So this first little is Emry. Let me tell you what PVT is. It stands for Parent Vision Trip. This trip allows parents to come and visit their racer on the field and see how life on the race works. Im doing a two part blog on PVT my mom’s perspective of PVT is the first one and mine is the second!!! Enjoy!!!!
Ron and I head to Guatemala for PVT aka Parent Vision Trip for any “non Racers” out there
This trip was so fun for us. Ron and I went a few days early to sight see and enjoy the Country of Guatemala ????. We were here EXACTLY 10 years ago to the week picking up Hall as an 18 month old. So, I had been to Guatemala before, but I didn’t remember much of the country. I was focused on my new little guy back then, so it was such a fun chance to see the country he was born in. His roots. We weren’t allowed to take him on this trip but we definitely plan on it in the future – this was somewhat of a scouting trip.
It was so fun to finally see Em and hug her neck. There were definitely some tears. During the week we had a half day of ministry each day and then half the day to play and sightsee. I really enjoyed both.
Honestly, Coming into this trip, i wasn’t super excited about the “mission trip” part…..that sounds so hard and cynical….but our life is ministry. I went into this trip feeling like I just needed a break and a chance to get away. But God allowed a chance to relax and be refreshed by coming early…it was just a few days but it was enough that I was ready to serve by the time he PVT rolled around.
It had been six months since I had seen Emry.
But, even more than that…six months, 3 countries, and serving in at least 4 different ministries.
Wow. She has grown….in ways I can’t even put into words. Spiritually, in maturity, emotionally, socially….what a joy and a treat to get to serve alongside her.
We had the chance to spend LOTS of time together both playing and serving.
We went to the only government funded senior home in Guatemala. It is interesting to walk into a room of people you don’t know – but add the language barrier to that. I know VERY FEW Spanish words….but what I do know is that most people in that room do not have much family – or family available to come visit…..therefore, a smile and a squeeze of the hand speaks for itself. It was stretching but i love love loved it. “Hola! Como te amo?”…..and then a giggle because most of the time I could not understand their name. Or, I would understand the first name but not the 5
That followed. After roaming and chatting with people, we all walked to the little park a few blocks down with a senior friend. It was a beautiful day and a beautiful experience with my daughter…watching her hold the hand of a 90year old friend and walk through the park. (And Ron….he is always a favorite in any of these situations….you never know what he will do)
We also had a chance to serve at a hospital for cerebral palsy patients. This was hard for me and definitely not my skill set. But, the same as yesterday – a smile and touch speak wonders. We also rolled their wheelchairs and read books to them. (In Spanish
who knows what stories I actually told). Ron would zig zag in and out of everyone on the wheelchair fast track. The kids giggled and smiled. These patients also live in the facility year round because their families can not care for them. It was a heart wrenching day.
Ron’s favorite day was our last day of ministry. Our new friend Luis is starting a new church just down the road from where we were staying. Each week he does “home visits”…. they loaded our team of 6 people up with a translator, a local 15 year old girl to lead the way and a bag of food to gift the
Families. I was a little nervous. Ha ha….maybe because in our world someone walking to your door and knocking is cause to run and hide. or posted on the neighborhood Facebook page so that others are aware. But….wow. What an experience. We went into 3 homes. Each time we were welcomed and invited. Cherished visitors. One home had multiple families inside. About 6 young boys under the age of 6 ran to get a bench for us to sit on. They were so excited. It was an inside look into their home. Dirt floors. Plastic or sheeted walls. Clothes drying on lines. Surrounded by Friends and cousins. Smiles. Questions. A readiness to share and answer our questions. And always they welcomed a chance to be prayed for. If you know me well – you know that I cry when I pray. (It’s just inevitable). I will always have this memory of praying, via translator, for this house full of 15 children across several families. (The boys who carried in the bench) Praying that these boys would know Jesus intimately, that He would protect them, that they would SEEK him with all their heart. Oh my goodness. Overwhelming. But so incredibly beautiful.
All I could think of was that Hall would have grown up in a house much like that one. I don’t know what his reaction would have been if he could have been there. I am sure his little American entitled brain can’t even begin to comprehend…because mine barely can.
Well….my plane is beginning it’s descent. My feet will soon be on US soil in the great state of Texas.
It was an amazing trip unlike any other. I so enjoyed the country of Guatemala that is so close to my heart and special to our family….combine that with a chance to see our Em. (Skim, skimmy, shimmy….or whatever nickname her friends choose in the moment). The chance to see her along with her teammates, her family on the race. Girls who walk alongside her, love her, encourage her, serve with her….and also offer contrustructive feedback…it was amazing.
I am pretty amazed by her. Choosing to serve. Choosing to be stretched. Putting herself in challenging situations. Leading others.
Wow. Incredible.
It was definitely a once in a lifetime trip…a chance to come alongside my daughter and serve with her in the beautiful country of Guatemala. We are already dreaming of when we can go back.
Love you Em. Thanks for letting me buy you ice cream in the park and earrings on top of a Volcano. You are beautiful inside and out. I am so proud of the way you lead while we were there. Continue to let God stretch you, teach you and grow you as you head to Ethiopia. ???? What you are learning are things that will impact you and change who
you are. Life
experiences that shape your heart for others and for Jesus.
You are in the right spot. Your sweet spot. Dig in to the culture. Your friends. Your team. Your Jesus.
So proud of you. Love you more than you can imagine.
