I love my parents. They are some of my closest friends, dearest confidantes, and biggest supporters. They have literally been there from day one in my life and I am eternally grateful.
Of course, I naturally knew that I would invite both of my parents to the Parent Vision Trip (in Chiang Mai, Thailand) as soon as I found out about it. They told me later on that they wanted to go as soon as they heard about it at Launch (back in January). That made me very happy.
Then, the moment comes. I hadn’t seen them in almost 8 months. Their airport van pulls up and I am literally jumping up and down in sheer glee and joy. After hugs and kisses, we get ready for a very beautiful five days together. Our first day was difficult. We had some things concerning the future, post World Race to discuss. I cried from my own frustrations and anxieties associated with things out of my control…I then realized that the Lord wants me to leave it all at His feet. My parents reassured me of their love, and of His love and goodness.
Day 3, my parents and I had an opportunity that brought me to tears. Two Buddhist monks came to the café we were eating lunch in. They proceeded to ask questions after question about Jesus, the Bible, and the gospel. I watched my parents share the whole Gospel, together, with these two young men. They shared with passion in their voices and the look of gratitude for God’s grace in their eyes. This was not a debate. It was an honest sharing of the Hope that only comes through Christ. Hope that I’ve seen restore things in our family. Hope that will restore what is broken. Who are these people? These are my bold parents who trust in Jesus and want others to do the same.
I’m still learning.
Then, I had an opportunity to wash my parents’ feet. To pray for them. I may never totally repay them for all the different ways they sacrificed for me over the years. Then again, isn’t that what sacrifice is anyway? Not expecting anything in return? They have been Jesus to me. They are Jesus to countless people at home. I can share stories. My parents and I had fun together in Thailand. We hugged elephants and faced tigers. However, we also prayed, cried, and laughed. We made friends with the girls who worked in the café we often ate in. They called them “mom and dad”. My parents have led the way. They’ve paved my life story with prayer. I can only pray I can love and sacrifice like them someday. With His grace, I will. The letters they wrote me confirmed the Holy Spirit’s work in their lives and in my life. PVT was definitely an experience I will never forget…that which is risky, uncomfortable, and at times painful is all worth it. Thank you, Mommy and Daddy, for being faithful to Jesus and letting your baby girl follow her Friend to the ends of the earth.
