I’ve been tossing ideas around in my head about how to wrap up this month in South Africa in one blog. I’ve struggled to come up with a cohesive description of all the ministries and revelations that I’ve received from the Lord. He has put something else on my heart that I’d much rather talk about.
So, here is a quick description about what I did before I get to the good stuff. My team and I were blessed to run a holiday club for the kids at Hope School and in Lesotho. I tutored 5th graders in math and English for the last two weeks, as well as running Youth, Kidzone, Sunday school, and doing prostitute outreach ministry with First City Baptist Church. The whole experience was truly a blessing, and I definitely experienced the hands of the Lord at work.
One of the abilities I have seen God begin to bring out in me over this last month is my ability to see the truth in people’s identities. It’s so easy for me to see the truth in the people of my team and my squad. It’s easiest to see the truth in people you don’t know as well. It’s easy for me to see the truth in Christian, my wonderful boyfriend. I know his heart. I know who he is. But it’s harder to see the truth in the people you’ve known the longest, especially the people who have helped to shape you into who you are.
This blog is going to be a little different. I’m going to take some time to honor two of the most important people in my life who have been there, loving me from the start. My encouragers. My supporters. My parents.
Mom, growing up with me was hard sometimes, I know. I was stubborn and self-centered. I thought I knew everything about anything. I was unwilling to compromise. We butted heads a lot when I was younger, but eventually we grew out of that. There was still some un-forgiveness in our relationship until recently. I’m glad we worked through that.
When I found God he showed me that a relationship between a mother and a daughter is something precious. I see you, Mom. I see you the way that God created you.
You are beautiful. You’re kind and nurturing. I’ve never seen someone care for her children as well as you do. Looking back on my life it’s so clear to me that your love language is acts of service. You did everything for me simply because you love me. You took care of me so well. You take care of everyone so well. Jesus selflessly went out of His way to help others. You are so much like Him.
Mom, you have a beautiful soul. You genuinely care for those around you, and I see how willing you are to help. You have joy in your heart. I truly enjoy spending time with you.
Being out here on the World Race has given me a true appreciation for the woman and mother that you are. God has given me eyes to see you the way He made you. I cannot wait to see what He does in your life as He begins drawing you in closer to Him. I love you.
Dad, growing up our conversation was easy. We think a lot alike, and I didn’t need a filter. You’ve always been there for me, making sure your job was flexible enough to be my coach and come to every activity. That meant the world to me.
I find it ironic our last name is Wise, because you are full of wisdom. You bring understanding to most all situations, and I never doubt your judgement. (Except in the size of fish you caught.) You have vision and the ability to see the big picture along with the little details, a gift I believe I was lucky to receive.
Dad, you have a genuine, selfless heart. I see you stepping in to help and doing it silently. You have a humility to be admired, and I see Jesus in you. Being away from home has shown me how lucky I am to have a dad like you. I love you.
When I say that I I want to be like both of you when I grow up, I can say it truthfully. I want to be like Christ, and I see Him in the two of you. Witnessing both of you growing in your faith brings so much joy to my heart. I cannot wait to see what His future holds for your lives and our relationship. I am so blessed to be able to call you my parents. I love both of you with all my heart, but the Lord loves you so much more.
For those of you that may not know Bob and LuAnn Wise, they are two of the best people I know. Please keep them in your prayers as the Lord comforts them and works in their hearts while I’m away.
I’m not sorry that my last blog for a month wasn’t talking about my race. Under every building there is a foundation. Jesus is mine, but my parents helped me build it. I owe them so much, and I’m truly thankful for all of their sacrifices they’ve made for me.
Next month I will be in Swaziland working up in the mountains at El Shaddai Children’s Home and unable to post the majority of the month. I will have updates for you when I get to wifi. Thanks for reading!
