I asked my family to write me a blog for PVT (Parent Vision Trip) since they weren’t able to come and I know this is a little delayed but here it is!
Dear Sarah,
I’ve certainly missed you since you’ve been on the Race, but I’m also glad that you were brave enough to go. I’m proud of the ways you have allowed yourself to stretched out of your comfort zone. You will return home changed in many ways by the people you’ve met and the experiences you’ve had, changes that may not have been possible had you stayed here. I’m looking forward to seeing you in 3 months and watching more of God’s story for your life unfold. Wherever that story leads you I will be behind you always supporting you with my love, my prayers and all my heart.
Love always,
Mom
Dear Sarah,
The “Daughter of my love”, my World Racer, and the one who can make me laugh and cry, sometimes all at the same time. Remember – I’m your sandpaper person! Some people might think that means that we are “rough or abrasive” toward each other, but in reality, I never think of you like that. You would apply your smile, your humor and especially your self-assurance that you are right (just like ME!) and plow ahead with whatever comes to your mind. I am moved to tears of great pride, great joy, and now thinking of being apart from you the past 8 months, I realize what I miss most is the sound of your voice! You know – when the words may come too fast for me to understand, but hearing the enthusiasm, the passion, the excitement and the love behind those words mattered more than the words themselves. I think back to all the times you would just start dancing in our house. That’s why you went on the adventure of 11 countries in 11 months – for God, and the people, in order to “dance” where you have never been and to spread the joy you feel in your heart and have always felt for others – especially children. I feel a part of a glorious experience of worship through you being in so many different cultures and places – always seeking to praise God with your gifts, which I’m sure you’ve discovered more of them while on this adventure. You long ago seized my heart and now that feeling of sharing you with the world brings great joy to my heart. On to Zimbabwe, then the Caribbean Islands, and then home – a changed woman, but still the daughter of my love, and always remember, your Daddy loves you.
(From Nate)
I’m proud that Sarah’s my sister. She’s always been endearing, enthusiastic, and incredibly compassionate about others and their needs. And while it was quite some time ago, I remember being excited when she started asking questions about Christ, his sacrifice, and his promise for our future. And when she accepted him as her savior, I knew our ties as siblings would quite literally last forever. And ever since she got big enough to care for others, she’s had this heart for serving, and for showing Christ’s love through her actions. So I wasn’t surprised when she felt the call to go to missions, and I knew it came from a genuine desire to spread his kingdom across the Earth. Now I get to see her on the frontlines of Christ’s kingdom… and I get to see her having an adventure, too!
Miss you, Sis.
(From Rebekah)
Sarah, I’m proud of you for stepping out of your comfort zone. I believe that God will use this time to shape you and teach you to rely on Him, even as you serve others. I pray that your eyes will be opened to the hearts of those you come in contact with and that He will give you a new understanding and a deeper love for the world that He has made. I also pray that He will use you to serve your teammates and to be an encouragement to them. I look forward to seeing you when you get back to the states and to give you a real hug and to hear all about the adventures that you have had.
