the one with my birthday surprise

Wowzer. I got a BIG surprise on my birthday. Adam came home from his school workshop this past Thursday (the day before my birthday) and told me my birthday present was on the front porch. I opened the door and there was Mandy!!!
In the summer of 2003 I spent 3 months in Brisbane, Australia with the IMB doing summer missions at Cleveland Baptist Church. I stayed with three families that summer-three of the MOST AMAZING families I have ever known. The first family I stayed with was the Heinrichs-Doug, Mandy, Ben, Mikaela, and Josh. That was seven years ago! I've seen the Heinrichs twice since then; once the next summer in 2004 when I came to visit and once a year and a half ago when they spent two months traveling the US visiting all their summer daughters.

Mandy is an amazing servant of God. She has taught me so much about what it means to be a godly wife, a loving mother, and a giving servant of God.

She was in the states for a wedding and kept it all a secret just so she could come down to Bham for my birthday and surprise me! That is love. I am overwhelmed that she loves me so.

I remember that summer in 2003. I remember thinking how amazing my God was. He took me across the world and showed me His greatness. Now, seven years later, He continues to amaze me. I serve a mighty Lord!!!

boy was I surprised.

i love her.

bday dinner at california pizza kitchen.
[i have the most beautiful daughter in the world]

family.

thank you Mandy and Adam for the best bday surprise I've ever had! I am blessed to have a husband and an Aussie mom who love me like you two do. I do not deserve God's gracious gifts!!