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