International Love

I can't wait for Heaven.

Just a quick disclaimer: I've only had 10 hours of sleep in the past 48, and have been crying for four days straight, so please bear with. Thanks. Anyway,I seriously cannot wait for Heaven. That sounds very morbid, but its true. This weekend, my beautiful, precious, amazing sister-in-Christ, Susannah Crook (formerly Krewson) was married to a fantastic gentleman from England, Dan Crook (formerly with dreadlocks). These two Crooks have  persevered through the most challenging long-distance courtship imaginable, dealing with thousands of miles of ocean between them and other such tangled trials. For three years and six months, they have relied on God, trusting him completely with their future, and surrendering loads of dreams, hopes, and fears at His feet with incredible faith in His goodness. So, this weekend was a celebration to say the least, and in true Crook style, they were praising God every second.

We happy Bossalinis were granted the absolute joy of housing a few of Dan's mates and his groomsmen for a few days. These incredible guys were so much fun, and it felt like such a privilege to get to know them better. Not to say there wasn't some mischief...I don't think I've ever seen my mom plot pranks before, and I never need to see Dan in fishnets and a tutu again. In all seriousness, though, this entire weekend felt like a brief glimpse into what Heaven will be like. Whether it was reconnecting with former teachers and old friends, or encountering amazing kindred spirits from an ocean away, this weekend felt like a family reunion. I kept thinking These people feel like siblings! I've known them for five minutes, but it feels like we've known each other forever. That is so cool! Part of it is that Dan and Susannah have such a passion for God and for people that they just naturally draw amazing individuals into their lives. The other part of it is that God fills his people with so much love that when they get together it just feels like an unbelievably fun, loving, passionate family.

Check this out: Acts 2:44 says "And all who believed, who adhered to, and trusted in Jesus Christ were united and together they had everything in common."

"EVERYTHING in common." Technically, when you throw a whole bunch of people from four or five different nations together, they don't have much in common. However, for those who love and trust in Jesus Christ, we have everything in common. And that is why I'm so excited for Heaven: my entire family, from all over the world, and from all of history, will be there. We will rejoice as Christ (and Dan now) rejoices over His bride (the church...and Susannah). Also, the fact we won't have to say goodbye anymore is going to be amazing. Crooks and Crook'ed friends/family...saying goodbye to you all is awful, but we feel so, so blessed that you are now a part of our lives. You are all amazing, and it was such a pleasure. And Suz, gosh...I am so happy for you, my love, and I'll miss you tremendously. <3


"And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love." 1 Cor. 13:13