The following day I had to leave for parent week. I was so excited and so sad all at the same time. I get to see my parents but I have to say bye to this family… to Patience. That morning Patience knew I was leaving. She never left my side. She kept a smile on her face but would occasionally run to her room for a break. I got to say bye to the mom at her office. She had thanked me for always being available for Patience. She knew how much she cared for me and I for her. Patience sat on my lap in the car. Hung onto me while avoiding her dad saying ‘it’s time to go.’ She made me record her saying the Lord’s Prayer before she left.
That night I was going to see my parents for the first time, face to face, in 8 months. All the Racers waiting (K & L Squad) prayed over us and our parents before they came. I tried to journal my thoughts but couldn’t seem to sit still. When the vans started pulling up around midnight, my heart became full of joy. I will be honest; I was scared that I wouldn’t recognize them. When I saw my mom, I may or may not have galloped and squealed. Dad was letting the other parents off first so I saw him a couple seconds later. It was soo good to see them again. We stayed up and talked for a couple of hours before passing out.
When I woke up, I reverted back to being a child. I didn’t want to talk because I had labeled them as parents again. I knew we needed to talk about a few things but found myself not wanting to. Midway, K Squad created accountability partners to make sure we were growing still. The next day my mom brought up stuff so I didn’t back away. An hour or so following that, my dad brought up other stuff. It was nice to get things out in the open. To let them know where I was on certain issues.
The last night of parent week, the worst storm in centuries came. We woke up to mudslides and found out that three kids we played with during the week had died. I avoided thinking about the kids so I thought it didn’t affect me. Since we couldn’t go to any ministry site we split into three new groups. My family went to dig mud out of a house and yard. It really helped my spirit because I have physically been able to help anyone on the race and that’s what I love doing. I met a boy named David. He was nine years old. Wants to be a pilot. And is an only child since his older brother died. I hugged him before we left for the house for lunch. Halfway down the hill, I ran into him again. He took my hand as we walked. He plays soccer and is a keeper. During some silence, he looked up at me and asked “Can you take me to America?” My heart sank as I wanted to say ‘yes.’ I mean that is what I am going to be doing. Taking in street kids.
Once I was back with the squad at debrief when all these things started to hit me like a brick wall. I was talking with Emily when suddenly she asked me a question. All the sudden, I say “Oh, no. Something is coming out of my eyes.”
The next morning I hid in my room away from everyone. I journaled it all down. I was feeling good. No more crying. I went to eat lunch and read ‘Love Beyond Measure’ when Tommy decided to sit down. He made me start to process everything that has happened. Asked me questions. I cried more but am learning to be okay with it.
I thank God that I had Debrief following right after parent week.
I LOVE YOU MOM AND DAD!
