Startled awake just before 5am, I couldn’t figure out why there was so much noise outside. As I slowly woke up, I recognized singing through the loud speaker and fireworks. June 17th is Father’s Day in Guatemala and this one might have been the noisiest one I’ve experienced in my time here. In the past, the early morning singing and fireworks have been reserved for Mother’s Day, but much about this year is not like other years. 

I don’t think my dad would appreciate being celebrated in this way. He’s not into lots of noise and big show, but I don’t think he minds a good celebration with friends. He did seem to enjoy his surprise 70th birthday party. I’m not sure how he’s going to like this, but it will be another surprise. I thought Father’s Day would be a great time to honor my dad through a blog post. 

Here are some things I’m thankful for when I think about my dad. 

1. Since I was born prematurely, the doctor’s weren’t sure if I would survive or not. My mom and dad both heard in different ways from God that I would be okay, but they still had a service in the chapel for a baptism. 
2. Being a math teacher, my dad made sure we knew our math tables and looked for anyway he could reinforce them with activities, such as playing cash register, enjoying board games, and teaching us to play 21 (later I learned it is also called BlackJack) as a child.
3. In middle school after a basketball game, I was tired and struggling to complete a math assignment that hadn’t actually been assigned yet. I had misunderstood and thought I had to get it done for the next day. My dad helped make sure that happened. 
4. He taught me about living well within and below my means. I remember getting $5 as an allowance . Of that $5, $1 went into my savings account and another $1 went into the offering plate at church. 
5. He taught me how not only to drive, but to drive a standard. Living in Guatemala and traveling to other countries, I have found that  has been an invaluable tool. I”m glad he didn’t stop even though I teased him about the brakes not working on his side of the car or failing to stop at a red light before I turned right because I didn’t want to stop on the incline. There weren’t any cars coming, but stopping on red is the right thing to do. 
6. He gave me a deal on my first car purchase, a red Ford Ranger he had purchased from an estate sale. He and my mom even delivered it.
7. Sometimes after visiting my parents I’d get into my car to discover the gas tank was full. I think he had something to do with this.
8. He is there to help me with things for my non-profit stateside and always is willing to give me a ride to or from the airport.
9. More recently he’s taught me about living by faith and with perseverance. 

I could go on, but I will stop. Thanks, Dad, for teaching and providing me some of the tools and skills I am using today.