Today is my Lania's birthday.
in june, i had the ultimate privilege of being one of lania's maids as she married her best friend. i love this photo of her laughing because of what Henry said just hours before she walked down the aisle. to me, it captures her beauty perfectly...
i've had such a hard time narrowing down a photo or two from their wedding that i like. so i just made this college, and called it a day :)
its hard to sum up what makes Lania so wonderful.
perhaps its the way she quietly supports everyone in a room simultaneously and gives strength to others without you even releasing you were depending on her.
it could be the way she crinkles her nose when she is telling a really good story, or laughing at a particularly funny episode of the office.
its possible to describe how you might love her for her sweet faith and dependence on God. for the way in every moment she finds a way to point you back to Him.
you might love her for her addiction to woods, green, forests, trees, running, anything involving the outdoors and activity.
you might love her for the way she can cook and bake anything and make it taste delightful.
perhaps like me, you love her for the moments a cup of coffee is shared, and the peace that comes with quiet moments in each others presence.
you could love her for the way she paints and creates the ordinary into a lovely moment.
maybe you love her for the way she loves anything hippish and multicultural.
your love might grow over baking brownies and eating the entire pan within 20 minutes of it being out of the oven.
lania, i can't describe what you mean to me. i'll say it till i die, that you are the best thing that came to me from Jordan. your presence every day driving to work and home and listening to me just cry and cry and cry and shake my fists, and question, and crumble to the floor in despair, and move in with me, and never stop pouring love into me is a gift i cherish.
lania, you've spoken life and beauty and truth into my life in ways i needed so desperately.
what an incredible joy to have lived with you while Jaff pursued you. to have seen you blossom each day in his love is a gift i'll love forever. i love sharing in even a small part of you two coming together. i can't think to write about you without writing about him too... when i think of someone who is full of grace and beauty you are the first name i think of.
o my dearest friend, i wish i was at home to see you open your gift, to give you a hug and share an endless conversation about life and love and Jesus over chocolate and coffee together.
what a joy to have you again support me and play besides at our lil coffeehouse. your endless belief in me is staggering and a lifeline i remember and cling to each day.
lania, i love you so. thank you for allowing me to share your life. know i'm doing a dance and celebrating you here in Africa, our favorite place.
Happiest of Birthdays today, Lani!
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