With the recent passing of Mother's Day and having just seen my mom recently when she came to visit me in Romania, I wanted to honor the amazing woman who raised me, mentored me, encouraged me and loved me for who I am through all these years. Since being in the race I have learned so much of how she has impacted me and created me into the person I am today.
My dearest Madre, where do I even start? How do I thank you for all that you have done for me? From the late nights of helping me with school work, to sitting in the pouring raining watching all my swim meets and waterpolo games; to traveling half way around the world to join me this journey, experiencing poverty and heartbreak, being put out of your comfort zone and just embracing this weird lifestyleopening your self up to what God has for you. Seeing you play with the little kids, praying for people and just worshipping God with all your heart reminded me what a strength you have been gifted with. I realized how blessed I was to grow up with such an amazing example of what a woman of God really is. A woman who humbles herself, always striving to serve others, loving everyone they encounter and pursues God with her whole heart.
On Sunday I was reminded of Proverbs 31:25-26 which says, "Strength and dignity are her clothing, and she laughs at the time to come. She opens her mouth with wisdom, and the teaching of kindness is on her tongue."
And you are that. You are someone that constantly strives to love others even in hard situations. And the best part about this declaration is that your kindness and compassion, your wisdom and love has impacted the people around you, especially your children!
What did I learn at Parent Vision? I learned that I am more like my mom than I ever thought and its something that I'm not ashamed of. The World Race has taught me a lot about myself, who I am, who God has made me to be and spending a week with my mom showed me that many of the traits that I love, many of the characteristics that I strive for everyday come from the example that my mom has set for me my whole life. Though we have had hard times, though we have not always gotten along, though we have had different life experience, the consistency of your love and grace in my life is so present its almost overwhelming. So to you Mom I say thank you. Thank you for pushing me to be a better person everyday, thank you for pushing for me to work harder, strive higher, love better though still loving me for who I am. Thank you for all the sacrifices that you made for me and know that you are appreciated every minute of every day, whether I say it or not. Know that you are cherished and adored by your whole family and we wouldn't change you for the world!
