My parents

They married in Nigeria, where my older sister and I were born.  They have worked in many African countries and are currently at RGBI (Rio Grande Bible Institute) in south TX.

They still travel to Africa and just returned from Nigeria last week.  I recieved a package yestrday with photos of their trip.  Talk about going “back home.” They took pictures of where they were married, where I was born, the trees and beauty of Africa.

Looking at all those pictures always transports me back to Africa and the longing I have my land reawakens in full force.  I’m usually able to keep it submerged and live life quite normally.  But when I see pictures, hear stories and know my family members are there, my heart gets very full.

I am so proud of my parents.  My dad, the oldest boy of 13, left a farm in North Dakota and traveled to Africa to live a calling he felt God put on his life.  My mom (and Dad) were willing to have their children attend boarding school to continue living that calling (and by the way, I LOVED boarding school and wouldn’t trade those years for anything!).  They sacrificed and continue to do so to live the life they feel God wants them to lead. That takes commitment, perseverance and tenacity.

I pray that my children will look at our lives when we are older and say the same thing about their parents.  No matter what we do, I want my children to know that I lived for a calling greater than myself.