A Birthday Tribute

Yesterday, April 19, was Stephanie's birthday (41 - wow, can you believe it?). We had no internet so I'm posting this birthday news a day late. Oh well. Happy Birthday, Honey. I want the world to know that I love you and I think you're a great wife and a great mom. Anyone who knows you well knows that you're a thoughtful and generous servant. One of my friends was right when he said that the primary purpose of marriage is not marital bliss but to conform us into the image of Christ. Even though we have shared many "blissful" moments in our life together, I am most grateful for how the Lord has worked in you to show me more of His selfless love, to expose my sins and flaws (as painful as that has been), and to demonstrate His covenant-keeping power in our marriage. I love you more now than I ever did 17 years (and three months) ago. And by God's grace I can honestly say that I am more committed to you than ever before. May God bless you with every spiritual blessing in all the years He has planned for you here on this earth. He is a remarkable Savior and you are a remarkable woman.

Now for some birthday news for friends and family. The kids fixed mom breakfast in bed (a family tradition) and then I took the kids to the flower shop (down a scary back alley) to get fresh roses and then a vase from Mr. Price (don't know what happened to the vase we had in the states - oh well). We got a dozen roses for 12,000 kwacha - about two dollars and fifty cents US! After opening some cards and gifts we all went to the David Livingstone Lodge for a special treat (one of our favorite places in Livingstone). Joyce and her girls fixed dinner for Steph that evening and secretly invited our friend Lynn and her husband, Vasco for an added birthday surprise. She received lots of birthday wishes by email (thank you) and even some birthday calls from the states on her cell phone! Overall I think it was a good day for Steph.