Happy Birthday Kate!
Happy Birthday to you
Happy Birthday to you
Happy Birthday dear Kathleen
Happy Birthday to you!
This coming week is your birthday! This year is unique however. I know I typically call you on your birthday and sing or leave the happy birthday song on your voicemail just like you would for me, but I won’t be able to do that this year. I’m in Honduras and you’re in Colombia. I know I won’t have internet on your birthday, so I’m writing this blog today.
You may be thinking, “What’s the big deal? I talked to you a few weeks ago. Our family is huge and there is always a birthday to celebrate. Why is mine any different?” Well, you’re right. I did just talk to you and our family is huge and loves to make a big deal out of birthdays, but this one is different. I know you’ve celebrated multiple birthdays in Colombia, but this is the first year I can appreciate it. As you know, I had my birthday in Mozambique this year and it was hard. I was hot, dirty, lonely and missing all of you. I felt like I didn’t have much reason to celebrate. On my birthday you emailed me and said,
“We all have periods in our life where we can look back and say, "that time really shaped much of who I am" – and this year will be one of those for you!! But a cool thing I have learned – it doesn't have to be the biggest/coolest/most impacting thing you have ever done – God has more good things for you to do – more rich experiences for you!”
I never forgot that. And that is my prayer for you this year. I pray that God would use this season to continue shaping you and reveal his richness to you. Thank you for being an example to not only me, but also everyone who knows you. Do you realize that I shared my faith on the beach in college, but you did it first? I went overseas in college to share the gospel, but you did it first. I was tired of the American dream and wanted to make a difference, but you did it first. I quit my job and get rid of my possessions to leave and share Jesus with the world, but again you did it first. You’ve lead not only in word, but also in deed, and at 25 years old I still find myself following in your footsteps.
So if on your birthday you are tired or lonely or question whether it’s worth it, know that it is. It’s worth it. The sacrifices you’ve made and continue to make do not go unnoticed.
Truly, I say to you, there is no one who has left house or brothers or sisters or mother or father or children or lands, for my sake and for the gospel who will not receive a hundredfold now in this time, houses and brothers and sisters and mothers and children and lands, with persecutions, and in the age to come eternal life. But many who are first will be last, and the last first.
Mark 10:30-31
You are such an inspiration. You are beautiful inside and out. I am honored to call you my sister and I’m so excited to see you in a few months!
Love,
Jam
