An 18th Birthday No One Could’ve Imagined…

Linny Saunders114 Comments
Yesterday,
July 22, 2011
was
Emma’s 18th Birthday
{our Uganda-bound, 
Orphan-loving, 
World-changing girl, 
who blogs about her love and passion for serving orphans here}
We had planned for months a big birthday bash:  complete with turkey, stuffing, cranberry sauce and all the trimmings.  And what Emma had wanted most was for all the kids {and their significant others} to hang out all day with all the little treasures and play games, ride the 4wheelers, and sit on the porch telling stories.  
It was to be a summer Thanksgiving honoring Emmy.
Of course, everything changed on Sunday.
Emma and Autumn are really close.  Emma’s been up at the hospital, spending several days {and nights} with her sis.  The rest of the time she has been helping us by caring for the little ones so Dw and I could be there almost non-stop.  
We started her birthday yesterday with our 
traditional breakfast in bed.
She got all dressed while we got breakfast together because she had her road test at 9:30am.  {She passed!!}

Lunch at her favorite place where we can eat and watch river rafters and kayakers pass by.
Josh was invited to join us this year.  
Sunday they will have been dating two years.

Every year we have posed, the three of us, in front of the sign, can’t believe our precious girl is 18.

And the big Summer Thanksgiving dinner?
Emma insisted that she would not celebrate 
her birthday without her sissy Autumn and Karl’s family.
So with lots of my mom’s help, we made turkey, complete with stuffing, mashed potatoes, gravy….and took it all to the hospital ‘guest house’ {kind of like a Ronald McDonald house} where we shared Summer-Thanksgiving-Emmy’s birthday-dinner with Bob, Vicki and Ryan as well.  {Derek had to work, so he drove home for a few days.}
Emma had heard Vicki saying that she loved Cheesecake so Emma searched for one {just for Vicki}.  We made a homemade apple pie to take too.
Everyone was able to relax and talk.  
The ‘guest house’ is a soothing, healing place.  
Vicki said having all our little treasures around was therapeutic.

Savannah, Emmy, Grandma and Josh
The perk of a summer Thanksgiving?
Watermelon!! 

It has been such a painful, somber, edge-of-our-seats, 
weeping, kneeling in prayer, filled with unbearable heaviness kind of week that it was sooooo good to share stories of Karl sitting around the table last night…and we laughed some and as Autumn was telling Bob and Vicki about something Karl had done at our house a couple of weeks ago she started to laugh and I was able to catch her laughing with her beautiful smile….
it felt so good to see a glimpse of that for a moment….

Graham knows how much Ryan loves to play guitar, 
so Graham took two guitars with us and 
the boys sat and played for a long while
 {therapy of its own}.  

Isaiah being the statue of Liberty
Elizabeth loves to sing and soon joined in…
 and Emma’s ONLY birthday wish?
Yes.
Emmy went in with Autumn to see Karl.
She leaned over to his ears and said, 
“Karl, It’s Emma. 
 Come on dude. 
 It’s my 18th birthday.  
Please would you open your eyes for my birthday?”  

He didn’t open his eyes, yet. 
But birthday wishes don’t always come 
true on your birthday, ya’ know?
Please continue to pray with us for Karl 
to open his eyes, 
voluntarily. 
******
And would you be willing to wish our sweet girl a very happy 18th birthday?
{I would be so grateful if you did.
Pretty sure she’d be tickled to read your comments, too.}

114 thoughts on “An 18th Birthday No One Could’ve Imagined…”

  1. Happy Birthday Emma!!!What an amazing woman of God you already are!! Andd our family will pray until told to have a huge praise party when Karl is completelt healed!!We can't wait-already been doing some rejoicing as you share praises along the way!

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  3. Happy Birthday, Sweet Emma. Hoping all your wishes (ESP for Karl to open his eyes!) come true. May God fill you with His peace and joy as you continue to serve Him.

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  4. Happy birthday, Emma! I am so glad that I got to meet you in Uganda. 🙂 I am praying for you, girl. Happy 18th!! 😀

    Praying, praying, praying for Karl!

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  6. Hi Emma, Happy Birthday, my friend. You are an amazing young woman who has already touched so many lives. God has a plan for you that is bigger than you can imagine. Keep walking in His path He has set for you. Seek Him with all your heart. Love you, Carie

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  7. Happy Birthday Emma! I am pretty much a lurker here, but you and your string family have proven to be such an inspiration for me. I have chosen to fast this morning/afternoon and pray/prepare/meditate on my embassy trip to Ethiopia and have also been praying for Karl and yoru family. Of course coming to see/read about all the food you guys had has made my lunch fast a bit difficult 🙂

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  10. Emma, When I think of what an amazing woman of God that you are, it just fills my heart and eyes to overflowing. I can't imagine God's kingdom without you in it. I pray that you will be blessed to complete and overflowing this next year. You impact my life so much and you don't know me. You make such a huge difference in people's lives around the world that you will never know in real life. Happy Birthday Emma.

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  11. Happy 18th Birthday, Sweet Emma! You are truly an amazing young woman. You always have your eyes and heart open to the needs of others. You Dad and Mom did a wonderful job in raising you to know and serve our Lord Jesus. I pray that this next year in your life will be filled with much Joy and Wonder! And, I'm looking forward to hearing that your birthday wish came true!
    With Love in Him, Our Sweet Jesus ~ Jo

    P.S. Congrats on passing your test!!

    Reply

  12. EMMA! Happy Birthday ♥ I want you to know that me and my 6 year old daughter read your blog together and the first time she ever read it, she cried. She said she wanted to work and help the orphans just like this girl in the beautiful dress. (Talking about you of course) I want you to be blessed. You are an inspiriation to many. Including my sweet little treasure Hannah. Much love to you friend!

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  13. Dear Emma,

    HAPPY, HAPPY BIRTHDAY!! I know it has been different than you planned, but I am so glad to see you were able to have some time to celebrate YOU with your family and friends. Emma, you are an amazing young woman, and God has so many great plans in store for you. I have loved following your journey here on your mom's blog as well as on your blog. I am constantly in awe of you. You are so Christ-like and full of love and service. You are a perfect example of what it means to be "beautiful" as your beauty shines so brightly from within. Emma, I want you to know you are beautiful on the outside, too! And I have always thought that. But when I look at your pictures, the first thing I think is, "She is SO BEAUTIFUL" because I am thinking of the stories I have read about you, because I have seen your heart reaching out to others, and that kind of beauty cannot be fabricated with chemicals, facelifts, curling irons, or photoshop. It is the REAL beauty that I see each time I look at you.

    I am so happy that I have been blessed to "know" you (in a bloggish sort of way) and I cannot wait to see the great work you do in your life. I cannot wait to watch your life unfold in God's plan. Thank you for being such a light in your family and a light to each of us who follows your journey from the blog world. Lots of love to you today, and many happy wishes. Have a fantastic day, my dear. HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

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  14. Oh Em, I'm SO proud to know you! What a wonderful and selfless way to celebrate your birthday. Even amidst the pain, you will remember this birthday forever. And how gracious of our Father to surround you with your family and Karl's. I am sure that there was much thanksgiving for all of the love, miracles, grace, etc that you all have been experiencing together.

    Still praying for Karl and all of you…

    Love to you all,
    Sharon

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  17. Happy Birthday Emma Joy!! Our two treasures- Emma and Ellie had their b-days on the 20th and 21st!

    I love your birthday dinner choice- YUM!!

    So thankful you all got some time to smile and celebrate!!

    God Bless you dear Emma- your are truly a gift from God!

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  23. Happy Birthday Emmy. YOu are a beautiful woman of God and we wish you a very blessed and happy birthday. Keep following heart, your are such a blessing to all those little orphans. I pray that God keeps that fire burning in your life. Praying for Karl and rest of the family, he is on my mind constantly. Always checking for updates, and waiting for those eyes to open (All in God's timing). Much love and hugs coming your way.

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  27. Happy birthday, Emma! I love reading about you and your family. I know God has great things in store for you, and I look forward to reading all about them here and on your blog.

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  31. Happy, Happy Birthday Emma! You are an amazing young lady who is going to do AMAZING things for the Lord! Can't wait to follow your journey to Uganda:)!

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  32. Happy Birthday Emma, from our family in MT soon to be OK. I don't get on the computer often but I am praying for you, Karl, and your amazing families with every box I pack. I'm so happy to hear you had an awesome day and passed your test!
    Leslie in MT

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  33. Happy Birthday yesterday, Emma! Thanks for being such an excellent example to all the younger girls, especially mine. We look up to you quite a bit around here!
    Megan Casteel

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  34. Emma,
    I know you have been waiting and waiting for the day that you turned 18. Honestly, I think many of your mom's readers have been waiting for you to turn 18 because we know that to you that means your dream will be coming true very soon. It also means that some beautiful orphans are about to be loved on by someone that is truly special.

    Emma, it truly shows your heart to not think about yourself on the day you have been waiting for forever.

    HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!

    PS I can't wait until the day I see the blog post about where God has planned for you to love on some kiddos 🙂

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  37. Happy Birthday to you, Emma. Thanks for your heart for the orphan. God bless you and hugs across the miles to you and your dear family! Praying for Karl as well for his healing!

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  40. Happy Birthday to your "little" girl!!! I am leaving a comment on her blog as well. (I Love reading her!) I wanted to let you know I am regularly praying for Karl and I have not forgotten our little Ruby! She is still in my prayers and specifically that she would have someone to snuggle and love on her while she goes through all of this!

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  45. Happy birthday, Emma! You sound like a sweet and lovely girl. 🙂 I hope you get your birthday wish soon. I'm praying with your family for Karl. Remember – wine (which speaks of joy) can only be made when the grapes are crushed. Flowers release the most fragrance when they are crushed. "Weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning." Psalm 30:5. God is working! Have a wonderful birthday.

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  46. Happy Birthday to your amazing daughter Emma! She is a real treasure. I love to hear about her heart for Uganda and all the wonderful children. May her birthday wish come true!

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  48. Happy Birthday Precious, beautiful treasure Emma!!! What a blessing you are to all of your family and to those of us who you encourage as you walk in faith and obedience to the Lord. May God abundantly bless you as He leads you forward in your calling to care for orphans!! I look forward to watching the Lord's plans unfold for you!!

    Many Blessings,
    jenn H

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  52. Happy 18th birthday Emma! I know God is going to continue to do big things through you! You are a very special beautiful young woman and I know your mom and dad and all your siblings must be very proud of you! God bless!
    ~Holly <><

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  53. Happy birthday Emma!! You inspire me in my walk with God every day! God is doing amazing things with your life, so THANK YOU for being his vessel!!! May God bring all your wishes to fruition in this next year!

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  55. Happy Birthday, sweet Em. You will only know when you get to heaven how very special you are. What a blessing you are to so many of us! What joy to read of the many ways your love for our Savior is manifested. What an awesome woman of God you are! I'm praying that all your dreams–and especially your selfless birthday wish–come true. Blessings to you today!

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  56. happy Birthday to a sweet beautiful girl who is a testimony to me.A testimony of obedience to God to do exactly what he says to do.Continuing to pray for Karl too and for all the families and friends involved and for the doctors as they take care of him.
    Leveta in Mo.

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  57. Happy birthday, Emma! You are such an inspiration to me! I am hopeful that my children will have the beautiful heart for God that you have. Thank you for being you and letting His light shine through you.

    P.S. I love Thanksgiving food on my birthday, too, but that is because my birthday is in November and sometimes falls on Thanksgiving.

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  58. Happy Birthday, Emma! By your next birthday you may be living in Uganda! Wow! I really, really admire you so much for your willingness to serve at such a young age. I follow Kisses from Katie in Uganda and you both are such an inspiration. God bless you abundantly!

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  62. Happy birthday Emma!!! Your heart inspires me so much Emma! I can't wait to see where God leads you in your life….I know it will be extraordinary! I am praying with you for your birthday wish to come true. Love from, Vancouver, Canada

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  64. Hey Em! I fb happy bday'd ya but I will give you another here!! Hope you had a great day! I can't wait to read your blog from Uganda and visit you there when I get to go!!! Happy 18th Birthday!! God Bless you!!

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  65. Happy Belated Birthday Emma! God has blessed you in so many ways and your heart for Him is so beautiful to everyone who comes to know you…even if that's vicariously through your Mom's blog!
    I believe God is going to honor your selfless birthday wish. Karl will open his eyes! I remember one of MY birthdays when a family from our church had their daughter slip into a diabetic coma and she was not expected to live. I begged the Lord to spare her and that's all I wanted for my birthday. I too spent my birthday at the hospital praying for a girl I really only knew in passing but God honored that birthday wish and though she had a long road to recovery, He did spare her life and He used her life to draw MANY to Himself!
    Birthday blessings from Abba are the best!!
    Holly

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  68. Happy Birthday Emma… We pray that the Lord blesses all your endeavors… you have such a heart for Him and orphans… you seem wise beyond your years from all that your mom says. My friend Abbi from Wisconsin went with you all to Uganda last year and she said that you and your dad are the real deal! Awesome…Blessings on your day!
    Sara

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  70. Happy Birthday Emma,
    wishing you wonderfull blessings and may your birthday wish come true soon!!!!

    You are a verry special young lady and i pray you will be you and continue to be the blessing that you are, trusting Almighty Father to form you to be just the woman He wants you to be.

    love from Germany; Adriana

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  71. Happy Birthday Emma! What a wonderful, wonderful, day of celebration and healing. So good to see pics of Vicki, Bob and Ryan. Looks like this kind of day was much needed. When Karl wakes us and takes this day in he will be deeply moved by all of it.

    Continuing to go before the throne for Karl and your families.

    Isaiah 43:18&19 (NEW BEGINNINGS!)
    "Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up: do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the desert and streams in the wasteland."

    Love and hugs to all of you.
    Theresa Bradford
    (Friends of Hujus' from Pagosa Springs who live in Florida.)

    Reply

  72. •´*•.¸(*•.¸♥¸.•*´)¸.• *´•,
    ♡ ♥« Happy Birthday»♥ ♡
    '•.¸.•*(¸.•*´♥`*•.¸)*•.¸.•'

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  73. I love this.

    I'm not "whining" about not being there…

    (Karl's benefit night at the coffee shop was lovely with live music too.)

    Hey, did anyone save me a turkey leg?

    Happy Birthday sweet "African Sister!"

    hugs for real tomorrow,
    lisa

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  75. Dear Emma,

    Praying your wish comes true very soon. My family and I are missionaries in Taiwan. I love reading your mom's blog because we have 5 kids,two who came to us through adoption. We run a home for unwed moms and children that need to be adopted. Your heart for orphans just thrills me. I love reading your posts on your blog and seeing what God is teaching you at such a young age. So neat to see how sold out you are to the Lord. I pray this year is filled with God's richest blessings and you sense His leading in your life like never before. (love that you just turned 18. Our oldest daughter just turned 18 too and passed her drivers test on Friday. 🙂 Congrats, I know it is a huge step. Drive safe.

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  76. Emma,

    Happy Birthday/Thanksgiving! I have loved to see your heart for the people of Uganda and pray that the Lord continues to show clearly your path. I pray that you will never step aside, but continue growing and moving on this path that you have been on. The Lord has blessed all of us to see a young person with such a strong heart for him.

    I pray your birthday wish comes true very soon. Praying from Sweden.

    Laurie Kjernald

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  77. Happy birthday Emma! You are such a blessing to your family, our church and so many others….especially in Uganda. Your heart to serve is so amazing and such an inspiration. May God sweetly bless you for your birthday and always!

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  82. Happy birthday, Emmy!

    You were so sweet to have the birthday meal at the hospital with Autumn and Karl's parents. It was so sweet to see your siblings encouraging Bob and Vicki.

    It is always so encouraging to read your blog. I love reading about your trips to Uganda and I can't wait to read the stories from your last trip!!! Thank you for loving the orphans and for listening to God's calling in your life. You are a bright light. I love your smile!

    Love you,
    Rose

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  84. Happy birthday beautiful Emma. Your love of Jesus shines like a beacon to everyone! Praying for you sis, Karl and everyone else! Praying that you will get your birthday wish VERY soon!

    Love,
    Alycia A

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  86. Happy Birthday precious girl. You are a special young lady. I can't wait to see what God has in store for you now that you're 18. It's going to be one exciting ride. Congrats on passing your driver's test too. Hugs

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  87. Happy birthday Emma! Your a beautiful girl especially your heart for orphans! Praying your wish comes true! Have a blessed and beautiful birthday sweetheart!

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  89. Happy Birthday, Emma !!! I so enjoyed hearing about your special day, and seeing all of the great pictures. I'm so glad you had a good day………and I wish you many beautiful blessings. My prayers continue for Karl, and for little Ruby Grace. From Missouri – Praying Without Ceasing.

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  91. I've been following since before the blog "blew up" 🙂 but am still amazed that this finds you 18 years old! Happiest Birthday Emma, from Washington state.

    Praying that you get your birthday wish soon!

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  92. Happy Birthday, Emma! What an amazing young woman of God you are. Your love for Jesus shines in your eyes and in every aspect of your life. I can't wait to follow your adventure to Uganda!

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  94. Happy happy birthday, Emma. You amaze me with your precious spirit and will to serve God with your talents. I have no doubt that you have a clear sense of His call on your life and that you will succeed at doing what He has called you to do. I pray for you and your family and will do so the rest of my life as you minister in Uganda.

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  95. Happy, happy birthday Emma! You don't know me but I pray for you every time you head out on a mission! I am praying that your birthday wish comes true soon!!

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  97. Happy Birthday Emma! Hope it was awesome! You are such an awesome example! I love seeing your heart for God and for the orphan. You truly fulfill what Jesus says a true Christian is. This week as a family my parents had us memorize James 1:27 and I think you a such a prime example of this verse. From your relationship with your family to the way you and Josh get along to sharing your birthday with Karl's family, you are a wonderful example. I am praying that your wish comes true soon! I am praying someday soon you can introduce me to those treasures in Uganda!

    Thanks so much for embracing
    Psalm 107:43 and knowing the love of the Lord.
    "Whoever is wise, let him heed these things and consider the great love of the LORD."

    God brought me this verse to share with your family. I am praying for Karl, Ruby Grace, and the rest of your family! May God fill you with the joy and peace only he can give.

    John 16:23-
    "I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world."

    – Meghan

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  102. Emma,
    Here's the deal… I can't believe you are 18 b/c when I first started reading your mom's blog you were only about 15. I honestly didn't know a young person could change the world as much as you already have. You have such a sweet, sweet spirit that shines through. Happy birthday!!!
    Hugs from Texas,
    Deborah

    Reply

  103. Happy Birthday Emma !! I pray your birthday wish comes true. I can see you are a blessing to everyone you are around. I know God has great plans for you !!!
    Melissa In Ky

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  104. Happy 18th Birthday, to one of the coolest young woman I have (n)ever met!!

    I love your heart and your passion and your vision and your sweetness. May God grant the every desire of your heart.

    May you walk with Him and know Him intimately all of your days. May you see MIRACLES!!

    Blessings!!

    Reply

  106. Happy Birthday, Emma! As usual, you rolled with the punches! You walk in such sweet humility…born with a servant's heart…born to love the orphan with a fierce love… born to bring the Lord glory…born to be His hands and feet…born to reflect the heart of Jesus! So glad you were born!:) You do it all so beautifully! You have already walked in a manner worth of the Lord in your beautiful 18 years! Can't wait to see what the Lord has in store for you next! You are beautiful inside and out! Congratulations on passing your road toast! Happy, Happy Birthday! <3

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  107. Happy birthday Emma!!! I can't believe you are 18! I remember when you were in your mama's tummy! I feel old. Lol

    You are such a sweet and caring young lady. Your selflessness made me tear up with happiness. I pray the Lord will bless you!

    Lindsey Curtis Costa

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  108. Happy Birthday Emma. It is refreshing to see a young godly woman such as yourself who is not filled with the spirit of entitlement that so many in your generation are these days – you have your family as top priority(even in the plans made before this turn of events) and everyones well being too which I think is a beautiful quality. The Lord will bless you!
    x

    Reply

  113. Happy Birthday Emma! I love your heart for the orphan! Congrats on passing your road test! I am so very happy that God placed you on the earth for such a time as this! Janet

    Reply

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