So here's the short of it, 
Liga turned 25 today. 

And here's the long.

Twenty-five years ago today, Liga was born in Latvia.  At the time it was a part of the old Soviet Union, but there were already rumblings of independence the spring before she was born.

Now all these years later, she's in Jerusalem with a whole bunch of other young adults her age on an exploration.  What she's exploring? - I suppose that's different for each young adult on the trip.  Perhaps it's her faith, maybe her own independence, maybe it's the country itself - maybe in the end it will be about something none of us can at this time even imagine.

I think it's highly appropriate to turn the quarter century mark half way around the world in an adventurous way.  I hope it's everything she could wish for.

Happy Birthday, dear daughter!  

Happy Birthday to you.