From World Race Parents

Waaaaay back in February I asked my parents to explain what it is like to have their child embark on The World Race. I recently stumbled upon their responses and thought I should share. Obviously SO much has changed that we didn’t see coming, but here are some initial thoughts from World Race parents back in month 2.

From my dad – 

What it’s like having your only daughter on the World Race…

I am blessed to have a son AND a daughter and love them both very much, but, there is a different love a dad has with his only daughter so when Kellie came home over a year ago saying…Hey dad…I want to travel the world for 11 months, going to 11 countries…I thought I hoped, she would change her mind.

Fast forward to Wednesday, February 26th.  Kellie is in her 2nd country of 11.  Her second month of eleven. There are days I swing from SO proud of her to scared to death my baby girl is half away around the world and I can’t protect her, I can’t get to her if something goes wrong.  It is in those moments, the conversations in my head about how much I miss her that I need to remember.  God loaned Kellie to me.  She was never “mine”.  She is our creators and she is out doing HIS work.  Do I want her here, under my roof, within reach to get to…YES.  Is that an option for the Christ filed, a strong-willed young woman I raised…not a chance.  I am proud of who she is, what she is doing & the difference she is making.  I am proud that she has listened to what God has called her to do, not what the world tells her she “should” be doing.  I am proud that she is serving the God that created her and is truly being the hands and feet of Jesus Christ all over the world.

I am proud that she is MY daughter and thank God that he lent me her to help mold…with his guidance.

I LOVE you Kell Bell.

Dad

From my mom – 

Kellie has always been a daddy’s girl growing up,  but I believe she doesn’t realize how much she means to me also.  So when she told me that she was doing the World Race and going to be gone for a year, several emotions ran through my mind and heart.  First I think was Wow-you’re leaving for a whole year (have to admit a little heartbroken and selfish on my part), I won’t be able to have our girl days doing lunch, hanging and having lunch. Then I let the news sink in. Words that came to me were Faith, Hope, Happiness, Amazement, and being proud. I am so proud to get to be her mom. She shows me everyday the amazing person she is inside. I hope for safe travels for her and her squad all the time. I know her faith will guide her throughout. She shows me how to be happy everyday with every situation.  That Jesus will always be there for you, no matter what. I can’t wait until the day that’s she comes back home, to hear about all her adventures and how she showed (and taught) the world about Jesus. Love you, miss you bunches. I will wait patiently as you go through this wonderful experience.  ??? Mom

I am blessed with supportive, loving parents that encourage me to chase my dreams no matter how crazy they are. I invite you to sit down with your parents if you’re about to step into the crazy world that is The World Race and ask them how they are feeling. Sure, you’re nervous, excited, anxious and all the things but that is to be expected. Ask the people that have raised you what’s going through their minds and how can you guys support and love each other moving forward on this journey.

Good luck out on the field and hug your parents tight as you get on the airplane!