Happy 18th Birthday Leila!

Dearest Leila,

Wow, you are officially a legal adult. You have grown into this beautiful young lady, and you have come so far from the 43 pound, timid 10 year old we brought home 7.5 years ago. 

You have transitioned to high school, and a large one at that, and while it hasn't been all roses, we are learning together what it means to work hard and earn your grades, how to discern good friends from not-so-good ones and how to do real grown-up things and take responsibility. It is good!

Youth group (or any church activity), listening to music, reading and hanging out with friends continue to be your favorite activities. What a blessing for you to have your Niger friends still active in your life. It is so sweet seeing you, Zalika and Sakina together. You have a special connection and bond that goes back farther than us!

Your sister is the one you turn to the most for advice on clothes, friends and the cute boy on the bus. I know sharing a room with someone messier than you is not always easy, but I think it has been so good for your friendship, and I'm thankful you are tidier than her and pick up her slack. You excel at keeping things tidy and organized, and are faithful to do your part around the house. Thank you!

You are starting to spend a little more time with me in the kitchen, and you still love rice the most. Your new favorite hot sauce is seasoned with Old Bay, which is your favorite dry spice when you don't have African spice. 

The other day you called your prescriptions in for the first time (on your own!), and I can see you are making real steps toward adulthood. We will get you driving soon enough!

For your birthday this year, we enjoyed dinner at Arby's and rides at Kings Dominion during Winterfest with some friends and family. I believe you rode the Dominator rollercoaster 5 times! You love crazy rides, and you had so much fun. 

We are excited for what this next year holds for you, and it will be a real joy to take you back to Niger as a family this summer. You haven't been since we brought you home, and I think it will be good for all of us. We love you, Leila!

Momma