Sure the number 23 is significant when you relate it to the great Michael Jordan or the 23rd Psalm in the Bible which happens to be the first Psalm I ever memorized [fun fact]. Not to mention it is probably one of the most quoted Psalms, but it still doesn't make me feel cool turning 23. And to top it off the song by Blink 182 "What's My Age Again" is stuck in my head. "Nobody likes you when you're 23..." Geez...
Well last week I wanted to avoid this day at all costs. Many of you know that my parents were supposed to be here in Adelaide with me for my birthday but unfortunately that did not happen. I had a pity party for about a day but then realized how blessed I am to be here. In this moment. In Adelaide. Such a special time in my life and God has been so sovereign in and with everything that has happened and has yet to happen. So I choose to celebrate. Not just another year in my life but the precious time I have been given with people who were once complete strangers who are now my family. I know for certain I will never have another birthday with all of these individuals together who are in my life at this moment. Who knows where God will take them. Who knows where He will take me.
In choosing to celebrate, my Oz Crew has poured out so many blessings of love this birthday. Even though they all know deep down all I really want is a hug from my mom, dad and brother. They have done everything in their power to make this one so special for me. A day to remember. On Friday, my pity party day, the day my parents were supposed to get in they planned a surprise birthday dinner for me. They had my coach email me in the morning saying there was an URGENT team meeting. Not something that seemed suspicious at all considering what we as a team have been through this season. Long story short, they fooled me. They took me out to Mexican. Which was both really cute as they all know that I miss mexi SO so much and funny at the same time because they all asked me if it compared to home and well it didn't even come close but the detail of the night made me feel so incredibly loved. They knew I was adamant about not having a celebration of any sort so they went to the extreme to fool me and I'm glad they did. They hit the nail on the head. All of the people I have come to adore while in Australia were sitting around the table celebrating me when in reality I was in awe celebrating them. It's their love that makes 23 special. So special that I want to dedicate this year, 23, to love. Not love, like "I love my new shoes love" but the kind that changes people. Christ's love. I want His love to be so completely evident in everything I do this year because I have received it from so many perfect strangers in year 22 that it's only right that I give it back to those who need it in year 23.
Dinner @ Montezuma's
my favorite girls
my favorite Aussie couple
surprise #2...Aussie sombrero
surprise #3...daniel james carlin
my two favorite boys in Australia
