On December 6th, 2010 I became a mom. It wasn’t the single best day of my life (I have memories of other much less painful and enjoyable days ;)), but the moment our daughter arrived and the 5 years since have been the absolute greatest of my life. Avery made me mommy and I treasure that part of my identity.

This weekend we’ve been celebrating our girl and reflecting on all that she is to our family so I thought I’d share a little bit of that with you. Avery is creative, smart (or clever as they say in SA), and artistic. She loves to draw and to color, and all things crafty. She is responsible, helpful, and a wonderful (often bossy) big sister/mommy figure to her brother and sister. Most of you who know Avery know that she is quiet and observant, and takes her time to warm up to new people and situations. I love that God made her this way because those who are patient and spend time with her know that she has so much to share. She is a faithful and loyal friend.

Avery is kind, compassionate, empathetic, and generous. Last week there was a huge fire in the township of Masiphumelele. Our pastor John Thomas, the founder of Living Hope, asked the children at church to consider giving some of their clothing and toys to the kids of Masi who lost everything that night. When we got home Avery was eager to search through her clothes and organize them in to piles of “keep” or “give away”. As she went along her pile of “give away” grew and grew. I actually had to stop her a couple times and remind her that she needed to keep some things for herself. I have a tendency to hold onto things, but Avery practices generosity with much joy, and she challenges me to do the same. I love her heart!

There are so many other things about our girl that make her special and precious and unique and wonderful. We are so proud of who she is becoming and we are excited to see how God continues to use her giftings for His glory. Happy 5th Birthday Avery Elizabeth!