’t know there were other types of parents and I took her for granted as I grew up.
People continuously ask my mom, “Aren’t you scared?” She replies, “Well, there are things I worry about, but she knows in her heart this is what she needs to be doing.” People sometimes tell her to stop me from going; to this she replies, “She’s grown.” I hope she trusts that she raised me right and that I have a good head on my shoulders.
My mom is a soft-spoken, patient, even-keeled person. Sometimes I am not sure what she is thinking. Then we’ll go somewhere and she tells strangers what I am doing, what I have done, and random facts no stranger needs to know (an embarrassing story from when you were two). It is in those moments that I can see, she is proud of me. She is beyond proud.
I’m thankful that I have a mom that never doubted, that supported me through all the messes. My mom loved me even when she did not like my decisions. She always stood by me and never turned her back. I couldn’t ask for anyone better to be in my corner.
