February 2

God was good to us on July 21, 2007. That’s when Katy Mills became Katy Nyman by marrying our Hans, and today is her birthday. The Youth With A Mission “match factory” produced another marriage made in heaven for our family as Hans and Katy left their homelands (US and UK) for a six month missions project initiated in New Zealand. God brought them from opposite sides of the world to the bottom of the globe to find each other.

Since the time our children were little, I’ve prayed for their future mates who were simultaneously being raised elsewhere. I prayed for godly upbringings, loving family relationships, commitments to Christ at young ages, protection from life-scars and many other goodies. As I prayed for Hans and his eventual wife, God had his eyes on Katy. Somehow, in a way beyond my understanding, he applied my prayers to her life on the other side of an ocean, and when we met her, we were looking at God’s faithful answer.

Katy and Hans were married in Macclesfield, England, in a 400 year old cathedral-style church just outside the city of Manchester. Although Hans was sure beyond all doubt Katy was “the one” before we even met her, we seconded that vote as we got acquainted from afar. There were pictures, emails, videos, letters, and at long last, a visit when we got to put our arms around the real girl.

Katy has a sparkling personality that attracts others and makes them feel included. With a spirit of optimism and joy, she’s captivated us all. As Hans aptly described her after catching a glimpse of her at an airport gate, “There she was, in all her colorfulness!” Now that we’ve gotten to know her, we understand he meant not just her cheery exterior but her delightful inner persona, too.

Katy has a natural beauty that enables her to “get ready” in a few quick minutes, a young husband’s dream. She’s also an excellent cook and has pulled Hans into meal preparation to the point where I’ve overheard them discussing the benefits of different spices, and I don’t mean salt and pepper. “It’s like art,” Hans told me, “bringing a meal to the table in a joint effort.” This is one of the many gifts Katy has shared with our son.

Giving birth to Nicholas Nyman a year ago, a little guy who looks just like her, is a blessing that benefits us all. And I’ll never forget the day Nate and I, with Linnea, were driving home from yet another radiation treatment, feeling dispirited. The cell phone rang at an opportune moment, bringing Hans and Katy into the car all the way from England. Together they announced they were expecting twins! Our gasps and squeals banished gloom from the car as we received the bright news that two more little Nymans were being readied to join the family. And as for coping with twins, Linnea put it well that day when she said, “If anybody can handle it, Katy can!”

The most significant part of our daughter-in-law, though, is her deep faith in Jesus Christ. I remember trudging upstairs with an armload of clean laundry on a discouraging day in October, when all the medical news was bad. Hearing soft voices in the next room, I peeked through the open door. There sat Katy and Hans, knee-to-knee, heads bowed, deep in prayer. For a Christian parent, there is no greater happiness.

”I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth.” (3 John 4)

“Those who trust in the Lord will find new strength. They will soar high on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint.” (Isaiah 40:31)

8 thoughts on “February 2

  1. I have been reading your blog since November when my neice told me about it. They attend the same church you did in Chicago. My husband was diagnosed with an inoperable brain tumor in July 2008. He has had radiation and different kinds of chemo but the tumor has been growing again and the outlook is not good. I just want to tell you, your faith and courage has blessed and helped me so much! May God bless you, Catherine

  2. i still have pictures in my mind of the “post-it” notes Hans put on the fridge of Katy and himself. over his was “Block” and hers, “butterfly” with pictures to illustrate.. remember that? a hundred pots of coffee a day and plate after plate of goodies. i ate in a day what i now eat in a week. it was great actually, all that fellowship..so many great people together..so rare.

  3. Okay, you made me cry first thing in the morning, so now I’ll be a mess all day long! It’s so great to hear that another mom has prayed for the future spouse of their child while they were young. Your family is definitely blessed to have Katy walking life’s journey with Hans. Happy Birthday Katy and I’m praying for a safe delivery of the twins.

  4. What a great God we have. Praise the Lord for yet another answer to prayer. He is faithful.
    We will be praying for a safe delivery of these precious twins.
    Have a great day in the Lord today and enjoy the bright sun and beautiful snow. We are in Syracuse NY. Every day new snow!

  5. WOW- YWAM has been good to the Nyman’s! What does the M stand for again?? 🙂
    Happy Birthday, Katie! You do sound like the perfect mate for Hans.
    Loved Hans’ description of colorfulness- I seem to remember him as well having more than eight crayons in his box. The two of you are a regular kaleidoscope.
    What great things to pray, Margaret. It is amazing how God arranges circumstances to bring two people together.
    “Lord, protect Katy and these twins as they continue to be knit together. Knit them to You as well, and even from their youth draw them to a relationship with Christ. Prosper this family to be able to provide in abundance all that is needed for their well-being.”
    Terry

  6. What a blessing the Lord gave to you all with your daughter-in-love, Katy. Looking forward to those twins.