Padre

I could not have been blessed with a more amazing earthly father than the one that God blessed me with. In these past few months of living on my own and in a completely different country and culture, I have really started to see what an impact you have had on my life.

You are so wise, you have the kindest heart, your patience is abundant, and you share joy (and most definitely a laugh) with each person you encounter.

I remember being a little girl and going on one of our many Saturday morning, one-on-one Walmart dates. We were standing in line and you were talking to yourself quietly, as usual. I asked what you were thinking and you said you were simply praying for the man in front of us. You said, "that's part of what loving God's people is. You don't have to know them or anything about them, but they are family in God's eye's so we should pray for them like we do our own. And by doing so you will learn to be in a constant state of prayer, praying even when you don't realize it. The joy that that will bring you is like none other." Like I said, very wise.

I find myself walking the streets of Paraguay and really wishing I had you walking by my side and your arm to grab like we shared countless times walking the streets of Costa Rica.

Your love for reading and inquisitive mind has always been something I admire. Along with the way you seek after God and His kingdom, the way you dance and sing even when everybody is watching (as embarrassing as it could be), how you put ice in your milk and cereal (which is actually delicious), and how you blame anything going on with the weather on the "polar vortex" (of which I honestly think you have no idea what that really is). You are an incredible father, Gran'pa, and husband. You've shown me the kind of man I want to marry one day. Tara, Ryan, Austin, and I are beyond blessed to call you Dad. Happy Birthday! or Feliz Cumple!

Miss you.
Love you to the moon and back:)

~Bree

Daddy's girl from the beginning. 

One of my favorites :)

Costa Rica flashbacks.