Happy Birthday, Honey!

Blessed is the man that trusteth in the Lord, and whose hope the Lord is. Jeremiah 17:7

Today is my husband’s 36^th birthday!

He was born to Gregorio and Juana López, the 9^th of ten children. He has told me and our children of many wonderful, exciting stories from his childhood, growing up in far-away villages.

Andrew and his mother in 1976

His father worked very closely with Wycliffe missionaries for 22 years; and his hard-working mother was a faithful helpmeet to his father, and at one time worked with honeybees to help support the family. Truly, Andrew’s life has been an exciting one, and we can see the hand of the Lord in his life. God’s faithfulness and mercy protected him throughout his childhood (he came very near to death in his early childhood) and throughout his teen years.

At the tender age of 12, he left his beloved home in the village and moved to the city to continue his education. He said he cried for his mother every night for many months.

God’s hand of mercy led him to my father’s doorstep, where he was saved in our church here in 1990. He was baptized a week later, and had the privilege of growing under Dad’s ministry.

As his wife, I have lived many exciting adventures with him in the Indian villages, marveling unceasingly at this man who has lived through un-imaginable experiences. It has been my privilege to live alongside this wonderful man.

One of our crazy-fun moments, captured by our Little Andrew

Especially during the past 2 years, I have seen him endure hardships, both physically and spiritually. When my faith has been small, and it seemed I could hardly take another step, he has been there to pick me up; he has put things in proper perspective for me; he has quietly continued to faithfully serve his Lord, whom he loves, thus being an example to me. I have watched him endure criticism, taking it with a godly attitude and not letting it make him bitter. He has come out on top every time, and has pulled me right up there with him!!

It is my privilege to be his help meet. It is my privilege to be the lady who cooks his meals and washes his clothes. It is my thrill to get to listen to his plans and dreams; and it is my joy to watch him father our children in the most loving manner and to see how they adore him!

So Happy Birthday, My Sweetheart! I LOVE YOU, and I look forward to many, many more years by your side!