And my friends and family in Washington are pretty great as well!
My mom initiated and organized a fundraising event for my outreach team, called "Gospel & Grub!" My Dad helped make a ton of Caribbean Jerk chicken for the event and also run the sound system, and the event brought in not only enough for my outreach fees but for two other students as well!
There are so many people who gave towards our outreach... and I'd just like to take a moment to say, "THANK YOU!!!" I would thank each and every one of you personally for your help with the Gospel & Grub night... or for giving financially towards our team... but I'd have a difficult time knowing where to start. If you happened to give by check, then I can track you down. But I know you didn't give for the thank you card. You all are awesome and I am humbled to be a part of serving alongside you in the Kingdom of God. I hope someday I will get a chance to thank each one of you who contributed time, efforts, or finances to seeing my team go to teach the Bible in the Caribbean region.
But there's one person I want to take the time to publicly and personally thank - my momma. She put so much heart and soul and elbow grease into making this "Gospel & Grub" event happen. So, here's my little shout out to my mother who had an idea and ran with it.
Mom - you continue to inspire and encourage me in all areas of life. You serve and bless people regardless of their age, nationality, or background. You give selflessly to people you've never even met! And you genuinely care for others. Throughout the years I've learned so much from you: the value of helping and serving others who are in more difficult circumstances, the value of honoring parents and caring for them in their old age (yes, I will be there for you when the time comes!), and the value of doing everything wholeheartedly and with excellence, from cleaning the house or weeding to working in an office or playing music. You and Dad have taught me what it means to follow through with commitments and how to laugh and have fun in the midst of hard times.
I know Mother's Day and really, May 13th, are not easy days for you. There is the pain of our loss, and I can only imagine that is stronger for you when you watch other mothers honored or shown affection by their kids and think of the hole in your life because Jeff isn't there anymore and your one living child lives far away. So, while I want to say thank you for being my mom and for being the example that you are and always have been for me... I also want you to know that I am praying that this coming Sunday and Monday are not only bearable for you, but are filled with joy as you think of happy Jeff memories (he loved you very much) and knowing you have a daughter who also loves you very much even if she lives so very far away.
I wouldn't ever want to trade you for any other mother in the world.
You're the best mother I could have ever asked for.
Just sayin.
