Dear Eva,
This year's birthday was a beautiful, bittersweet day as we celebrated your 19 years of life. The day began with (finally!) having your senior pictures taken by our friend Hernan at a beautiful white sand beach and on the classic cobblestones of Paseo Baquedano. I'm so glad I could share this experience and admire the many smiles he skillfully drew from you during the session. You are a beautiful young lady and it was special to spend this time together outside of our normal routines!
Next, we drove to the peninsula and Daddy joined us for a parent/daughter lunch date at your new favorite Korean restaurant. We had the whole lovely place to ourselves. I was impressed that you even tried some of the unusual (for us) appetizers that were included with the meal. You ordered your favorite beef plate and everything was delicious. It was a sweet time which we ended with this cute father/daughter photo. The look on your face with this kiss from Daddy just says it all!
In true "TII" (This Is Iquique) fashion, it just so happened that on your birthday we had the unwelcome surprise of no water in our neighborhood for most of the entire day! Thus, party plans underwent a last-minute change. Aunt Pam and Uncle Jon kindly reserved the meeting room in their condominio and your friends and family all gathered there to snack and celebrate. Classics such as Pizza Metro and Empanadas Dese Un Gusto were on the menu. As usual, Silas was all too eager to "help" blow out your two candles - a "1" and a "9" - on your two cakes!
You asked for chocolate cake and this time it was Daddy who made two of them - even without running water - while we were on the senior photo shoot. Never forget how much your father loves you! He selflessly serves our family so many times, and your birthday was no exception. Even though cakes are not his specialty, he kindly offered to do this and I hope it is something you will remember.
I cherish this final picture because it represents so many people who have been a part of your life in Chile and who care deeply for you. Obviously your parents, brothers and sisters and this year even your newly arrived Fisher cousins and Aunt Terri and Uncle Dave. But also your missionary family - Uncle Jon and Aunt Pam Sharp, Aunt Noni, and the Spink family whom you have known for nearly as long as you can remember. And finally, Meme's family who love you so dearly and have been your friends since the 2nd grade! It meant so much to have them all join us and to hear each one share what they love you about you.
With so much sweetness, there was only a single note of sadness on your birthday - the knowledge that next year you will not spend it with us. Eva, nineteen birthdays of celebrating you have been a delight and privilege for Daddy and me! And of course, we will celebrate you no matter where you are but we realize that God has brought you to a time and place where you will soon step out on your own. We are anxious to watch and see the unique future He has designed just for you. Always know that we love you so very much and that God loves you even more. Happy 19th Birthday, Eva Grace!
All my love,
Mom
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Birthday Posts by Year:
18th Birthday - Eva
17th Birthday - Eva
16th Birthday - Eva
15th Birthday - Eva
14th Birthday - Eva
13th Birthday - Eva
12th Birthday - Eva
11th Birthday - Eva
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