From Momma

Precious, Precious Girl, On the one hand it’s hard to believe that you’re 21 and on the other you have seemed like an adult for so long. I have loved you since November 16, 1986 when I first knew you existed in my body. The joy you brought into our home daily as a little girl was indescribable. My most favorite thing about you as a young woman is your passion for God and His people. May you have a wonderful birthday remembering all God has done in your life and looking forward to all He’s still going to do. You’re just getting started!! Love, Momma
Psalm 139:13-16

From Daddy

Beautiful Alyssa!

Happy and joyous and exciting and wonderful and awesome and Rwandan and fun 21st Birthday. I love you so much, and am so glad and thrilled that you are just where you want to be on your 21st birthday doing just what you want to do. My prayer for you today is that you'll be filled with joy that God made you - I sure am!!!
Daddy

From Luke

Lissy!
Happy 21st birthday! It must be a very different experience to have your birthday way over there, but I’m sure it’ll be loads of fun. We miss you a lot but knowing that you’re exactly where God wants you to be and doing stuff that He wants you to do is definitely condolence. One definite plus to having your birthday over there is that there’s no way that they’ll make you walk around a crowded shopping mall in a princess outfit. Best thing ever. I love you so much Lissys, have a great birthday!
-Luke

From Ryan and Britt

Yo sissy face. This says it all. Happy 21st Birthday. Ryan and Britt

From Aunt Kay

Sweet Alyssa, Happy 21st Birthday! It seems impossible that the cheerful, smiley little girl with big brown eyes could be a cheerful, smiley young woman with big brown eyes! Your eyes positively dance with glee when you find something amusing, and your belly laugh has always made me laugh in response. But you’re not just funny, you’re very serious too. Your wisdom and practical nature allow you to inhabit both worlds. Your sense of compassion and justice cause you to reach out to others to make sure they’re getting what they need – and you’re always eager to sacrifice your own comfort to make that happen. I love you, Lyssie – and I’m SO proud to be your aunt! With love and prayers, Aunt Kay