Dear Alec,
You were the fourth of the five "middles" (cousins) to reach this milestone 16th birthday! How time has truly flown by. We celebrated your birthday in the midst of a busy season: getting braces; hosting the Bills' family on their survey trip; celebrating other birthdays in good company like Tia Ibodne three days before you (with lunch at the Viejo Iquiqueño) and Dad one day after you (enjoying a guys' paintball battle!)
Your choice for birthday lunch was Monte Everest. Nice, soft Indian food for the new braces and the potential of a little heat on the tongue. Afterwards we found a bright yellow wall for some fantastic photos! I especially loved this one of you and Ian together. The boxing shirt you were wearing was a birthday gift you seemed to appreciate. At home, we all enjoyed strawberry birthday cake.
Something that I love about you, Alec, is that you value the traditions of family and the comfort of home. I realize that often we try to push you out of that comfort zone for your own growth and so others can enjoy you, too. But as a mom, I am also happy to know you like to be within our four walls and in our company! I know that soon this will change, especially if you go to the States for your senior year as you wish.
As usual, I am writing this post quite some time after your birthday so I am going to highlight something that delighted me in this sixteenth year of your life. Your decision to travel to Ecuador as a translator for TACTICA and then to visit with Tia Ibodne's family led to an amazing experience that I know you'll never forget. I am thrilled you took the plunge and so grateful for our missionary and ministry partners who played a big part in making it happen for you.
Alec, some kids may make the teenage years look easy, but the truth is that they are downright confusing and often hard. I'm thankful you are putting in the work this year to figure out yourself and life in general with the help of someone you can trust. There have been some some rollercoaster moments for sure. But I promise that if you seek first God's kingdom and endeavor to follow His ways, He will direct you and never leave you.
Never give up! Keep pursuing Christ. You're an avid reader - read His Word. Listen to His voice. Trust His love.
Happy 16th Birthday, Alec Stephen! Always remember how much Dad and I love you, too.
All my love,
Mom
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