* Nota del autor: Esta Navidad mi primo se quedó con nosotros. Ella encantaba ser preguntado qué vacas decir, y al instante me hizo recordar "La Vaca Luluz". Un día le dije a ella: "Como hacemos Las Vacas?" "Las Vacas no hacemos meow." Jeje ... Todavía tengo partes del libro memorizados. :) *
*Author's note: This Christmas my baby cousin stayed with us. She loved being asked what cows say, and it instantly made me remember "La Vaca Luluz". One day I said to her, "Como hacemos las vacas? Las vacas no hacemos meow." Hehe...I still have parts of it memorized. :)*
After I stayed with your family for the first time in 2012, I spent the whole year longing to have you in my arms again. I was so excited to see you and your family again when I came back the next year! When the plane landed I was literally shaking with excitement. I couldn't believe I was finally back.
When your mom, Isabella, and I got to your house, you were outside. I was just as shocked by how much you had grown up as I was when I saw Isabella--you had changed so much over the course of a year! It was a moment of pure joy when I picked you up and held you in my arms for the first time in a year.
These are some of my favorite pictures of you! You and Isabella put on a little music show for me--she danced and you accompanied her on the saxophone. I think you both have a future as brother/sister musicians. :)
Every moment with you was special. I loved sitting on my bed with you and Isabella and reading "La Vaca Luluz"...I loved drinking mate with you...and most of all, I loved being greeted with your precious hugs in the morning.
One night your silly sister Isabella fell asleep in my bed. She was so peaceful and content, I wouldn't dare wake her up. So I slept in Nico's bed, with you asleep in your bed right next to me. I have a confession: I woke up a lot that night and rubbed your back while you slept. You looked like a little angel, and I wanted to soak up every moment watching you sleep.
Those big, brown eyes just touch my heart. On my last day of the trip, I walked around church with you and told you how much I was going to miss you. Tears came to my eyes as I said that, and the way you looked at me I just knew you understood.
Not too long after that moment came the time for host families to say goodbye. I held you in my lap as you ate crackers. Your dad got up to speak and I walked over to him, still holding you in my arms. He took you into his own arms and hugged us both as he gave a heartfelt speech. His words were the most beautiful gift to me. I burst into tears near the end, and as I did, you threw your arms around me. You blessed and comforted my heart in that moment. Thank you, my sweet hermano.
You have a tender heart and always seem to know just when someone needs a hug. I know your bright smile will continue to bring hope everywhere you shine it!
I feel so blessed to get to watch you grow up and see God's wonderful plan for your life unfold. I love you so so much, Renzito! :) Thank you for your love.
"Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go." ~Joshua 1:9
Love always and forever,
Your sister Claire
