Since I'm living in Israel, I don't have access to all my old photos, but you can still get an idea of what a joy Destiny was as a little girl. Her name was definitely prophetic. She is destined for joy. She brings joy wherever she goes. The room lights up when she walks in. She is a fiery prophet who wants to see other young people set free. There's no gray area with Des. It's either right or wrong. And if it's wrong, you shouldn't be doing it! These kinds of children make life very interesting when you're trying to raise them!One year they all wore sailor outfits to church on Resurrection Day. They were the cutest kids, seriously. Everywhere we went people commented on how cute and well-behaved they were.
Destiny is standing right beside me.
She always had so much energy! When we took family road trips, we stopped frequently to give the kids time to run and play. She needed it just as much as the boys! All it took was for Dad to start humming the theme to "Man From Snowy River", and off they went! (That's kind of random. I don't know what made me think of that!)
A high school drama awards night. She was kissing the frog (aka brother Austin).I love my daughter. She is such a blessing to our family. She is the most loyal daughter, sister, and friend in the entire world. She lives to give. She's always thinking of how she can bless someone. Her heart hurts deeply for orphans. She wants to make life easier for the poor and the hungry. She is such an amazing wife and mother. I'm so proud of the homemaker she has become. Her cooking skills put me to shame! She and Jon have recently sold their house and most of their belongings in order to move to Brussels, Belgium in November. God has made it very plain that He wants a house of prayer/missions base established in Brussels, the capital of the European Union. We are so excited about this, and eventually our whole family will have at least a small part to play in this. I'm grateful for the way she and Jonathan have listened to God's voice in spite of the obvious sacrifices in making such a move. From the time she was a baby, I knew that her dad and I would be sowing her to the nations. That's what gives me peace through it all.
The rest of my pictures were all taken two months ago in Israel. This has to be the best, most wonderful surprise of my entire life. I will remember it forever, and it has gotten me through these first six months of being away from the family. I still can't believe they were here. It seems like a beautiful dream.
This was the first day they arrived and my face is still red from crying!
Here we are in the prayer room one afternoon. I LOVED having my girls worship with us. There's nothing better in the whole world.
One morning we went up on the Temple Mount. This is her sister, Courtney, and friend, Rachel Baker. Women's shoulders must be covered (Muslim rules), so that's the reason for the shawls. This was the site of Solomon's temple and also the second temple rebuilt in Ezra's day. This is the actual place where Yeshua will set up His headquarters when He returns to Jerusalem! He is returning as King to rule and reign with us! (Sorry...this is Destiny's birthday, not the time to explain the sites of Jerusalem...I get a little carried away.)
This is the family on the lookout right next to our apartment building. The Old City of Jerusalem is in the background.My daughter is simply amazing, and life would be so boring without her! Happy Birthday, sweetie!
Jonathan and Destiny Vandeput
This was great, Jerri! Destiny is so beautiful and looks just like you. You are right, she is a wonderful mom, wife, friend and sister. She is never hesitant to take life by the horns!
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