Dear Mom, Dad, and Bubby,
With training camp fast approaching I am hit with the stark realization of what I have been called to do. The World Race is going to be an 11 month growing period where I have to leave behind life as I know it in order the share the love of our Father with his children in 11 countries.
I know without a doubt in my mind this is what God has called me too, however, I am now facing the reality that I will be leaving you for almost a whole year. I know that we will still be able to talk to each other, but it’s not quite the same as getting to come home everyday to a hug from each of you.
Although we still have a few months together before I launch, God told me that I need to share my heart with you now. So here it goes..
Mom
You are the most beautiful woman I know. You are my best friend and the most amazing mom a girl could ask for. You have such a sweet spirit and a caring heart.
I am eternally grateful that God has put us together. You have helped me grow in so many ways and your never ending support means the world to me.
God has put such a bright light in you and I cannot wait to see how he uses you in these next few months. I know he has a HUGE plan for you. I encourage you to keep pressing in and stay focused on God.
Mom, your strength inspires me. I have seen you in trials and I have seen you in joy but your love never wavers. Thank you for being obedient, kind, caring, loving, always hopeful, and a true woman of God.
I love you a great deal and I cherish the many hugs you have been giving me. Keep shining mom.
Dad
Though we have not always had the closest relationship, I am incredibly grateful for where we are now. Thank you for opening your heart to me so that I can see you more clearly.
Dad, how you love simply astounds me. You have such a tender and sweet heart. Your carefully chosen compliments show the depth of your soul.
Thank you for teaching me how to fish, for always supporting me, for your encouragement, and for helping me grow. I would not be the woman I am today without you.
You are patient, calculated, kind, persistent, and simply the best dad I could have asked for. I am beyond grateful to have you in my life and for our relationship. You have stuck by me and held me in my trails and you have celebrated my successes with me.
I love you so much dad, thank you for being a worthy adversary in dominoes and the best hands and feet partner I could ask for.
Bubby
You are such an adorable goofball and the best little (but not so little) brother around. You have the best jokes and the most amazing beard I have ever seen on a 15 year old (seriously I don’t know how you do it).
I have had the great pleasure of watching you grow. I am incredibly proud of the man you are becoming. You are respectful, compassionate, loving, and kind. You are a hard worker and can accomplish anything you put your mind to.
You’re a star on basically any instrument you pick up and I am in awe of your voice. Q, I want to encourage you to follow your passions and where the Lord leads you. You are an amazing young man and I know that God has such wonderful plans for you.
Keep up the good work Bubby, I love you so much and I will miss our jam sessions greatly so we better have a bunch now!
My dear family, I have been blessed beyond measure to have you in my life. You are all gifts from God and I am so thankful for your constant support. Although unconventional at times, y’all are the best family I could have ever hoped for.
I look forward to seeing how God is going to grow and use you in this next year. Keep pressing in, loving, and shining.
With all of my love,
Chels
