NEVA FAITH!

Most men will never meet the most beautiful girl in the world, but I am among the few, the happy few. I have not only met her, but I have kissed her...and changed her dirty diapers. Hahaha. She is my precious neice, and today, March 14th, is her day. Neva Faith is now 3 years old. HAPPY BIRTHDAY NEVA! Feliz cumpleaños mi bellita!

Honestly, there are some days when it is easy to live in another country. The air is typically warm, the sun is normally bright, and my days are usually full of fun and purpose. Today is one of the days when it isn't easy. It's tough to be away on birthdays, especially the 3rd birthday of my little princess. I so wish I could be there to celebrate with you, Neva. I wish we could dance, and sing, and eat cake (your favorite). I would love to hug you and kiss you and do tick-tock. I can't stop thinking about your smile, your laugh, your sweet voice, and the joy of being around you. I keep watching a video of you, over and over again, laughing at your singing, and crying when you say, "I love you Shua."

Neva calls me Uncle Shua and that means a lot to me. I have lived in a foreign country for almost half of her life, and pretty much all of her speaking life. She has gotten to know me on the phone, and in pictures, and in little things I send back. I got to spend a week with her at Christmas and I loved every second of it. One day I was trying to take a nap and she kept crawling up on me and kissing my face to wake me up. I kept closing my eyes so she would do it again.

I miss you Neva. You are such a special blessing! I hope you have a wonderful birthday, and I can't wait to see you again. Shua has a bear here for you that Gigi and Grandaddy will give you soon. I keep hugging the bear and giving him kisses and he is going to give them to you for Shua when he gets to your house. Eat a piece of cake for me and know that I love you so very much! Jesus loves you too Neva! Have a wonderful birthday!

Uncle Shua

P.D. I have tried to post several pictures with this entry but the site is not letting me post pictures right now. I will get some shots up of the beautiful Neva as soon as possible.

They say it's your birthday

Today is my birthday. Happy birthday to me! I am getting old and feeling great! Thank you God!

This picture was taken two Saturdays ago on Pico Norte.



Birthdays always cause me to reflect on my life and I couldn't be more thankful for all God has given me. I am so blessed to be healthy and surrounded by so many people that I love and who love me. I have an awesome family, a great group of friends, and a job that I enjoy and that challenges me. I am living with joy and purpose and passion and you can't ask for much more than that. I am confident that this year is going to be the best I have ever lived. I ask that you join me in praying that Christ would be exalted and glorified in my life, and in the lives of those I am working with here in Monterrey.

Do not be afraid of death. Be afraid of the half-lived life.
- Laird Hamilton

Happy Anniversary Mom and Dad!

Today, February 28th, is my parents' 31st wedding anniversary. Congratulations Mom and Dad! It is March 1st on the East Coast, but here in super warm Monterrey it is still the 28th! I really wish I could have been there to celebrate tonight with the family as they had an excellent dinner at the same restaurant where my Dad took my Mom on their first date.



I just want to say thank you to my parents for how much they love me and for the great job they did raising me and my sister. They have always been great examples of God's love and I appreciate everything they have taught me. Their love for one another is inspiring and I pray that one day I will have a marriage as successful as theirs. Again, Congratulations Mom and Dad! Here's to atleast 31 more!