A night in Holland

Nobody knew what to expect when she was born.

She was beautiful, but things weren’t right.

So her family prayed.
And our church prayed.
And I prayed.

Her medical label was eventually “Spastic Quad Cerebral Palsy.”

But everyone who knew her family knew better.
Kaitlyn was “Loved.”

As the years have passed, Kaitlyn has continued to grow. She has faced and overcome multiple problems on multiple levels.

But one thing has never changed: she remains very loved.

So in honor of Kaitlyn and her beloved family, her close-knit church family marked a special evening Saturday night for friends to bless them with funds for a much-needed ramp van.

And someone must have remembered to invite Jesus.
Because He showed up too.

• Through the hands that grilled steaks
• Through the artisans who donated items for auction
• Through the workers who set up tables
• Through the friends who gave funds
• Through the kids who served food

And through Kaitlyn’s mom and dad who spoke to us.

Her dad Philip shared some miraculous stories of how the Lord has taught him great lessons in love through loving Kaitlyn.

And her mom Karla shared the story of “Welcome to Holland.”

No, they didn’t get the “trip to Italy” that all parents expect when they have a baby.

But instead they got a “trip to Holland.”
And the things they’re seeing in Holland are beautiful.

Including this night with friends and family.
Karla said it was one of their best nights in Holland so far.

~  ~  ~  ~  ~  ~ 

I add to my count of 1000 gifts of grace:

# 333—344

~ church families
~ benefit dinners
~ steak and potatoes
~ knowing Kaitlyn
~ knowing Kaitlyn’s precious parents and two sisters
~ a table of friends who feel the same as I do
~ catching up with friends from long ago
~ ramp vans
~ a night in Holland
~ answered prayers
~ unanswered prayers
~ a God who shows up in all kinds of ways

* * *