my mother, honduras?

Proverbs 31
20 She opens her arms to the poor
and extends her hands to the needy.

Can I tell you a story?

My mother is going on a Mission Trip to Hondouras in August! Most of you probably don't realize what a big deal this is. I'll try to explain it as succinctly as possible...

My mother has had a lot of losses in her life. Besides losing her mother at age 12 (and living with guilt as she thought she was indirectly responsible), she has lost her parents, all of her brothers and sisters as well as her firstborn daughter (my sister to breast cancer) and most recently her husband, my dad (from cancer)! She is an insulin dependent diabetic, has had a cancerous tumor removed from her lung and had triple bypass heart surgery (at which time she was in a coma for 2-1/2 weeks) as well as other medical problems. Her doctors still cannot believe she recovered from her surgery! Oh, did I tell you she stopped breathing for a couple of minutes when I was alone at the hospital? She has battled weight issues her whole life, too! Anyway, one might think she is a time bomb. I'm exhausted just telling you this much of the story!

Here is the cool part. You have to realize why this mission trip is so amazing! It seems like yesterday when my brother and his family went on their mission trips and my family did as well. When we had to write our letters asking for prayers and financial support my parents had the attitude of, "Oh, so you are asking people to pay for your vacation?" (And a lot of other comments). I must admit, that was the most difficult part of going on those trips as I hate asking for money. But I remember someone explaining that others would love to be able to go on a mission trip but can't for many reasons. If they commit to praying and/or contributing they feel they are a part of it. So, fast forward to my mom going on this trip. She is determined to go! She has done a full circle since the days we went on our trips! She is by far the oldest person going on this medical mission trip. She told me today she is a little nervous because it will be 100 degrees with no air conditioning. She's excited that she heard they may have a fan!

I am convinced it is no coincidence that God did not take her home after her heart surgery. I don't think she was ready for God back then. I knew He must have more work for her to do because she should not have survived! There is no doubt God had big plans for my mom. He wanted her to Himself. She had to surrender to Him because she had no other choice but to cling to Him after losing my dad. God brought her to a new church that is a miracle in itself ... and now this!

She is so embarrassed about asking for financial support, but wants to go so badly she is determined to pay for it all herself. My mom does not have a lot of money and it will be a huge sacrifice trying to pay for it let alone being totally out of her comfort zone not to mention all of her health issues! I'm telling myself it is only for a week. It's only for a week!

I would love to bless my mom with a little help towards her trip. If you feel led to pray for her or contribute just a couple of dollars I would appreciate it. NO pressure. Only if you feel led. I am not going to tell her. I just want to send her a check. (I can give you my address.) I think it would be neat if you would leave her some words of encouragement or a prayer in a comment to me and I will print them out and send them to her! Thank you!

It's been so much fun watching my mom change before my eyes! She is trusting Him with her life! This is a miracle! She's giving her life to Him!



His daughter,
Angie xoxo