GUEST BLOG BY ERICA’S MOM
My Journey began with a desire to see my daughter and to fulfil a longtime dream to participate on a mission trip abroad. My trip to South Africa gave me just that opportunity and it far exceeded my expectations.
When I first learned about PVT (Parent Vision Trip) at launch, I knew it would be amazing to be able to join our daughter on her journey in month 8 of her 11month mission trip. I wanted to show our support of her decision to leave home and to dedicate herself to a life of Christ and to be able to experience it with her firsthand. But I also knew it would be a big sacrifice for us financially and taking time off from work would be a challenge.
As the deadline approached quickly to sign up for PVT I learned my husband would not be able to attend and that if I was going to make the long trip to South Africa I would have to go it alone.
That is when fear set in.
After much thought and prayer and the generous support of Bay Hope Church in Tampa that helped pay for a portion of my trip, I knew God wanted me to go to see my beautiful daughter’s smiling face and to finally go on my own Kingdoms Journey.
It was a journey I will never forget that started with meeting the team racers parents at the Johannesburg airport where we boarded a bus to the host site. Upon our arrival we were greeted by cheers and tears of our beloved children.
Next came the beautiful songs sung by the angelic voices of the South African youth which began our two-day ministry visits each morning.
For our adventure day Erica and I went on an exciting jeep Safari adventure where I finally got to see my favorite animal, the Giraffe, in the wild right outside my window. It was an amazing site! Later that same night was a surprise visit by an authentic African tribe where we all sang and dance together in the rain and ate the best BBQ and dessert ever.
But the most memorable time was spent with my daughter, her fellow teammates and their parents where we shared nightly worship and time spent around a bon fire as we gathered together. We listened to testimonials about how God has brought them to a life that is now filled with purpose and passion to be a witness to others. They talked of how Christ’s love for us is shown though our words and actions that exemplifies what it is to be a Christ follower.
I will be forever grateful for the opportunity God gave me to experience the love and laughter I shared with so many during my time in South Africa. But mostly I am grateful that during that time I grew closer to God and now have the chance to tell others that a life lived in Him is the most rewarding and fulfilling life lived.
“Dang” Gina Everett
Man, this blog is so sweet! Thanks for sharing Erica. I know that your momma is forever changed!
Gina, so glad you took advantage of joining Erica on her mission and that God made it happen. Africa is beautiful and once in a lifetime adventure. You can see the amazing work of God first hand. We are very proud of Erica and her work in the Lord.
“Dang Gina!”… it was indeed a great experience to share with our kids and their parents. My prayer is that the impact of those experiences will shape our thoughts and actions for however many days the Lord allows us to serve in this world. Grace & Peace.
“Dang, Gina!!” What a post!! I am so thankful that you included the fear in there. It is a step of faith to leave all of the comforts of home….even more so, when it’s your first mission trip AND it takes a couple days on a plane!! That’s a lot of time to ponder upon the “what if’s!”
The AWESOME news is that you did it!!! Instead of living in fear and regret, you did it!!! I’m so thankful that you did!! The list of blessings is amazing!! But mostly, I’m so thankful you did it to step into Erica’s world!! So often, we as parents, support our children in word….BUT….how much more does it speak when it is in ACTION. Afterall, isn’t that what Jesus did?…..He stretched out His arms on that cross and said, “I love you!” .
Thank you dear friend for the many blessings of that week!!
Gina,
Sounds like you had an amazing trip. So glad you were able to experience it with Erica, what a special time for both of you.
xo,
Linda
Gina,
Sounds like you had an amazing trip. So glad you were able to experience it with Erica, what a special time for both of you.
xo,
Linda
After talking with you when you got back, I could tell how inspired you were by the entire trip and knowing that your daughter has a special place in her heart that God has touched and she shares it with everyone she touches is so beautiful. Love you guys and keep forging on with your mission Erica. You are so very special. Love you both XOXO
“Lekker!”
We enjoyed seeing both of you in South Africa! Blessings on you both!
Gina,
Well, your wish WAS God’s command! HE made things fall into place-making it abundantly clear that a trip to So Africa to see Erica was definitely what you should do. And to have your Christian community in Florida support you is even more amazing! Can’t wait to see some more photos in Mpls!! Love you!