Let’s decompress this a bit — because last weekend was spectacular!

I had the chance to step away from our usual ministry rhythm (which I adore!) and travel four hours across the mountains to my Guatemalan hometown for something truly special: Night to Shine.

If you’re not familiar, Night to Shine is a prom experience for individuals with special needs, hosted by local churches around the world — 67 countries this year!

Right here in Guatemala, I was honored to serve as a “buddy” for a young woman, helping her enjoy an evening focused entirely on her. She and every other guest were crowned kings and queens — precious and valued in God’s eyes.

Now imagine this: in a culture where children with special needs are often hidden away or even labeled as burdens or curses, a night like this boldly celebrates the incredible worth God places on every one of them. It was overwhelming in the best way — a powerful reminder of His love.

While social media rules limit what photos I can share (and honestly, I was joyfully caught up in the moment anyway!), I encourage you to see the joy for yourself. Check out this beautiful video from Hope for Home, featuring some of the amazing adults who attended:
https://www.facebook.com/share/r/18G2vTo1yt/

Daniel and I were paired with young adults from a special-needs school I didn’t even know existed! What a gift to meet other parents and caregivers whose calling and compassion echo our own — people who joyfully recognize the inherent value of those they care for.

As our honored guests arrived, we joined them at hair and makeup stations and helped them choose a piece of jewelry to wear and keep.

Then came one of my favorite parts: the red carpet! Guests could strut down it with the crowds cheering… or quietly slip in the side if noise was a bit much.

And though I’m not sharing photos, let me just say: we absolutely crushed it at the photo booth.

There was a beautifully catered meal, and the dessert table? Let me tell you — it looked like something straight out of a fairy tale.

So many choices.

So many colors.

So much joy.

And our guests could take as much as they wanted!

Daniel’s honored guest, sweet and shy, hesitated to accept anything at first.

See, when you’ve spent a lifetime being told your needs are inconvenient, you eventually stop asking for anything at all. Even when kindness is offered, the instinct is still to shrink back.

But Daniel, with his calm warmth and gift for putting people at ease, helped him relax and truly enjoy the night.

After dinner, there was a short message sharing the truth of how treasured each guest is — how deeply loved and valued they are by God.

And then? We got to crown each of our kings and queens present for the evening!

Next?

The dancing.

Friends… if you’ve never had a dance party with someone who has Down syndrome, you have not lived.

The joy is unreal.

Pure.

Contagious.

Life-giving.

I was blown away by how many volunteers showed up for every detail — hair, makeup, decorations, mobility assistance, cleanup, food service, cheering, photos, everything.

So many people came simply to love those whom society so often overlooks.

And in doing so, they reflected the heart of God — the immeasurable value He places on every single person.