Grace's Birthday!

Friday October 11 we celebrated Grace's 14th birthday!
We are so thankful for Grace and all the joy and laughter she adds to our home.  She is sensitive, patient, kind, loves kids, playful, loving, and humble.  She can appear shy to some but to us she can be a ham.  And boy can she dance Ateso style!  She is amazing in the village, learning Ateso, has many friends, working with out neighbors and she also loves the woods with her Dad and Grandpa in Michigan.  Grace is growing into a beautiful young lady.  She loves, seeks and serves the Lord.  We are proud of her. 
One story that sums up Grace.  Grace and Lydia are best friends.  They love each other and compliment each other well.  They are two different people and Grace is very secure with who she is.  While in Michigan it seemed everywhere we went people were impressed with Lydia and often complimented her or us.  Lydia is very mature and good with people.  She is encouraging and people appreciate that.  So one day I asked Grace if it bothered her that everyone loves Lydia so much and think she is great.  Grace replied, "No Mom because Lydia is great and she is great to me too."  I was blown away by her answer.  How humble.  How mature of Grace.  I was so proud of her and challenged by her.  That is Grace, content in who she is and thankful for others.
HAPPY 14th BIRTHDAY Grace!  We love you!!!  

Grace and her friend Egles have birthdays two days apart so Grace wanted to celebrate together.
Grace wanted all her favorite local foods cooked by our favorite cook and neighbor Whinnie.
We had a fun night with our friends.  We laughed a lot playing musical chairs, twister, and charades.
Grace said it was her best birthday yet!