My Mum (in N.Z. instead of Mom its Mum) is an amazing lady. When my parents and I first arrived in New Zealand in 1980, we embraced many changes. I have to admit for me, as a kid, things were great. Having just left Iran, it truly was like being in “Paradise on Earth.” Mum however couldn’t speak a word of English and in our first year, Dad worked out of town for about 50 of the 52 weeks. They had to start so much all over again.

I’ll never forget the time when all three of us went to the corner “dairy” (corner store). The store owner called Mum “Love”. Being used to Middle Eastern custom, she was shocked and fortunately Dad realized it was just an innocent N.Z. culture thing. I don’t think he would have picked a fight with a big burly Moari anyway.

At first it was tremendously difficult and lonely, but Mum being who she is, made the most of the situation. She embraced New Zealand. She made many new friends, adapted to a new culture, learned another language, completed a Bachelor degree, worked hard with my father to provide for the family and much more. I’m certain if she could have it her way she still would be living there as opposed to Edmonton.

When I returned to New Zealand in 2005 as a woman with her own family, I often was reminded of Mum. I missed her and the rest of my family astoundingly. But the courage she had shown in the early years had a greater impression upon me than she probably realized at the time. Her example gave me strength to face the difficulties of our translocation.

In Titus 2 it is written : “teach the older women to be reverent in the way they live, not to be slanderers or addicted to much wine, but to teach what is good. Then they can train the younger women to love their husbands and children, to be self-controlled and pure, to be busy at home, to be kind, and to be subject to their husbands, so that no one will malign the word of God.”

My mum along with others has had a great impact in preparing me for my God given destiny. My aim is that I will do the same for our children and anyone else God leads me to.

It’s so important for us to have Godly mentors and in turn to be mentors for others. With the support and encouragement of Godly influence we can succeed at living a purpose filled life.  If you have been so blessed, why not be a blessing to another.

–Karen Lund