Was it hard to take your daughter on a mission trip?

I have been asked this question many times since we got home. I have put some thought into an answer. Obviously the decision to take your child on a mission should be Spirit-led and covered in prayer. So, out of obedience to God's call on not just our lives but on Kendall's life, we took her.
It was hard. Parenting your kids in your own home in your own country is hard. Taking a mission trip w/o them is hard. So, yep, it's hard.
But I can tell you what I believe. God has seeds He wants to plant in your children. He wants to use you to plant them. Even if it is really hard.
There were so many teachable moments when we were working together. At one point Kendall and I were w/o a job to do. I said, "Okay, lets get a trash bag and pick up all the garbage around here." K was not happy about picking up trash. You know what I could tell her, "Sometimes serving God is not doing the things you really enjoy. Whatever you do, do your work for the Lord." After a while she was happy to be picking up trash. I'd like to say that happy attitude followed her for the rest of the day but it did not. But do you think I will continue to remind her of this moment? You betcha. "Hey, Peanut, remember when we were picking up trash in Mexico? It was pretty gross, huh? Well, remember what Jesus said about the first being last and the last being first? Do you think picking up trash makes you first or last in Jesus' eyes?"
I think it was hard. I was frustrated with her at times. It was hard to give grace and bear with one another in love. But it was worth it. If all we accomplished this week with our daughter was for her to follow our example as we followed the example of Christ, it was worth it.
But I know that was not all we accomplished and I know that the fruit of the seeds that were planted may not come for many years. I will still be plugging along as her mom. Trying my hardest to put feet to His passion and trying my hardest to bring her up in the way she should go. I pray I will have the great privilege of seeing the good works that the Lord has set out for her future. I hope this encourages you to pray about taking your kid on a mission trip. God Bless!