Since announcing my next major life choice, of joining the world race. Ive have been asked so many questions. So, i thought id answer the question I’m asked the most, “How is your family feeling about you leaving?”
Thoughts from a Mom
I have always had my kids close to home. I am very lucky and blessed with this. So to “let my daughter go” for a year, it’s hard.
It isn’t like studying abroad for a semester. It is a full year, and to countries that are unknown, (The unknown is something hard to accept) with people that I don’t know and she is not familiar with. Do I trust this group? After all, this organization is new to me and unfamiliar. The people going, are strangers. Can I trust them to love my daughter and care about her and help take care of her during this time? Bringing her home safely? Can I trust that the world will be kind during this year’s adventure?
Trust is a big word. It’s a big commitment. It is a very powerful word in my world. Trust is a big part of my life.
I am proud that she wants to share the Love, sacrifice and story of our Lord Jesus Christ. I am thankful that she has found this to be a huge part of her life. This is what I prayed for, raising my kids. I pray that this is REALLY what this group is doing. That the same beliefs we were raised with is the same beliefs they will be sharing.
As a parent ( mom ) we worry and we always will worry about our kids. I have had to accept her choice, whether I like it or not and I know I need to now leave this in God’s hands. He will guide her. He will take care of her. And I will have to lean on Him for strength. I have to trust Him through this next year and the year following.
Did I think Moriah would ever do something like this? NO! ( I am chuckling as I type this )
She was a girl, scared to be alone in her little hometown during high school. Lock all doors, leave every light on. because, you never know what’s in the dark! LOL I wondered how she would make it in a city when she left for college. She has proved me wrong and has shown that the city fits her and she fits in the city life! So, for her to give up, makeup, hair products, colored hair, her fashion style she has, to live the simple and less glamorous life, was a surprise. Do I think she can do this for a year, well, part of me is saying, NO. LOL. But again, she has proven me wrong before, so she can again!
I am proud of all the things she has accomplished in her life. She has done ALOT since going to college and after college. She is working on adding one more thing to her accomplishments and again, will be so proud of her when it’s completed. And every so glad when she is back HOME!
Is mom ready, no. Will she be ready then, no.
Yes, I hate that she will be leaving. But am proud of her. Proud as heck and will support her.
I love you Moriah.
Mom
Michaela (sister)
Moriah asked if I’d write a couple paragraphs for her blog about how I’m feeling or advice I might have for her. To write down what I’m feeling can’t be done in just a few simple paragraphs, but I’m going to try.
We just celebrated Christmas and I couldn’t help but find myself annoyed with EVERYTHING. I kept trying to convince myself it was because it had been 4 days since I was in the gym, it was cold outside and I don’t like the cold, and people were arguing over things that didn’t seem to matter. What I was doing was ignoring the one thing that was bothering me the most. This is the last Christmas I will spend with my sister, my best friend, for the next 2 years. Something I’ve known was a possibility for the past 6 months was finally setting in and I don’t want to accept it.
Maybe I’m being dramatic, maybe I’m overreacting. Maybe I’m being a little selfish.
I’ve spent 23 years with Moriah, sharing the same teachers, the same group of friends, the same birthday, the same bedroom. We don’t go a day without talking and take more trips to see each other than most siblings would like to admit. We’ve created a bond that is hard to understand for most.
The thought of going 11 months without physically seeing Moriah or having her make fun of my clothes, calling me while she walks to her car late at night, sending me those ridiculous snapchat videos, or hitting the gym together, is so impossible for me to grasp that when that day comes, I will be lost.
Moriah,
I am so jealous!
You’re about to embark on one of the greatest journeys of your life. I am so excited to see what the Lord has planned for your trip and I can’t wait to hear all about it. The Lord is going to use you for anything and everything, all you have to do is say “yes.” By embarking on this journey you are saying “yes” to Him. He is not going to waste this opportunity, take courage and know that He is going to use you.
You’ve overcome so many situations, became your own person and changed your world. I couldn’t be happier to see how happy you are. I’m so proud of you because you deserve this happiness. God knows that you’ve earned it.
For so long you’ve always talked about doing BIG things. It’s like you’ve always known you were made for bigger things. You’ve figured it out, you’re ready for the next big thing, you’re ready to leave the comfort of your life and head out to explore the world.
I know that you’ll be amazing.
You’ll touch lives in more ways you ever thought possible and it will be an experience so rewarding, but these lives will also change yours. I know you’re equally nervous and excited, it’ll take awhile to adjust to this new life but you are capable of it. You are one of the bravest, smartest, and kindest people I know, and I’m truly blessed to have you as a sister.
I’ll tell you again, how it hasn’t sunk in that you’re leaving for 11 months, and I’m not sure what will happen when you walk out the door, but one thing I know for sure is that I’ll cry. A lot. Which we both know is a hard thing for me to do.
Just know I’ll miss you more than I even realize I will and I’ll probably have a countdown to the day I get to see you again. You are my sister, my workout partner, my life coach, and best friend. So, go out and change this world with your bright and bold personality I know everyone will love you just as much as I do.
“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” -Joshua 1:9
Tara (my little sister)
I am super excited for Moriah to go on The World Race! I know that this is something she really has been wanting to do for a while now, and I am so happy for her, knowing she gets to experience this . Knowing that God has called her to do this amazing adventure makes me so happy. I think about the idea of her being gone for 11 months and it scares me, I will admit it, it does. But at the same time, I am trying to be brave about it and make the most of the time I have with her now. With her going on The World Race, she is going miss my senior year of high school; along with graduation. Moriah asked me before she even started this journey if I was okay with it. I was hesitant at first, but then realized that this is once in a lifetime opportunity, which is why i was okay with it. I know I will really miss her at first and it will make me upset some days that she is not here, and I know that on graduation day I will be very emotional; knowing she is not in the crowd with the rest of my family, but I know she will be off doing some sort of project that God is calling her to do.
Moriah, I just want you to know that you have all the support in the world from me to do this! I am crying while writing this, but ignore that! I want you to do whatever it is that God is calling you to do. Have fun with it and make the most of it. I know you have all the support from our family and your friends. God is calling you to do amazing things and I am so happy and grateful for you. Make the most of it!! Love you lots Moriah!!
-Love your Baby Sis Tara
