To the ones who fell in love with a woman and also wholeheartedly welcomed her kids into your heart as well, thank you.
To the ones who took on the responsibility of tying shoes and carpools when you didn’t ever see that in your future, thank you.
To the ones who worked through the awkward moments and loved even when it was hard, thank you.
To the ones who sacrificed money and hobbies to provide for the little ones that stole your heart, thank you.
To the ones who fought and took the time to learn how to move from the role of friend to being a true father figure, thank you.
To the ones who came in knowing you were not the only one and were willing to make the most of that for the best interest of the child, thank you.
To the ones who made an effort to learn how to speak to little girls, how to be what they need, and how in the world to pick out gifts for them-even when that meant totally being out of your element, thank you.
To the ones who saw the broken hearts and the hole that needed to be filled and were willing to take on that challenge in faith and trust, thank you.
To the ones who battled the teenage drama and the sometimes cutting words, thank you.
To the ones who maybe never planned this for their life but would choose it all over again, thank you.
To those who were a little scared or fought opposition, but chose to be there anyway and to make this life yours, thank you. I know from my own story and the stories of many of my friends, students, and people that I’ve met all over the world that YOU have made a huge difference. In choosing to open your heart and welcome in a child(ren), you not only radically changed your own path, but theirs as well. Maybe this life is new for you, or maybe it’s one that you’ve been living for years- either way, know that it is one that matters and that you are appreciated and loved more than you know. Thanks for stepping in and letting God lead and love through you. Happy Father’s Day! I hope that today is one that celebrates you wherever you may be.
To Frank, thank you. Thanks for stepping in and for not letting 2 crazy little girls scare you away. Thanks for embracing the crazy family and for always loving and supporting us. Thanks for always being on board with my unexpected dreams and plans and supporting them, even when you don’t necessarily agree or understand. It hasn’t gone unnoticed and is appreciated more than you know or is ever said. This year I’m not there to give you a funny card or a basket of treats, so you’ll just have to take these words instead. 😛 Excited to serve with you and mom in Swaziland so you get a picture of this crazy life that I lead! Happy Father’s Day! See ya soon, Love ya!
Happy Father’s Day from Albania to all you Dads out there!
Thanks to you all, I am FULLY FUNDED! Your support has been phenomenal and I would not be having these experiences without YOU! However,there are still plenty of opportunities and need to help support me with misc. personal living expenses and funds for me to use to bless the ministries and people I’m working with. The race has proven to require more personal funds than I had intended for ministry wardrobe purchases, equipment, food, and in being able to bless others. Pray about how and if the Lord would have you partner with me in this way! If you are interested in helping me with this, send me a message or you can donate through https://www.paypal.me/SylviaBarrett.
Want to follow along with my journey? Hit SUBSCRIBE! It will just ask you for your email and you will be notified of any new updates while I’m on the field. I won’t be on social media a ton, so to keep updated, follow along with me! I’d also LOVE comments. They will provide need encouragement as well as offer a way for you to let me know any prayer requests that you may have!
Want to communicate with me while I’m on the race? Do so through hitting Let’s Chat on this blog, commenting on my posts, through facebook, email, or what’s app. Know that I may not have daily access to wifi, but I will get back to you when I do!
