My Children...His Missionaries

So very proud of my two oldest...they left on their mission trip to Laredo, Texas this morning. Laredo is right on the US/Mexico border and resembles more of Mexico than the US. The kids both prayed individually about whether or not they should go on the trip. Joel and I made sure they knew that we were totally okay with whatever they decided...as it turned out, they both felt that God was calling them to go!

It was with mixed emotions that I watched them load the church bus this morning to go...you see, for the first time my kids were going on a church sponsored trip that neither Joel or I were going on. It never crossed my mind how hard it would be...it was TOUGH! I have never considered myself the "over-protective" parent type - I mean we did send Hannah all the way to Washington DC last May without us! This was different though - we have ALWAYS been with them for church camps or missions trips.

However, the time had come for Joel and I to step back. Neither one of us felt that God was really calling us to go this time around. I don't worry at all about their safety - they are in GREAT hands and have the best leadership ever. I know they will work hard and do exactly what they are sent to do. It's the mom side of me that is struggling...will they remember sunscreen, will they lose things, are they drinking enough water, etc. Yet - in my heart of hearts I know it will all be GREAT!

As I thought about this, I was reminded of how that no matter where they, or I, go we have a Father with us - we are never venturing out alone! God is there, He is walking with us. If I can't trust my Father with my children - then I have learned nothing about trust. With that in mind - I am able to rest. In the grand scheme of things - lack of sunscreen and losing things really doesn't matter...they will be stretched and molded into exactly what God has for them and I am confident they will show the love of Jesus everywhere they go!!