Faith. Hope. Love--HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY

HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY! Yes, I am aware I am a whole day late. My computer would not cooperate at all yesterday, so I am having to post today! Sorry. I have recently realized that almost every life lesson I have learned, all goes back to my time in the Philippines. God especially showed me many things this past winter during my time at Uncle Dick's Home. One of those things being just how much I take my momma for granted. Don't get me all wrong, I thank God everyday for her, and the love she has shown me throughout my life. However, I think we all sometimes take for granted those little things our mothers do for us. The sweet, and sometimes funny, text messages randomly throughout the day.  The cookies she bakes. The hours of waiting to pick up her children. The prayers. The "I love yous." The fashion advice (although we may sometimes disagree ;) ). The laughs. The many cries. The love advice. The many times she tells us the other kids are just jealous, only to make us feel better. The "No matter what they may say, YOU are the most beautiful."  The front porch talks. The shopping trips. And so on... Mom's are truly a gift from God.  "Her children rise up, and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praiseth her." -- Proverbs 31:28



This picture was taken Mother's Day 2010 at church.



One of the things I am most grateful for, is having a mother who is always in church. A lot of people aren't that blessed.



Faith. Hope. Love. --our "tattoos" from the beach last year :)



Mom,

Throughout my life you have already taught me more about having faith, hope, and love than most people ever know. You have shown me what it means to have true faith in the One who provides, and brings us through the storms in life. During troubled times, you aren't one to stop praying, to stop going to church...you keep on. You press forward. What has amazed me most has been your remarkable faith the past four years.  I specifically remember the day I found out about the first Philippine trip. I knew in my heart it was God answering my prayers.  I remember your reaction. You had a look in your eyes that told me you knew it was God answering my prayers too, but you were so afraid.  Your little girl was about to leave the country to go to the other side of the world.  A place that was so unknown to you. So far away. What you showed me that year was that you had faith that God knew what He was doing. You had faith that I knew it was the right thing for me.  You really believed in me, and I will never forget that.  Now, look at us. I'm soon approaching my fifth trip. I know it hasn't been easy. The nights have been long while I'm away. And while I know that it saddens your heart to see me walk off to board a plane to travel thousands of miles away from you, I also know that your heart is leaping with joy for the mission I always have ahead of me.  Without you I would not be the person I am today. You have taught me to love people unconditionally. To have compassion for people. You have shown me a great love that I want to share with the rest of the world. You truly are my best friend. I love having long talks with you. Your opinion on things means the world to me. When my heart breaks, yours breaks. When I have joy, you have joy. I can only pray that I can be the mother you have been to me one day. I love you so very much! More than any Hallmark card could ever say :) Enjoy your little shopping trip! You deserve it...and so much more!!

Love you always,
Em


I couldn't have made it without you :)


** I wanted to add more pictures, but you know how ridiculous my computer is. I'm lucky to have gotten this many! LOVE YOU!