Dear Grandma,
Hello from across the ocean! This morning, I’m thinking of you. Michigan is a long ways from here, but your heart feels near. How are you today? Any upcoming plans with Joanne? Is the Chick Fil A in Holland still in business without all of our dates with Grandpa?
This morning while I was eating breakfast, I remembered again and was cherishing the sweet cousin sleepovers we had years ago— we would lay out sleeping bags in the basement, eat ice cream, and all play uno together. And then in the morning, we’d wake up to pancakes and you let us watch endless Tom and Jerry. You’d make us feel like we were the most important kids in the world and always squeeze us tight before we went home. You told us how much you loved us and we’d yell back, “love you!” And then holler “pink and purple! blue and green!”. I have this picture in my head of you and grandpa. You’re standing in your kitchen window waving goodbye to us, the same you did each time we drove away. It will be forever etched into my memory, reminding me of just how you always made me feel loved.
In the last weeks we have met so many beautiful women. You know some of their names already, but Grandma, I just wanted to tell you something that God shared with me. I was speaking with a beautiful woman who had come from another country as a refuge. She was living away from all of her family members and childhood friends. When I asked her about her family back home and she began talking, her face changed. Love was her strength and hope. Her face completely lit up. A joy bubbled over in her because of the love of her family. It’s pretty simple, but wow, love is powerful.
You and Grandpa have taught me many things. More than anything, you’ve taught me what it means to be generous with love. You have loved me and your whole family so well. Grandma, as I love the people of these countries, they are receiving a piece of your love that has made my heart strong. Your love has taught me to see beyond surface level into the deeper heart of someone. Grandma, your life has shaped mine and pushed me closer to the woman that God created me to be. I carry you with me and feel your love!
I always appreciate your prayers for safety and health. But, Grandma, don’t worry! God is taking really good care of us here! We have nothing to fear. He is such a good Father. He has shown Himself to be a abundant provider time and time again. It’s been really exciting to learn how to listen to His voice more clearly. It can sometimes feel scary to be obedient, but God has been giving me more and more courage the more I ask for it. I can’t wait to give you a hug in a few months! Purple and pink! Xoxo.
Love you,
Kels
