September is Moms on a Mission Month on MommyandMeDays.com

September 1st kicks off our "Moms on a Mission" month for mommyandmedays.com. I grew up as a child of a mom on a mission. I believe it is important to honor our moms who are strong women, working to better the world and help those around them. My mom is one of those women whom I highly respect, and has been one of the greatest influences in my life.

They say behind every great man there is a great (or greater) woman. That statement can't be truer when it comes to my family. My mom has been there every step of the way, no matter how many crazy, hairbrained ideas my dad comes up with (no offense Dad). One day, my dad came to her with the idea to get rid of everything they had and move our family to South America to become missionaries. I know if I went to my husband and said that today, he would look at me like I was nuts. Not many spouses would take that seriously. But my mom did. My mom prayed about it and together my parents sold our family's things and gave away what didn't sell and moved us to Costa Rica to learn Spanish. My parents became full time missionaries and we moved to Venezuela to live. It is amazing how little people have in some other countries and how much we take for granted here in the United States. Being a missionary kid was probably the single most influential experience in my life. My mom gave up many opportunities she had in her life to help people in South America and teach them about God. I don't say it enough, but my mom has been a great influence on my life and others, and I am proud of her!

As moms, we have an incredible opportunity to guide our children into the right direction. It is our job to teach our sons and daughters to be strong and independent and to help those in need who can't help themselves. This month we are featuring strong women who are working for a charity or a cause that is special to them. We are highlighting women who have come up with an idea to help the world and those around them. If you, or someone you know is a "Mom on a Mission", share their story in the comments below or email us at mommyandmedays@gmail.com.