Yvonne @ 15 - a young lady

Hard to believe that 15 years have passed since Yvonne's unexpected arrival 6 weeks early.

In the days just following her birth many people prayed

for her lungs to develop (she was on a ventilator);

for her to grow & remain strong

( @2.3kg she was our biggest baby, but not big enough to the pediatrician's liking)

and above all to grow up as a child of God, a blessing to her family.

And here she is today - a young lady of 15 that has fought her fair share of "battles".

We are so proud of you.

Yvonne's first birthday in Ghana was a rather sad birthday.

We arrived in Ghana late Monday, 16 February 2004.

She had no friends, was heart broken about being away from all our extended family & friends . The only people apart from us to wish her well on the 18th, was Claire, Mike & Iain

- we only met them that day!

Yvonne's last birthday in Ghana was also the girls' farewell party to friends

as our house was being packed up the next week.

So again many tears for 18 February 2009.

This being her first birthday in Zimbabwe, she was apprehensive,

those who know her well knows how she can worry.

BUT WOW did they have fun!

Despite having started the day with cross country standards at school (which she did not like) and lots of swimming when we got home, the girls still managed to stay up till after 1am :)

Yvonne trying to jump clear of the waterhole.

Swimming at anytime is great fun.

The birthday girl surrounded by friends.

Yvonne cutting her cake - a delicious, glittered, bedazzled heart.

"Thank you Lord for Yvonne's life;

she is fearfully and wonderfully made;

she is precious in Your sight.

Thank you for the daughter & sister that she is;

her place in our family is special."

Vonnie we love you so much!