This has been a challenging week, both emotionally and physically. Angelita's death and the challenges that followed have left me feeling drained. But in the midst of that, God has lifted my spirit through a family member and a message she sent me last night.
Wanda's sister-in-law, Melanie Musser, came to Guatemala to share in Brittney and Joel's wedding two weeks ago. She spent several days with us, and took time to share with me her observations from the wedding. What she expressed in her message is what we have prayed for our ministry for so long. We want everyone to know that the children for which we care are honored guests, both in our lives and in the heart of God. And the same is true for everyone who chooses to accept His invitation.
But since she put it far more beautifully than I ever could, I will let a portion of her message speak for itself:
I am impressed greatly that my time in Guatemala has prompted me to view the world through a bigger lens and to see a glimpse into how God loves all his children. One of my favorite moments of our trip was a moment at the wedding just before it began, as a whole troop of loving servants wheeled in the kids to the wedding, ready for the huge, all evening, "field trip" to the garden where their loving caregivers had packed a remarkable collection of equipment and medication and feedings and paraphernalia to be able to spend the evening out and to celebrate Brittney and Joel with the big crowd.
Now, that is love. Loving caregivers. A caring Fulp family and Brittney and Joel who invited those kids like the honored guests that they were at this special event. And a whole cavalcade of friends and helpers who lovingly pushed the kids into the wedding area and then attended them all evening long. All sorts of love was oozing through that moment. And it gripped me--in an eternal moment. An eternal moment when time stood still and what bubbled so obviously to the surface was that this moment was all about love. Pure, unselfish, self-sacrificing love. Countless people had extended great effort to invite these kids to the grand party. Getting them ready was a big deal. Getting them
to the outdoor wedding and reception was a big deal. Managing all of their needs, out and about on the town for the evening, took lots of effort. And there they all were--honored guests at a grand party--integral participants at one of the pinnacle moments in Brittney and Joel's life together. It all seems so natural and expected in the Fulp family. That's part of what makes the picture of seeing 10 special needs kids coming in to the grand party with all of their attendants such a beautiful picture. They did belong there. They were valued as much as any of the guests. In a society where children aren't always valued as full human beings, and in a society wherechildren with special needs are especially overlooked and viewed with little value. This was a place where they were all obviously given great honor, valued highly, and loved very deeply. They could have all stayed back home, but it was very important that they be there. For they are all part of the family and they are all deeply loved. Of course they're invited to the party. So very biblical. We're all invited to The Party, no matter who we are and no matter the degree of value that we have in the society around us. In that eternal moment, I saw the Love of God embodied, and what a beautiful sight to behold.
Thank you, Melanie, for taking time to write such encouraging words at a time when they were greatly needed! We love you!
Daryl, Wanda and the Crew
