Hey everybody! I’m really excited to be posting another of these, this time from my very own mama! Her view is particularly interesting because she came out to Thailand just a few short weeks ago to participate in the Parent Vision Trip! It was an incredible week, and I’m going to let her tell you all about it:
A Mom’s View of the Race
Sowahtdeekah! (This is a far cry from the correct spelling for “hello” in Thai!)
I am Marah’s mom, just returned from an incredible Parent Vision Trip to meet Marah and K Squad in their month nine halfway around the world in Thailand! Several of we parents met on a flight from Seoul to Chiang Mai, not having any idea what would await us! What we found, was a surprise greeting from the whole PVT portion of K Squad exiting customs! What followed in the next six days was a whirlwind of Tuk Tuks, markets, incredible food, emotion, enlightenment, and love (mixed with lots of heat and pollution!)
To have the experience of witnessing these amazing young people actually on the race, entrenched in fellowship with each other, continually worshipping and celebrating their faith in Jesus was inspiring. As a team of believers, they are prayer warriors! We were able to hear testimony after testimony of how they’ve grown spiritually and personally while on the World Race, but so many other stories were shared of the ways in which God has used them to reach one soul at a time in His own way.
The PVT organizers really encouraged us to have intentional conversations with our kids about their time on the Race. As parents, some of us found that “What was your favorite country?” was a very difficult question to answer. There are so many variables to time spent in a country including accommodations, the experiences with hosts, with the community, the weather(!), the native wildlife(!), adventures, etc. I found in listening to their responses that the most meaningful parts of the race were the small moments, not the adventures. Quiet time is a treasure, and their experiences in listening to the stories of others far surpassed any value of the stories of their own accomplishments.
The people we met on this short trip were so inspiring! We were introduced through devotion, Thai cultural education, small businesses, and nonprofit groups to what is being done to assist the Thai people. We worked on a newly acquired property meant to provide hope and encouragement to marginalized women looking for a fresh start. Many of the people we met were former Racers called to continue their mission in a long term setting. Did I mention the other parents? What a joy to meet them all and talk with them about their own kids’ journeys on the Race and what lies ahead.
My most treasured memory of Thailand was my time spent alone with Marah. I remember well, when my relationship changed with my own mom from mother and daughter to two great friends. This trip was that defining moment in my relationship with Marah. We were able to discuss our own fears and shortcomings openly, while encouraging each other through the Word of God and SO MUCH WORSHIP! To sing with Marah again brought me to tears EVERY TIME! We also snuck in quite a bit of wedding talk, which perked us both right up!
I think my favorite moment with the group was during a worship evening. One of Marah’s friends invited the parents up to receive prayer from the Racers. Parents were reluctant and needed some encouragement. It wasn’t until the Racers let loose the fact that they have already been praying for nine months about whatever has been going on at home. Well, duh! Our children trust their squad with every vulnerability, and they turn to each other when something at home is not sitting right or just needs a little Jesus intervention. My prayer request was for the the changing season in our family, from a family of four to a family of six, two upcoming weddings, and new roles for parents. Let me tell you, I left that prayer circle convicted! God is the great unifier in our new family, and through Him, all things are possible!
I thought the hardest part would be leaving Marah again, but this was SO different. When I dropped her at the airport in August, Trevor and I literally watched her walk in from the curb alone, with so much faith, yet so much uncertainty about the year to come. This time, I left her with a family of believers who only seek to make each other stronger. The Racers are her extended family, and I sincerely hope you all have the opportunity to meet some of them!
If you have donated to Marah’s World Race, know that our gratitude is endless for giving her this opportunity. She is truly making the most of her time, learning so many valuable lessons along the way. If K Squad has been there, that part of the world is the better for it!
God Bless,
Mama Kittelson (Heather)
