Blessed Beyond Belief

When I was about 12 years old, my parents were going to take a trip to Florida for their anniversary - just a short getaway without us kids. In response I exclaimed, "You never take me anywhere!" My parents laughed in my face, as well they should.

When I was 4 months old, my family and I moved to India. By the time I was 5, I had seen more of the world than most people will see in a lifetime. During our 16 years in Henderson, Tennessee, my parents provided opportunities and encouraged me to take opportunities to visit more of the world.

I don't say these things to brag. This has not only changed who I am, it is why I am who I am.

In 1985, there was no internet. India had no washing machines, microwaves, McDonalds - in fact, they barely had electricity. Yet my parents counted the cost and made the move, taking a 2-year-old and a 4-month-old with them. They could not talk to their family or friends anytime they wanted on facebook or skype. It took 3 days to place a call to the US. And they didn't have any teammates. They were the only white faces in a city of over 15 million.

They are my heroes.

It is through them that I understand that you cannot call yourself a Christian and never leave your comfort zone. It is through their example that I know, no matter how difficult it is to leave everything and everyone behind, it can and MUST be done.

I got to see my parents over our winter holiday. My dad spoke at our conference in Beijing. I've heard all of his "rants & raves" before, but I'm still inspired by the words the Father speaks through him. He has devoted his life to the Creator and I only hope that I can be used in such a way.

A few days after we returned from Beijing, my mom came to Hangzhou to visit and see where we live. She uplifted my sagging spirits and help point me in the right direction. She is my best friend and the one I always aspire to be like.

I am so blessed to have parents such as these - parents who not only taught me about the Son, they showed Him to me. I do not imagine that it is easy to see your children move across the world. But I also know it must not have been easy for one particular Father to send His Son away from home to earth. I have wonderful earthly parents, but above all I am blessed beyond belief to be the daughter of the King.