This past week my cousin, Tim Ruiter, passed away. Although I was not able to physically to return to the USA, my heart and spirit were there. Upon receiving the news my heart was prompted to write a little tribute to Tim and my family – my dad read the tribute at the service this past Friday morning.
One of the biggest things the gypsy people taught me was to love deep. These people loved deeper than any other people group I have met all year. They loved with everything that was in them.
The moment we arrived we instantly became family. They not only welcomed us into their home, but into their lives and hearts. And for one month they gave up their bedrooms for us, they gave up their schedules for us, they gave up their priorities for us. These people loved us in an indescribable way.
The store, known as a magazin in Romania, was only a 5 minute walk from our house, but it often took us at least 30 minutes because of all the people we would meet and converse with along the way. People there were genuinely interested in each other – because of love.
Today the gypsy people are grieving for and with us. Upon receiving the phone call on Monday their hearts completely broke. I was and our family was immediately being held up in prayer and they were grieving for us. It was again another example of a deep love.
My heart and my love is stretching across the miles today … at this very moment. Know that each and everyone of you is loved deeply … not only by myself, the gypsies, or Dan, but by the One that created you! By the One that looks over the threshold of heaven each morning waiting to see your face wake up for another day – and then He thinks to Himself, “That’s my masterpiece.” Believe it – you are loved deeply today and everyday!
