These are my parents. They are wonderful, God loving, God
fearing people, and loving individuals who do whatever they can to help others
and to serve God to their fullest.
When Darryl and Linda see a need they jump on it to help in
whatever way they can even if it means giving oft their days, money, and
possessions.
An example of this love is when the tornado hit Missouri in
2011. They dropped everything, gathered all the furniture they could fit in
their box truck out of the flea market (furniture they had for sale), bought
tons of water and travelled to Missouri to give to these families that had lost
everything.
They did not have to think twice before dropping everything
and going. They didn’t go once but multiple times on a mission to serve these
people.
Other examples are when they have gone on mission trips to
Mexico and the Dominican Republic. They
also help people in our community who are less fortunate, helping to get them
food, clothing, shelter, medical need, whatever the need.
They went with me to Mexico and it was my first mission trip. I had such a passion for mission work and they continued taking me on these trips. They took me to the Dominican Republic with them three times to visit the children they support monthly.
These two people have always supported me in whatever God
has laid on my heart to do. After high school rather than going to college, I
felt led to go to Atlanta to do Masters Commission, a discipleship and missions
school. They were behind me despite the fears they had about the city. They
took me there, helped pay for my tuition, and came to visit me multiple times.
I felt their love when they would travel all the way to Atlanta come to visit
me. They even came to see me on my birthday and Valentine’s Day.
After Masters Commission, I chose to go to Kenya for another
school. Of course they were afraid to let me go once again, this time unable to
come visit me throughout the 8 months that I was there. They were still behind
me as I ventured out on this new mission.
Many things happened during my stay in Kenya where they
could have very easily and understandably told me to come home where it was
safe. They could have jumped on a plane and drug me home, but God gave them peace
to let me continue on what He had called me to do.
I came home from Kenya, not knowing what to do or where to
go from there. I had my own ideas and plans, but never had complete peace about
them. It must have been difficult for them to understand. “What is she doing? She
has all these ideas, but can’t stick with anything. Why is she not going to
college, starting her life, growing up and becoming independent?�
Finally, I knew what I was to do next; I was to apply to
come on the World Race. At that point I wasn’t sure if they took me seriously
because of all the other ideas I had going on. Once I was accepted and went to
training camp, it was for sure. I was about to go out and venture to 11 countries
in 11 months sharing the Gospel.
My parents could have stepped back denying help to me
because here I go again, but they stood behind me once again. They did
everything they could to help me fundraise for this by selling hot dogs, t-shirts,
having raffles at their store, and so much more. They got the word out to all
their friends, whoever they would come in contact with, and would share what their daughter was doing
seeking support for me. They would host yard sales, bake sales, and so many
other fundraisers. While I was working full time at my job, they would be
raising awareness and support for me on their end.
They are still doing this for me.
They are still working hard to keep me here on the race.
They are so dedicated to helping me.
I know I don’t tell them enough or always know how to show
them my love and appreciation but they keep giving.
Mom & Dad,
Thanks for everything. I don’t love you because you have
given me money and worked so hard for me my whole life. I love you for who you
are.
