Happy Birthday, Matt!

Today Matt is 27!  Sometimes we feel so young to be doing what we're doing, and other days, like when we go to bed at 8:30 almost every night, we feel way older than 27 :)  Speaking of "older" (WAY older), sending a special "Happy Birthday" to Martin, whom we love, though 98% of his blog posts are smart aleck.

We had his birthday supper last night because we have a meeting and potluck tonight, and were both spoiled by the "Hack Shack" (it's a Sabetha thing) pork chops that Sharon brought us last April (OH man, they were SO good) and the pumpkin pie, featuring Brenda's pumpkin.  The best part, though, was when Lily and I brought out his pie, complete with candles, and Lily was SO excited that she threw her arms out as wide as she could, and yelled, "TA-DAH!"

Matt's gifts from family, friends, Lily and I ALL came yesterday (I was starting to get nervous!) which will make today extra special too.

I am blessed to have Matt in my life for so many reasons, but the BEST thing he does as a husband is always try to grow in His walk with the Lord.  I don't know how God does it, but as Matt learns more about Him and grows more intimate with the Lord, it grows our marriage and helps US grow more intimate.  I LOVE that Matt is more interested in his relationship and standing with God than in ANY other relationship, even ours...It has made being one with him AND the Lord such a gift in my life.

And Lily is so incredibly blessed to have "Poppy" in her life, who is NEVER too tired, too discouraged or too burdened to "drop" it all and chase her around the house, tickle all her "spots", sing songs with her, and go all out with their new favorite past-time, full-out dance parties.  (We're pretty sure Lily thinks it is HER birthday, and June, she will NOT take off her new sparkle outfit :)

Today's chapel service was the monthly English service, which I somehow seem to get chosen to  "default" lead as the English teacher every month.  There is always an extra buzz in the air for English chapels, and everyone is always so excited that the students will only speak to each other in English after they enter the chapel.  (even if this means they are limited to: "Hello!"  "Hello!")  We had a GREAT service,  with a very exciting rendition of "Happy Birthday" for Pastor Matt, a few solo and class performances, and a great sermon on "The Joy that Counts" by Past. Guenson.

I know you're waiting to hear about yesterday's service, which proved to be even more exciting than predicted...a community fight, Matt's muddy trip to the hospital, a packed service (everyone is fine now, promise!) but I'll share the whole story with you tomorrow.   Meanwhile, here's a quick photo of Civil and a community member, testing out the newly producing well!