May 10, 2011
Happy 90th Birthday, Mom!
For 58 years you have blessed my life incredibly! From childhood you taught me what it meant to love God and walk with Him. I have many memories of you and Dad kneeling at your bedside together praying for each of us. I remember you sitting at the kitchen table starting your day with God, Bible open and a steaming cup of coffee on the table.
You demonstrated what it meant to work hard, unselfishly doing kingdom work. The years you and Dad devoted to the camp ministry largely influenced the path my own life would take. You brought me into contact with so many missionaries that I couldn't help but see them as "regular people" serving God in unusual places.
You guaranteed me a good knowledge of the Scripture, passing on your love for the Bible and for teaching it to others. You made me memorize Bible verses through "Hide-the-Word" memory program (even when I didn't want to) and those verses, hidden in my heart, come back to my mind in times of need.
You and Dad sacrificed personal comfort so we could go to Christian schools in our early years and then all graduate from colleges in our chosen vocations. Your sacrifice didn't end at graduation. You supported us throughout our extended training and for years afterwards as we followed your example doing kingdom work.
You have amazing courage. Your trips to see us in each of the places we lived demonstrated that. Even after Dad was gone you traveled to spend time with us. And as a widow you've carried on faithfully giving glory to God these 20 years.
You always put people ahead of "stuff" but we never lacked for anything we needed. And you never complained.
I always felt loved by you and very secure (I still do). You made it easy to come home, unselfishly giving us a "home away from home" whenever we needed one. You extended gracious hospitality to each of our children (your grandchildren) in their growing years. Our 3 each had a room in your house at some time in their lives. When Peter came to the USA for college you remodeled a room for him. Tim soon followed in his steps and he had a place with you. Liz lived four months with you when she was in 5th grade and I never doubted that she was safe and secure with you even though we were far away in Kenya.
It's hard to believe so much time has gone by. Thanks, Mom, for all you did for me and my family over the years. I love you so much and am so proud to be your daughter!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!
