During our years with Mercy Ships, our family got serve along with the wonderful Blom family from the Netherlands. Their family left the ship in 2018, about a year after ours did. Now seven years later, Corné and his daughter Charlotte returned to the ship in Madagascar. Following their visit, Corné shared this inspiring reflection on the power of pressing through fear and insecurity to obey the call of the Lord. I was so inspired, I asked Corné if I could share his post here, and he agreed! Here is what Corné wrote:

Seven years ago, we left the Africa Mercy as a family. Charlotte was just 10 then – wide-eyed, brave, not yet knowing how much this place would shape her dreams.

Now, she dreams of becoming a pediatrician. Maybe one day, she’ll return not just as my daughter, but as a healer in her own right.

Walking these decks together, I felt it all over again:
The beauty.
The weight.

And the quiet question that still lingers, even after years of leadership – is my contribution enough to this story?

What I’ve learned is this:
Confidence doesn’t come first.
Calling does.
Courage does.

You move, even with doubts.
You show up. Even when you don’t feel ready.
And slowly, confidence catches up.

This visit wasn’t just about returning for a quick visit. It was about passing the spark forward. Watching my daughter see the intersection of purpose and possibility.

If you’re waiting to feel ready, let this be your reminder:
Move anyway.
Show up anyway.

Legacy isn’t what you leave behind.
It’s what you live, right now.

Keep up the amazing work!

“In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” –Matthew 5:16