Train up a child

As a parent it is my greatest desire to see my children come to love God and want to serve Him with their lives. I know that for missionaries, that desire is no different. Their children are being raised away from a culture that perhaps many of them were raised in. It was a thrill to meet
missionaries in Niger whose parents were also serving God on the mission field and now they carry the torch.

Mitchell and Ariana are truly some of the most special kids I know- and I know ALOT of kids!! I have had the pleasure of knowing them since they were babies but have only had the chance to see them when they are on furlough. That is why it was so special to see them in Niger, the country they truly call home.

I am always impressed with how mature and kind they are. The whole time our team was with them they never said one unkind word to each other. They honored their parents in every
situation and exhibited an attitude of gratitude for things that were done for them. They are inquisitive and incredibly articulate and one gets the feeling you are talking with someone
much older every time you have a conversation with them. They were willing to help with anything we asked and never once did hear them complain when they were squished like sardines into a vehicle!

I love these kids and God taught me a lot through them while we were in their home. He showed me that it is possible to raise kids who, at such a young age, know that what their parents are
doing is something they can be a part of. They showed me that it is possible to be close to your parents and your siblings, and that in this isolated environment there is much love and laughter. They showed me what it is to take pleasure in simple things like watching a football game with
another fanatic, learn some watercolor techniques from a grandma or sit and talk with friends on a bed for hours on end.

I will commit to pray for them as they continue to honor their parents and as they make decisions regarding their high school years. God truly shines through them!

- Michelle