Here at Adventures, we know that the World Race journey doesn’t just happen with Racers. Friends, family, and supporters have selflessly given time, talents, and treasures and have been changed by the World Race Journey. Over the years, many of these supporters showed interest in experiencing the Race for themselves. So, in March of 2013, Parent Vision Trips (PVTs) were introduced so parents of Racers could do just that.
Annie Heathorn, of the September 2012 J Squad, was not sure what to expect when her parents arrived in Romania to spend the week with her. However, as she served together with them, God opened her eyes to see her parents in a new light.
As my eyes locked on my parents in the airport, my heart skipped a beat. I was overwhelmed by a surge of emotion as my dad’s arms wrapped around me for the first time in eight months.
Despite the excitement of seeing my parents again, I felt exposed and vulnerable bringing them into this experience.
The truth is: I care about my parents’ opinion.
I value their judgment. I was uncertain of how they would respond to the culture and community that I have not only come to love but has become an integral part of who I am.
The airport reunion led into an emotional five days of raw conversations, intimate worship, hearty Romanian meals, a picnic with the townspeople, Easter services, gypsy children, and powerful times of sharing testimonies.
In a slightly customized version, my parents experienced for themselves a typical week on the World Race.
Our parents jumped right in with us: worshiping with all their hearts, laying hands on one another in prayer, befriending Romanians, sharing their testimonies, offering wisdom and visions, and being vulnerable with us.
Several years ago this realization hit me: My parents aren’t perfect.
Although the notion shattered my world at the time, it opened the door to a beautiful, new intimacy to see:
My parents are people.
They have hearts that have been broken, wounded, and touched by Jesus, just like mine.
They have become more than just my parents: they have become my dear friends.
Friends I can open up to, be raw and vulnerable with, pray with, speak life into, and walk with hand in hand on this journey to Heaven.
I know they love me.
I see it in my dad’s face. I feel it in my mom’s embrace. I hear it in their voices as they look me in the eye and tell me how proud they are of me. Their love wants only good things for me.
They believe in me even when I stop believing in myself.
My parents’ love is the most tangible reflection of Christ’s love I know.
Annie discovered that God was not only working in her life, he was working in the lives of her parents too. In the following weeks, as a way to say “thank you,” we will be posting resources for parents of Racers. Grab your folks and take a look at the new routes together. This could be an adventure that changes your life and theirs!
