On Team Rapha, we try to remember even the smallest of holidays, including MLK Day, Presidents’ Day,
Laura Ingalls Wilder’s Birthday, etc. So you can imagine that the major
holidays are a big to-do. I think that this helps a lot with homesickness and
bonds us together as we create our own traditions for these holidays. Here’s
what I wrote in my journal to commemorate one of the best Valentine’s Day of
all time…
Happy Valentine’s Day! Yesterday we bought
arts & crafts supplies and made each child and lady a Valentine with 2
pieces of candy attached to them. After we were done making theirs in secret,
we led the kids upstairs and gave them some stuff to make their own-they were
so excited!! This morning I woke up to Elaina’s pretty Valentine on the table
and a Cadbury roasted nut bar… the kids also woke us up at 7am and brought in
Valentines they made for us…they just couldn’t wait until breakfast! We went
upstairs and there was a (plastic) rose on each of our chairs– Plus Valentines
from Roberto & Kristan, with a Krunchies chocolate & a Dairy Milk
Cadbury bar. Yum! It was so wonderful to see how excited the kids were when
they saw their Valentines on the table; such a fun surprise for them. The rest
of the day was pretty normal until it was almost time for dinner-we were told
by the boys “not to eat a lot” because we “might” be going somewhere afterwards.
So we bundled up and headed on a walk– We ended up at the Godawari Resort to
have dessert! The place was the fanciest we’ve been, and we were 1 of 3 groups
there. Kristan got fries & a banana split (best choice), Justin got a
nasty, gelatin-like cheesecake, I got a “chocolate pyramid” that tasted like it
had a ton of rum in it, Roberto got a flan-like dessert & a margarita, and
KK & Elania split some garlic naan and apple pie a la mode. It was so fun,
even if the desserts weren’t quite what we were expecting. We ended the night
with a little feedback and watched “Hitch” on Roberto’s computer. Had a perfect
Valentine’s day…Thank you Lord for providing the gifts & surprises, and for
loving me the very most!
Here’s some excerpts from the
cards I received:
“Happy Valentine day april. Dear
april sister- I love you much very.” (from Prakash, who had the BIGGEST crush
on me)
“Happy Valentine day. Hi I am
Sunil. Your name is April I love you very much. Sunil”
“Happy Valentine Day. Jesus
<3 U very much. Hello April Sister. Your best fruit is an Apple.” (from
Archana…cutest girl ever)
“Dear April, be blessed on this
day as you remember that our Father loves you greatly. I already feel His love
pour through you as you laugh, show acts of boldness, and show your concern for
those around you! So blessed to be on your team. Happy Valentines; Day, Roberto”
(awww… berto)
“April- From the first time we
met, I knew I wanted you to join me on this year’s journey. I feel like you
have so much to offer and I can’t wait to become deep friends in our ‘real
lives.’ You have shown me what it means to be a good listener, and I am
constantly trying to learn from you and your genuine interest in people. Thanks
for loving us as a couple and thanks for being a listening ear. I hope you are
learning to be fully yourself! Happy Valentine’s Day-2011, Kristan” (so sweet! I miss them so much…)
I am so blessed! Thankful for
everyone that loves me here and at home.
