First of all, to God, my loving Savior, who has given my all that I am about to say (and more). To my loving parents who care about how I am doing, who raised me in a Christian home to love and have a relationship with Christ and depend on Him for all my needs, a sister and brother in law who love me dearly, an incredible extended family who supports me in my decisions and loves me even when I miss family events for my many traveling adventures (sorry fam!). Thanks Auntie Maws and Uncle Bob for the birthday money. Money is something that is hard to come by these days (you probably know that from Kelly being here at school). Grandpa and Grandma Kanen: Thank you also for the birthday money. It was the perfect amount for me to be able to sign up for a spiritual retreat at Pine Springs Ranch that I was wanting to go to. Lindsey and Jimmy: I know you sent something my way that I haven't received, but thank you for it! I'm sure it's wonderful. Mom and Dad: Thank you for whatever you mailed as well. I'm sure I'll get it Monday!
I'm blessed with my old friends who have stuck by me for years and years, through thick and thin. Thanks for the call and birthday song on my voice mail Billy. I still need to call you back, but just know it meant a lot to me. You're an awesome friend. Lelle, I haven't forgotten the gift you gave me for my birthday, even though it was early. Thanks for helping treat me to the colours experience. I still need you though! I'm not all that good at it! Thank you for the love you sent over from you and the rest of your family. I love all of you and feel so blessed to know each one of you. You truly feel like family to me. Stephanie: I know you were out of town and unable to celebrate with me. I'm planning on cashing in on that free burger at Red Robin with you. The problem is that I never signed up, so it's more like a free burger for you and I'll just hold my own. :) But that doesn't matter because I'll have your company. I miss you and can't wait for you to come home. Don't leave for Portland ok? Just stay at LLU!!!
I've been richly blessed with an abundance of new friends at Loma Linda. I came hardly knowing anyone and have come out with some friendships that have potential to be lifelong. Valerie: you were the first to call me on my birthday! It was the perfect start to a great day. I miss you being at Loma Linda. Kim and Tori: Breakfast in bed was awesome. I didn't expect such a wonderful and incredible surprise! I miss being your neighbor and I have every intention to visit often. The two of you have been incredible friends. You have been the kind of friend I can have a ton of fun with, but can also talk with when I've had a rough day. I love both of you very much. I want to thank you for the globe. Kim, you never had a dull moment wrapping a gift. The map wrapping was amazing-and perfect-considering the gifts. Tori-I nearly squealed with childish excitement when I opened my door to see my room filled with balloons and a gift. I love the lantern and will put it up as soon as I get to target to get the appropriate hooks, etc to do so! Sarah-Jane: You are a positive and fun-loving friend. You have already impacted my life in many ways (impact in a positive sense, not the dental sense which usually requires a lot of pain and surgery). You truly are a beacon shining Christs light to others. I want to thank you for the beautiful flowers you gave me for my birthday, the sugar-free Trader Joe's fruit things (don't know the official name, but they were good!), and for my birthday lunch. You have gone way beyond any expectations in my mind and I hope I can do the same for you someday! Charis: Thank you for the card. You are a good friend. I'm really excited that you were able to join our trip to Bangladesh! Chelsea: Thank you for the card and JAMBA gift certificate. I LOVE JAMBA! And what you said in the card was very special. Thank you.
To everyone else who wished me a happy birthday: I haven't forgotten you and have each of you imprinted in my mind. You all are very dear to me.
In case you're wondering what Tori and I are doing, I will explain. Since I enjoyed a wonderful breakfast in bed, I was a little behind on getting ready for class. Not only that, but Kim and Tori insisted that I dress cute for class since it was my birthday. So they helped me get ready. Tori did my hair for me while I put on my makeup. Thanks girls!
