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This year was a big number for me. I’m still not entirely sure how to feel about it or how I’m supposed to feel about it, but nevermind. Brian and the girls put together a wonderful surprise celebration last weekend that was almost flawless. As we walked out the door to what I thought would be a dinner with the intern team here, Gemma blurted, “It’s going to be a birthday party!!!!” The panic stricken look on her face had me inwardly rolling with laughter, but outwardly deftly changing the subject. She was quite disappointed that it popped out of her, but I was still deeply surprised. I thought our dinner with the interns was going to be a “happy 40th” alongside still the interns. But it was everyone!! I was deeply touched, but maybe mostly so by the gifts each girl had chosen for me. A wooden spoon from Willa, a flower mug from our flower girl Gemma, and a beautiful handcrafted mug Ray spent much of her allowance on. It’s sold by an author of the books we’re listening to now with a quote on the side… a mug I’ve been eyeing for many months. She heard me say it was too expensive and I wasn’t going to do it. So she did it for me.

Shortly after our whole group celebrated July 4th with a Pie Night (very American, I think) and had a blast. We’ll wake up before the sun tomorrow so I can board my first plane for Oxford. I’m nervous, excited, sad, happy… all the feelings swirling around. Please pray for smooth flights and a wonderful time for Brian and the girls.