Paige asked us to write a blog post this week talking about the World Race and PVT (Parent Vision Trip) from a parent’s point of view. Dawn and I decided to each do our own…..
Dear Adventures in Mission:
First and foremost – thank you! Thank you for providing a platform for Paige to grow in her spirituality and faith. Thank you for the opportunities provided to Paige over the last 6 months, and what is to come the next 3 months and how ever God sees fit to use Paige for months and years to come. I mentioned earlier, but again, words cannot not express my thanks. The work God has led this Mission to do is not just for the villages and communities the kids live in for months, but for all the families involved – those of the ones being served as well as those of the Racers.
Dear Future Racers Parents:
Words cannot describe, express or begin to enlighten you on what to expect. I can say, pull up your bootstraps and be prepared for an unforgettable ride. A ride of highs and lows.
The lows of missing your racer. The lows seeing or hearing about them getting sick and you’re not there to comfort them. The lows of talking to them about being home sick. The lows of them missing their friends, their pets, their siblings, their beds and their shower!
I do know, these lows will be FAR OUTWEIGHED by the highs. These are the high of highs. WOW. Witnessing your child praise God in a way you may have never known existed. Seeing your child touch and effect the lives of not just the children and families they serve, but generations to come…. those they never met and those who aren’t even born yet. These young people – and only young in age – are now and will continue to change the world. Your racer’s maturation and spiritual growth will far surpass anything you may think they will achieve.
I can honestly say, The World Race and PVT was life changing for me. Those 22 young adults we spent 5 days with are truly inspiring. All my children have inspired me to be a better person in one way or another. I am so happy to say, I now have 22 more “children” to follow and see how their lives will change and how their lives will change and challenge others.
Dear Paige:
I was unsure as to what to expect when I sent my 18 year-old little girl out on a 9 month mission. As your father, my biggest fear was to not be in a position I could protect you, take care of you or look out for you. Over the last 178 days, even more so from PVT, here is what I have learned/witnessed.
First and foremost – I am honored, and privileged God chose me to be your earthly father. You are a child of God and He is your one true father for eternity. As I look back over the last 18 years, it humbles me the Lord has guided me in any manor to get you to the point where you are now. Now, I see the roles reversed. I know look to you, your brother and sister for growth spiritually and as a parent. It is truly evident to me the hand or God is at work.
Your mom and I weren’t even in Guatemala a day when I looked at her and said “Paige is in her element.” The self-confidence in where you were and what you were doing was awesome to witness.
Walking the streets of Guatemala, I enjoyed hanging back at times and just watch you interact the shop owners and the street vendors we stopped and visited. Watching you weave in and out of the people on the streets and sidewalks, riding on the Chicken Buses, speaking the language – all with no apprehension. I could only think – “She knows God is with her all the time.” The most precious moment I witnessed was when the little girl was trying to sell us some bracelets or something. You very politely said “No, Gracias” We said this quite a bit over the week. There was always a small look of disappointment in the little ones eyes when that was said. Then you turned around and immediately offered her a slice of pizza. She INSTANTLY brightened up! My heart melted.
The joy (and sadness when you said your good-byes) I saw in the children and their moms you had served for the last 3 months re-enforced to me you were where you were supposed to be the last 3 months. It was very obvious how much the kids loved you and how it was reciprocated.
Out of everything we did, whether it was installing stoves in the villages (see my Facebook post to learn more on that), climbing a volcano, helping with an English lesson, walking the streets of Guatemala – what I will remember most – and had the biggest impact on my Faith Walk were the Friday night and Tuesday night Racer Led Faith Based Worship. Hearing the songs, the testimonies, the praise. The release of all inhibitions. The complete and total surrender to God. I get chills just thinking about it. There were things experienced that night I hope to never forget.
My biggest fears have now melted away. I, your earthly father may not be with you to protect and watch out for you, but your Heavenly Father is ALWAYS with you. There’s no better comfort than knowing this!
GOD IS GOOD ALL THE TIME …….. ALL THE TIME, GOD IS GOOD!
Love you P-Rooney!
