We had PVT (Parent Vision Trip) at the end of last month in Guatemala. This is a week where the parents of Racers can come and spend 5 days with their racers and they do ministry together and share stories and get a glimpse of what their child is doing on the field and experiencing all year.
So, my lovely mom came down to see me. It was interesting because they put the parents with us in the same hostel in Antigua. So, there were parents on bunk beds (sorry Mom!) and we all shared the same bathrooms. Quite interesting when the water went out… welcome to the Race Mom and Dad! 😉
We had lots of free time to catch up with our parents and to explore the city. We had 3 different ministry activities in remote villages. We climbed up a steep hill (huffing and puffing bc it was real steep) and delivered water filters to families and showed them how to use them. We used the analogy of dirty to clean water to talk about how Jesus purifies us and makes us clean and right before God. We installed stoves with a vent in the roof so that they wouldn’t have to inhale smoke anymore or cook over an open fire (lots of burns incurred) and the dads thrived with this chance to shine! We went to schools or neighborhoods and played with kids, performed a bible skit (the parents got really into it and it was hilarious!), and did a craft. We partnered with Adventures in Missions Guatemala and they set up the ministry events for us and provided the supplies. So kind of them to let us do the fun part and meet the families after they’d already done the hard work to find the families, fundraise for the supplies, purchase the supplies, network, and set it all up. So, thank you, AIM Guatemala for all you did for us!! Translating and all 🙂
At night, the Racers would lead the sessions. Our talented musicians sang and played guitar for worship. 4-5 Racers would share a story or testimony or a word on what they’ve learned and experienced on the Race this year to give the parents more of an idea. Some stories were funny and some were serious and real. It was so fun to hear from everyone in each person’s unique way.
All in all, it was great to catch up with our parents and do ministry with them. To meet other racers’ parents and brag on the racers. To tell our parents what we’ve grown in and stories from our year. To hear how they are doing and what’s new with them on the other side of the world. To ask them questions about their faith and pray with them. It was overwhelming to spend so much time with them and not to have time to ourselves but it went by so fast, in the blink of an eye.
It’s so crazy how we will be home so soon. It’s hard to wrap our heads around it because it seems like just yesterday, we were at launch in Atlanta, preparing to leave for Month 1 in Africa. But, we are ready. Burnout is real and it’s hard to be a nomad and go without the comforts you’re accustomed to for so long. So, it was nice to have a taste of home with our parents here. And here’s to less than two months til the end of the Race! May it fly by but may we make the most of every opportunity and enjoy each moment because before we know it, it’ll just be memories that we’re reminiscing on. Thanks parents for visiting and bringing all our favorite things and spoiling us. See ya oh-so-soon!
Loved reading this blog! It was a great week with the racers. I am so very thankful I was able to be part of it.
I’m so glad to hear your momentous endeavors. I can only imagine what your parents thought to live a snippet of what you have adjusted to for the past ten months. I’m glad you are continuing to thrive in your purpose learning and changing lives everyday. This is what life is all about.
Hi Raina, Blessings to you dear. Hope to catch up with mom soon on your visit.
Bobby and Dune??
Sounds like an absolutely incredible week. I’m glad parents are able to come out onto the field to see what you guys do. God is at work in amazing ways in your all’s ives and it is great for your parents to see that and serve alongside you.
I wish that you had such opportunity in your stay in India so that I could have the opportunity to meet you. Wish you good luck in your rest of mission. Convey my regard to Your Mom & luv to Karina