Unexpected Blessings -- Former Street Kid, Serious?

The past weeks have been packed with family times filled with laughter and the labor of love and deep conversations and goodnight prayers and real life and the expected stressors related to the amazing celebration of our daughter, Danelle’s wedding.  Overriding and resonating through all of it was God’s incredible grace and presence....I would like to share some of the unexpected blessings.

If you have been reading this blog, you might remember reading about Juan Miguel, one of the leaders at Casa Gabriel in Quito, Ecuador.  You can find part of his story on the blog entry April 18, 2013 called, "Water into sweet wine.  Miraculous, powerful, intimate grace."

The first unexpected blessing was the fact that Juan Miguel was given both a ticket (thanks, Brad and Sindy Keller!) and a visa to come to the U.S.  

Juan Miguel flew in with Phil's parents, who had been on a mission outreach in Ecuador, to Chicago the Monday before the wedding.  Our son and his wife, Jordan and Violeta, (also from Quito, Ecuador) enjoyed orienting him to Chicago and treated him twice to his favorite food in the United States, Chipotle.  Together they drove to Columbia, MO on Wednesday.  They arrived to a flurry of pre-wedding activities and little personal attention from us. 

 

Friends of our family, Lydia and Ryan Hunt, hosted Juan Miguel during his time in Columbia.  Lydia, who was an intern missionary with our mission several years ago, and her husband Ryan from Australia ,made the perfect hosts.  I am not sure how many times Juan Miguel ate ice cream and Chipotle!

Our kids embrace the boys at Casa Gabriel as family and brothers.  Juan Miguel brought a huge wedding card created by the boys with special notes of blessing.  His personal gift was a beautiful song he had written and composed for their wedding.  I can’t think of a more special gift!

The night before Phil and Juan Miguel left for Minnesota, we celebrated our son, Tully's birthday. 
Everyone gave one word to describe Tully.  Juan Miguel's word was "brother."

Juan Miguel’s passion and gifting for music surprised everyone.  He sang spontaneously at a local radio station and in some restaurants in downtown Columbia while visiting with Corrina, a girl who had been on the CFC- Casa G mission outreach in April.  He was invited by our friend, Russ Duker, to share his testimony at a Columbia rotary club.  And he “wowed” the admissions staff and music professors at McNally Smith and Concordia in St. Paul, MN during his visit the week after the wedding.   

As Phil and Juan Miguel reflected and debriefed during their return drive to Chicago, it was evident Juan Miguel has a strong desire to study music production.  His ability and zeal to do so was confirmed during the visits at the universities.  However, an even greater confirmation was that his sights are set first on Jesus Christ and His eternal purpose and plan.