PVT from a mother’s perspective

When my daughter, Jacie, asked if I would like to be featured in her blog, I thought SHE was going to write a blog about the time we spent together on the Parent Vision Trip. Then she told me I had to write the blog. Ok. Well……here goes.
Before Jacie left for The World Race, she had begun telling her dad and I about the PVT week and that she wanted us to try really hard to come. Easier said than done. We own a small business and don’t have anyone to take over while we are gone. After much prayer, we decided that my husband would stay here and hold down the fort, and I would go on the PVT trip to the Philippines.
Going to the PVT presented several difficulties for me. 1) Financial – but God was faithful and through our network of family/friends, He provided all that I needed. 2) Someone to fill in for me at work – Last summer God provided a wonderful woman who works part time for us and was able to fill in for me while I was gone. 3) Anxiety – I have struggled with anxiety my entire life. Traveling internationally…..alone…..and flying standby (thanks to some wonderful friends – this saved us quite a bit of money)……definitely got me outside of my comfort zone. But again……God was faithful. There were a few bumps in the road, but looking back, I can see God’s fingerprints going before me, making my way straight.
The ministry that we worked with in the Philippines was Wipe Every Tear. This is an amazing ministry to the many “bar girls” who are trapped working in bars in order to provide for their families. Most, if not all, do not want to be doing this, but feel it is the only choice they have. Through Wipe Every Tear, they are offered the chance to live in a nice home with other girls, free of charge……have medical and dental needs met…..free of charge…….have their education paid for and receive a weekly allowance to take care of their travel needs to and from school. By getting an education, they have the opportunity to provide for their families better and in a more dignified way. What an opportunity! Wipe Every Tear currently houses over 40 girls in 3 separate homes and are praying for another home to become available soon.
I enjoyed getting to meet the Racer family that is now my daughter’s 2nd family. What an amazing group of young men and women. I LOVE that my daughter has such wonderful friends! It makes being away from her much easier knowing they really watch out for one another.

I also enjoyed getting to meet the parents of the other Racers. Again, what an amazing group of men and women! I now have some wonderful new friends with whom I share some great memories!

A special blessing was that I was able to see and be with my daughter on her 23rd birthday! Yay! How cool is that?!!! It was a huge blessing to see how our daughter has matured in her walk with the Lord and what a wonderful young woman she has become. I am so thankful she is following the Lord and growing in her relationship with Him.

Although I am VERY glad to be back home (I’m truly a homebody at heart), I believe that God used this PVT to teach me some things about myself and about Him. I read a quote once (sorry, I don’t know where it came from) that said it is hard for your faith to grow unless you get outside your comfort zone. This is what I did, and this is what our Racers have done. And God has again proven Himself faithful as He always does.

Thanks for letting me share.

Shellie Zook (Jacie’s Mom)