“For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.” – Jeremiah 29:11
Does it ever get easier? My daughter left for Africa yesterday. She is joining a team for five weeks committed to going into eastern Africa to bring medical care, basic hygiene and health education, and the word of God to the people in that part of the world. We put her on a plane with her trunk of medical supplies, committing her into the hands of God. Again.
I remember the first time she spent the night away from home. I sat in the parking lot and cried. The first day of school when I was overwhelmed by the knowledge that different voices would now be speaking into her heart. The first afternoon I handed her the car keys, telling her to be careful. The evening we came home to an empty bedroom after leaving her at college. Each moment was an opportunity to expand my trust, open my heart, and acknowledge that her life has always been in the hands of God.
I am so excited for all the ways that she is going to grow, the things she is going to experience, the ways that she will see God, and the light that she is going to share. This experience will stretch her faith. It will stretch mine too. Africa is on the other side of the world, but the same God who walks with me through my neighborhood will travel with her across the plains of the Serengeti. He will be there through the new sights, strange flavors, different rhythms, and exciting experiences – holding her, teaching her, watching over her, and loving her. He knows what it means for a child to leave home to walk in a different land. His presence with her is my assurance and the foundation of my hope.
My Jesus Resolution today is to trust the Father. My children are a gift given to me to cherish, teach, enjoy, and love. They expand my heart, open my eyes, lift my soul, and energize my steps. I have learned more about the heart of God from them than could be written in a thousand books. Today, He uses my daughter to teach me a new lesson. It is the lesson of Abraham, Hannah, Mary, and Eunice. Let go. Surrender even this precious piece of your heart into My hands and watch me work My wonders.
Casandra Martin 
Casandra, we will put your daughter on our prayer list for God’s protection. I am part of the Port Angeles Ladies Bible Study. I raised 4 daughters and 1 son, so I know what it is like to send them to faraway places. My children are all in their late 40’s and early 50’s and God has stayed close to them over the years.
I truly enjoy your posts, and look forward to hearing you speak at our 2012 Ladies Day.
God be with you!
Dear Casandra my daughter Jillian Taylor also left for Africa last week with her graduate class from Harding and your work books in her suitcase. We met last year at the connecticut ladies day. I will keep your daughter and her group in my prayers also. They are brave young christians and I am so proud of them all.
Thankyou for this post I really needed to be reminded to put all things in Gods hands.
In Him,
Leah