When I signed up for the Race my biggest worry was being homesick. It was a fear that made me want to somewhat hide in a corner and not leave. As you can probably tell though, I was forced to crawl out of that hole, get on a plane, and say bye to my family. While it was difficult, it was the best thing I could have done. Looking back, God knew what He was doing throughout my constant uncertainties.
This past week was PVT (Parent Vision Trip). After seven months of spotty FaceTime calls and the occasional text, my parents flew down to Quito to spend six days living my life. I’ve missed them more that I can explain and this week has been something to look forward to since saying bye in September. Preparing for this week was not as I originally expected though. It consisted of so many prayers and all over the place conversations with my squad mates. To be upfront, I was excited but also a bit nervous. After seven months of living a new life far away from any signs of home, I was well aware I had changed and I didn’t know what to expect. But the moment eventually came for me to see them and a mix of heavy tears and laughter ensued on my part as my parents stepped off the bus and hugged me. My two worlds collided in a way that only made sense because of Jesus.
PVT consisted of so much. We were allotted off time that enabled us to hike, explore, eat new food, and have the sweetest of conversations. There was so much catching up to that it seemed as if every moment was filled to the brim with something. While I enjoyed these times of being treated and adventuring with my original adventuring pals, my favorite moments were not those walking around waterfalls or marveling at the Equator. My favorite moments were those spent in ministry as I watched my parents step out into something new. I laughed as they acted out the Christmas story for children and smiled as they danced with the ladies of an elderly home. I felt incredibly at home as we sat there gardening and pulling weeds in the park, sitting in awe at how all those years of yard work were paying off in a random Ecuadorian park ministry. I will forever cherish the morning spent with my normal ministry. I laughed and sat with wide eyes as my dad made this eight year old boy with special needs laugh harder than I have ever seen. I felt my heart soften as I watched my mom hug every little one that came her way. I was able to share my day to day life with the people who inspired me to be here. All of this was so special and humbling. To stand side by side with my parents to simply serve and love people was a powerful thing. Jesus showed up and barriers were broken down all for the sake of the Lord’s love.
In short, PVT was one exhausting week that filled my heart up with what it needed. I am lucky to have the parents I do. They lead by example and didn’t shy away from the hard things. They even put up with things like sleeping on half broken beds, eating bread for every meal, and walking ten million miles a day with such grace. It was a breath of fresh air to share this life (even the rough stuff) with them.
So as a conclusion – a huge shoutout to the parents behind this blog. Brenda and Glenn, you are the biggest blessing and my best friends. I wouldn’t be anywhere close to here without you. I will forever be grateful for my rock loving, book seeking, humorous parents. Never ever.
Xoxo,
Emily
