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

From the Hillikers

Sweet, sweet Lyssa it's your birthday today! We miss you already and praise God that he brought you into our family 21 years ago. We hope today is full of sweet moments, laughter and FUN! . Though we can't be with you, know we are celebrating you today! WE LOVE ALYSSA! Love, Tommy, Amy, Kaylie, Cassidy & Caleb

From Josh and Jaime

Alyssa,
We love you and think you are the greatest. Happy, happy birthday!!
Josh and Jaime

From Matthew

Dear Alyssa, on this day, this very special day, the day of your birth, let me be the first to say, "Great job. Great job" You're one year wiser and one year closer to the reaper. May this year bring you bountifull happiness and fruit from your womb. May you know who's the father and may he pay adequete child support. I hope this year makes you yearn for things you can't have and people you can't see...because of your wonderful...wonderful...commitment to Jesus. None of us are there to give you a hug, but may the empty hugs from people you barely know fill the gaping hole in your heart. Happy biiiirthdaaaay...oh happy biiiirthdaaaay...pain and sorrow everywhere, people dying in despair, but it's your birthdaaaay. Your happy birthdaaay. Happy birthday Lyssie, and may God have mercy on your soul.

Now that that's out of my system, I hope this year rocks for you Alyssa. I hope this to be the best year of your life. No, we aren't able to be with you, but know that you are loved.I mean it about the child support. Don't let him wiggle out of it.

From Granny

Dear Alyssa, I miss you already!! But it is such a neat feeling knowing that you are in God's place doing what He called you to do - With your bubbly, sweet, Christlike spirit you will do great work for God. What an influence you will have on children's lives. My wish and prayer for you is that God comforts you in any loneliness, any fears, and learn in new ways what a Great God and Heavenly Father He is. I love you very much.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY
Granny

From Ashleyne

Dear Alyssa,
Let's try a numbered list for old time's sake, eh?
1) Happy, happy, happy birthday!!!
2) I already told you that I'm proud of you - but I'll tell you this: I'm proud to call you my friend.
3) Thank you for listening to me and caring about me. Thank you for all the time you have given, and all the questions you have asked. I am truly grateful.
4) God loves you.
5) I love you.
- Shleyne -

From Leah

Alyssa Friend!

Happy Birthday! So it's def a bummer that I can't be there to celebrate with you this time, but I'm so excited for you that you're spending yet another birthday in Rwanda! How many birthdays have you spend in foreign countries now? Like 7? I guess that it's a little different this time than playing basketball with the president's daughter, but knowing you, I think that you're right where you would love to be.

I hope that you are settling in to your new home well! I love you and can't wait to hear more about your adventures!

Love,

"LeeLah"

P.S. The elephant followed you to Africa for your birthday. He's saying "Oh boy, oh boy, oh boy" in your inbox right now! hehehehehe