I still remember when I sent the email to my parents about the World Race. When I have serious things to tell my parents I skip texting and go straight to email. The WR was one of those situations. 😉
I remember taking the leap of faith in trusting that God was calling me to something else first before PT school and being anxious to see what my parents would say about the race. Of course they were supportive!
I know my parents faithfully prayed for me as I prepared for the World Race and support raised, but I definitely know now that they have prayed even more over these past 8 months as I have been traveling and serving overseas.
One of my biggest prayers through out the race has been that what I learn and experience overseas with the Lord are lessons that I can take back to America and challenge my friends and family to grow in and experience.
Last month, as all of you know, was ATL month where we spent the majority of the month waking up and asking the Lord what ministry should look like for the day. At the end of the month we asked all of you to participate in ATL around the world!
A few days ago, I got an awesome email from my dad sharing with me how he went out and participated in ATL around the world. By buying Mcdonald’s gift cards, going out and passing them out, and listening to the people’s stories, my dad was able to participate in ATL and get a look into what myself and the squad has been doing not only for the last month, but for the past 8 months:
Daily trusting the Lord to provide and then moving and going when He calls us to.
It’s amazing that I embarked on the WR journey 8 months ago, yet I did not go alone. My family has been a huge part of it. Through prayers, facetime calls, and support, my family continues to be a huge part of this 11 month adventure. Mom, dad, Jen, Rachel & David, Kristina & Cameron, Brian, and Camille THANK YOU for being the biggest blessings and encouragement through out support raising, preparing for the field, and now being out on the field. Each one of you continue to impact my story and this journey whether or not you know it or I tell you! 🙂
As I said before one of the biggest desires of my heart was and still is to share this journey with everyone and for it to impact the kingdom and others for God’s glory. Getting to hear my dad’s time of ATL showed me that God is answering this desire.
Thanks dad for listening to the Lord and taking part in serving the least of these. Thank you to everyone for following this epic journey the Lord has me on and taking part through support, encouragement, and prayers. God never intended for us to do life alone and I’m grateful for each one of you who continues to impact my life.
(A photo my dad sent me from his ATL outreach)
With all of this said, I am excited to announce that my parents are coming out to serve alongside me for a week on the field. This is a special week called PVT (parent vision trip). My parents will be coming to Swaziland at the end of September and will spend the week living the way us racers do through sharing in ministry outreach, community, etc. I am excited for them to get a good look into what this year has consisted of, but, I am even more excited and expectant to see how God shows up and meets them in new ways, while on the field with me.
(One of the last photos I took with my parents before leaving for the Race!)
As this journey comes to an end in 3 short months, I have began thanking God for everything that has happened in this amazing season. God chose me and I will forever be grateful for the kingdom journey of a lifetime He has me on and that you all have taken part in it with me.
Love you all dearly!
Michelle
