Wow so my perspective coming off of PVT is the same and different going into it. Let me explain. I think when I shared my thoughts and feeling before I was right on a few of them and I was also surprised on a lot of things I experienced.
I had a few FEARS (worries) that actually came true but the LORD used what the devil meant as negative and turned them all into positive.
Traveling alone to India was a bit more than I expected. I had envisioned leisurely time to set in the airports and people watch, get some food and stretch between flights. It turned out that I had to actually RUN between flights. (something this old lady was not prepared for). The time scheduled in between flights were tight and each airport seemed to pose a new issue. (longer lines, bags stopped and rechecked many times, tram rides that were endless and really a lot of confusion as to where to even go).
My luggage was lost and arrived 3 days later. That was a minor issue although I think it stressed me out so much with fear that Niki was not going to get all of the things I had planned to bring her. Checking and literally BEGGING for my suitcase stuck in Mumbai was draining and I found myself many times in tears. I was OK without my clothes but this was the first time I was able to bring Niki her list of wants and here it was stuck in another part of the country. I was instantly guilty of not being able to provide for her. She had done without for so long and here I was with things to gift her and it was lost. This truly was hurting my heart. The thing is, the LORD gave Niki a heart of “It’s OK MOM if I don’t get those things.”
I just want you and I realized that it was just seeing her, touching her that was really the most important. I’d go buy all of those things over and over if I had to.
Next my fear before arriving about getting sick became real. I got sick (dehydrated) right before we were going to see the kids. I was trying to find water, I had not eaten at all because I was luggage hunting the entire time I was at the airport and I was in temperatures that were very hot. I started seeing white spots and the next thing I know I’m setting in the van with people talking to me. All I remember was the word hospital and I knew that was not anything I wanted. I was willing myself to wake up. The worst thing to me at this point was I was holding up the group from going to see their children. They had traveled all of this way and were so close and here I was sick holding them back. The parents were all wonderful and understanding.
When I finally got to see Niki being helped off of the van, I literally remember falling into her arms and telling her that I was sick. At this point I became almost the child and she the parent because she took over and took care of me. I really feel like the devil meant this for bad and although I admit that I did not feel well the entire time I was there, it was so nice to have that caring side of Niki and it gave us more special time together. The LORD just turned this around.
The conversations that we had were so meaningful. I could sense Niki’s growth in her relationship with the LORD immediately. I hope that she could see some growth in me also. I also could see that Niki had matured. She seemed to be more confident and I marveled at her ability to get us from one place to another. She rocked the logistics even when she was lost too.
The India rooftop worship services were my favorites even though I was tired and it was always hot. Watching the sun set and the sweet breezes that blew through were wonderful but the sweet spirit of the LORD was the best. These kids knew how to usher the presence of the LORD in. Watching each of them lead and share was amazing and I was so touched every night witnessing this and participating in the worshiping.
The last night was incredible and the foot washing was my favorite and most memorable experience. Knowing how dirty my feet were especially from the India streets and knowing that the time that Jesus washed the disciples feet was similar really was humbling. I love the prayer that Niki prayed over me as she washed my feet and my tears still come as I think of it. The blessings that night was also incredible. I pray that my blessing to Niki will be read over and over again so she will see that she has nothing to stress or worry about when she is home and for now all she needs to do is finish this race with great intentions focusing on what the LORD wants her to do.
PVT was wonderful and draining at the same time. I think trying to squeeze that special time in with your racer and then serving and worshiping the other half of the day was hard but I wouldn’t change the time with her for anything in the world. India offered a unique experience and I was shocked when I heard that it was the easiest and cleanest place that they had been in thus far. That was very humbling to me. I know that Niki has done without a lot of comfort in the past 8 months and as a Mom I want to smother her with all the comforts of home but I realize that she needed to go through that uncomfortableness to grow into the audacious, fearless woman she is today.
I have made lifelong friends through some of the parents on this trip, I have been able to put a face to the sweet blogs I have been reading and I most importantly was able to see my daughter doing what the LORD has called her to do. There is nothing better than this so I am grateful.
Upon returning home I have to say that I love the United States and although we are spoiled compared to a lot of other countries and places, I can honestly say that I am so much more aware of the sweet things the LORD bestows on me every day. I am humbled and grateful at how good HE really is to us. If you have a missionary or a racer or anyone that is off in this world sharing the good news, please lift them in prayers. They are often not comfortable, they are often not happy with the food and they are often homesick, they are not often now welcomed but thankfully they are always loved by the LORD.
Safe travels to my sweet sunshine!
Debbie Mooney-Raven (Niki’s Mom)
