Something that I really admire about Rafa is his pursuit of excellence. He does so much, but he’s not just a passive participant – he works hard to do things well. I really missed having him around this weekend, but I understand. The life of a full-time employee and full-time student gets a little rough around finals time.

Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all your might (Ecclesiastes 9:10).

His maturity to stick with school and work when things get rough inspires me to know that he will stick to being a full-time husband and full-time father, even when things get rough. It doesn’t matter what obstacles are in front of him. When Rafa has a goal, he does not waiver from his commitment to reaching that goal.

But just as you excel in everything—in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in complete earnestness and in your love for us—see that you also excel in this grace of giving (2 Cor. 8:7).

Rafa continues to give even while excelling at his commitments. I’m just so proud of the way he is able to be present with members of our church family even when I know he’s got so much in his mind. He takes care of me first, asking about my trip and stuff, before he will even talk about how crazy his schedule is.