
I’m still an introvert who acts like an extrovert because… that’s what you’re supposed to be, isn’t it? I still love music and books.

Several birthdays ago I remember thinking the number of candles on my cake was getting a bit much. It was one of those big birthdays that end in zero. It would be nice to be ten years younger, I thought. Then I asked myself which ten years I would like to give up?

I learned a lot about trusting God in Mozambique, about people who did and endured, about pushing myself beyond what I thought I could do. In many ways it made me who I am as I come to this most recent birthday. If life had brought me nothing but comfort and good times, I would be weak and shallow, unable to identify with hurting people around me. Besides, my first published book was based on experiences there. Without it I might never have been an author.
Sure, there’s a day here and there I wouldn’t mind skipping, but years? No. I’ll be content to accept the years I have and face next year’s big 6-0. More than content—I thank God for them, and look forward to what he has for me in the years to come.