Well, the time has come for me to finally post what has been on my heart for the last few weeks. I don't know WHY I waited this long to write this, except that I don't think I was ready for the tears to flow. But now, everyone else is busy doing something else, and I have a few moments to myself. I can now think and write. Maybe. But how can I write all the things that are going on in my heart and mind about the people who have sacrificed so much for me to be able to do the things that I was most passionate about? How can I tell them EXACTLY how I feel, and how thankful I am for them?? My parents. My Mom has ALWAYS been there! When I was sick at school, and that was a lot!, she would take time off of work and come and get me. We did not have a lot of money growing up (I still don't:)). But our needs were met. My parents worked very hard to make sure we had what we needed. They taught me to work hard, and get a good education. They gave me my first car (it was their hand me down hatchback, but it was what I needed at the time. Apparently it was just perfect for my then lead foot!!), but they said, "You have to pay the insurance." So I went out and landed a minimum wage job. It paid the insurance. My dad took me out and taught me how to change a tire, check the oil, listen for new sounds, etc. that I STILL to this day look for when driving a vehicle. When I wanted to go to Mexico on a missions trip for a whole summer, she said, "Do it!!" When I wanted to go to Bible college 12 hours away, she said, "Yes, go ahead, God has great things in store for you!" When I wanted to get married, and MOVE all the way to CANADA from Texas, my mom helped me sort that out. As for my dad, he was not so willing to allow me to do all these things. So my mom and I had to give that over to the Lord, and ask Him to change his heart. It's not that he didn't WANT me to DO all those things. It's just that he felt that if I weren't close by, then something bad would happen... And he was VERY strict with me. For which I am extrememly thankful. When I was in jr. high, and friends with the WRONG crowd, they were going to places that would only get a person in trouble. I NEVER asked to go to those places, because I KNEW the answer I would get. As I parent my own children, I understand his reasoning. It is not that he did not trust ME. It was that he did not trust THE WORLD. I didn't understand it at the time, but now I do, and am so very thankful!

As thankful as I am now for how they were when I was growing up, I am so much more thankful for them NOW, and have been in the last couple of years. My mom has been talking about the Lord and praising the Lord with me for about the last 5 years. Since my dad accepted the Lord about a year ago, I get phone calls from him about how good God is! He calls just to see how things are going with us, and to say, "I just prayed for ya'll". He calls to ask a question about Scripture. He calls to say, "I was just thinking about yall". He calls to say, "Do you know what the LORD just did?!" I am so very proud of both my parents. They don't have much in this world, but they have the LORD Jesus, and each other. They witness to others, study the Word, love their church (Tabernacle Baptist Church, Lubbock, TX), and love their pastor and his family. That's all they really need! They are happy, and growing in the Lord. My mom and I have been spoiled. For about the last 4 years, we will talk most every Saturday for about 1-2 or more hours on the phone. We have talked so much that our cordless phone batteries are shot. But I absolutely cherish that time I have with her. And a lot gets done while I am on the phone, too. I feel closer to them now than I have EVER felt! And as difficult as the decision for Alan to make about going to Africa, it was the response that my parents gave that made it just a tiny bit easier. The never said, "Don't do it!" or "You could make more money here in North America", or any thing to discourage us. They only said, "If that is what the Lord wants you to do, you had better do it, and He will provide for your needs." I know it is not easy on them, but they have never voiced it. I know in their hearts, there may be some fear or anxiety about the whole thing, but they only want what is best for US. And that is to be in the centre of God's will. Not theirs. I emailed my mom a heads up about this posting, and here is a part of her response. I hope she is ok with my putting her words on the blog, profound as they were: "The Lord is the one that has given us the grace to be able to accept your and Alan's decision and to do it honorably. The Lord knew what He's been doing all these years, you have to stop and think why now? why not a year ago? why not 3 years ago?. When you look at it clearly, "It's all about HIM" and we do love the Lord." Her words. Thanks so much, you two! We love you so much, and thank you for your support!!!!

Psalm 113:1,2

Have a wonderful day,

Love, Ida