Marcus married sweet Kelsie last week. She’s a lovely girl
who loves Jesus and loves him. The wedding was an awesome celebration.
But, if marriages were arranged in the U.S. they probably wouldn't have gotten together. Our families are too different. They’re Dutch. We’re mutts. She’s never left the country. Marcus has lived on three continents.
She’s from a small town with one red light. Marcus grew up in big cities. Her Dad can do great “man” stuff like back up a trailer, run five miles, has great tools in his garage and can fix stuff. I can walk… to the kitchen… and fix biscuits.
Still, they welcomed us into their home. It was like some epic biblical wedding feast that lasted for a week. We moved into their home. Marcus moved in. Andrew moved in. Marcus’ friends from high school. Kelsie. Her brother. Her sister. Her friends.
We all showed up to help with a week of wedding prep. Instead it was more like locust taking over their place, loud, eating their food and using their shower. I’m still stunned by their graciousness and generosity.
Her parents, Brian and Diane work as lay ministers and have poured their lives into students for years. They have an obvious love for and walk with God. They have raised four bright, funny and gifted kids of their own.
Parents used to arrange marriages to benefit the family, to raise their status and create more financial stability. This marriage had nothing to do with status or wealth. But in terms of spiritual legacy, Marcus scored big time.
But, if marriages were arranged in the U.S. they probably wouldn't have gotten together. Our families are too different. They’re Dutch. We’re mutts. She’s never left the country. Marcus has lived on three continents.
She’s from a small town with one red light. Marcus grew up in big cities. Her Dad can do great “man” stuff like back up a trailer, run five miles, has great tools in his garage and can fix stuff. I can walk… to the kitchen… and fix biscuits.
Still, they welcomed us into their home. It was like some epic biblical wedding feast that lasted for a week. We moved into their home. Marcus moved in. Andrew moved in. Marcus’ friends from high school. Kelsie. Her brother. Her sister. Her friends.
We all showed up to help with a week of wedding prep. Instead it was more like locust taking over their place, loud, eating their food and using their shower. I’m still stunned by their graciousness and generosity.
Her parents, Brian and Diane work as lay ministers and have poured their lives into students for years. They have an obvious love for and walk with God. They have raised four bright, funny and gifted kids of their own.
Parents used to arrange marriages to benefit the family, to raise their status and create more financial stability. This marriage had nothing to do with status or wealth. But in terms of spiritual legacy, Marcus scored big time.
You failed to mention that your lovely wife took over my kitchen and relieved me of all cooking responsibilities, you helped mow the lawn and ironed all the guys' clothes, you brought tons of food and paper products to help out, and helped with many of the preparations. I have to say that I was the one who was blessed and spoiled during that week. I am SO thankful that Kelsie has married a wonderful, kind, doting, Christian husband who loves her and a family who also loves her. Thanks for blessing us with the gift of laughter and fun during our wedding celebration and for raising my newest son. God bless you!
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