The Story of a Mother

Once upon a time there was born into the world a girl. She was born into an ordinary life.  She grew up surrounded by nature, raised on a small farm in a small town. As the girl grew she found herself being draw to something special. When she was still quite young she married a man and together they embarked on a great journey. They decided to follow Jesus.

Soon the two began to grow their family. They added a baby boy and soon after a baby girl. The next pregnancy was twins making their little family double in size! At age 23 this brave woman was the mother of 4 kids under the age of 5. The Lord set on her heart to add more, and soon their little brood grew until they had a total of 10 children, 9 boys and only one girl. This woman was a warrior, she chose to homeschool all of her kids. Together this man and woman raised their children, teaching them academics and also to love the Lord.

This woman was more than just a mother. When her oldest moved away she and her family moved to a distant land. There this woman opened up her heart and served a beautiful people. She loved them deeply and sought to serve God with everything she did! She took care of their wounds, she lifted their spirits with her love. Though she couldn't speak to them in words that they understood she was able to show them the love of God in ways that changed their hearts forever.

This woman, this warrior is my mother. Her love for the Lord, her passion to serve and her heart for the needy has made her not only a fantastic mother but a marvelous inspiration as well. She not only raised us children and taught us everything we would need to know she also dedicated her life to the cause of Christ. I have watched her take in the lost ones, the ones that slip between the cracks. When I was still very small and we lived still in the US I remember so many times when she would reach out to the hurting people around us. One time we even let a family of 6 move into our house for a time...and we didn't even know them. I can not ever express how much my mothers kind heart has taught me. Her love for the Lord has been passed down to me and her sensitivity to others as well.

Thank you Mom. Thank you for all those little moments that you did the right thing. All those small things you did that you thought went unnoticed, because my little eyes saw and they remembered. Thank you for those gentle words when my world seemed to be falling apart and for showing me your heart. To you they may have been moments of weakness but when you were being "weak" that was when I saw your strength. Thank you for all the kisses, hugs, smiles, and tiny things you did without even realizing that reminded me that you loved me. Not only for raising me and being my teacher but for being the jewel that you are! You truly are an inspiration and a hero!

My mother with one of the precious children we served while on the mission field.