Happy 20th Birthday Elder Miller

Family cards:

MILES!!!!

HAPPY HAPPY BIRTHDAY!! I know mission birthdays are sometimes just like any other day but I hope you feel special and celebrated. We are all thinking about you! I miss you so much!

I went on a date this week and he was asking me about my family. I prob talked about you and your mission and how much I missed you too much because he said, "Wow, he sounds like he is your best friend." I seriously feel so blessed to call you my brother. You are perfectly suited for our family and everything I needed in the sibling right under me. I have so many memories from high school and seminary and the teen beach room, I think about them all so often. I recently watched the videos of you for our seminary class where you admitted your love for dragons and got super sad because I miss you so much. You would throw things at my hands while I played the piano haha. Oh man, what I wouldn't give to have you around. BUT HOLY COW miles I am so proud of you. A mission is hands down the hardest (albeit most rewarding) experience, and you've handled it with so much grace and worked so hard. You are everything a good missionary should be and it is so obvious in your emails and picutres. The people there genuinely love you and you are making such an impact.

I was talking to mama the other day and we were just talking about how you've taken all of this in stride. 2 new languages, hard comps, slow areas... I marvel at your attitude and willingness to give it your all no matter the situation. You amaze me.

I know this is so cliche birthday card vibes but it seems fitting on your 20th. Here are only a few of the many things that I love and miss about you:

1. You are so mellow.

* you go with the flow so well. You can "defend the beach" when you need to but you are also so content to blend into the background and just have a good time. It doesn't matter what we are doing, (even a lame girls basketball fundraiser dance) you have a way of just making it such a good time.

2. You are SO FUNNY!

* I have more inside jokes with you than anybody else and it is easily one of my favorite things.

3. You are confident. You know who you are and you don't look to others to validate that.

4. I love how you interact with little kids. Your pics with the little kids on the islands make me so happy. & with the teenagers; you relate with sports or notice the kid that needs help learning to tie a tie.

5. You are super selfless. There isn't anything that you wouldn't do for someone else. It doesn't matter if it fits into your timetable or not, you just drop whatever to make sure that other people are taken care of. I admire this so much.

6. I love your laugh. I miss it. Like we could be talking about something totally random or not that funny, but if you get a kick out of it then we are all laughing because it is so contagious.

7. I love how you are such a good big brother to all of your siblings (but to Graham specifically). He worships the ground you walk on, you'll never know the impact that you've had on him while you've been away. I know he teases you about being a bully and we give you a hard time haha but seriously, your example and the tenderness between you two is exactly what I want for my future sons.

8. You are a really good listener and supporter. I have felt (and needed) this a ton while you have been away. I can't wait for you to come to BYU, and I'm sure I'll help you deal with the line-up of girls trying to hit you up, but even with stupid things like boy drama or life advice. I just feel like I can talk to you about anything and you care. It really means so much to me.

JUST TO NAME A FEW...

I seriously love you so much miles. I miss you feels like the world's biggest understatement. I catch myself daydreaming about the next fall semester when you're down here. It is going to be such a party! Keep doing what you're doing. I love you more than you know and couldn't be prouder to be your sister.

So pumped tomorrow is monday- the very best day of the week. Happy Birthday Miles. You mean the world to me.

Emma

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From Sadie:

Miles:) I miss you so much. I opted for the email this year instead of the traditional card and I hope that’s okay:) Happy Birthday!! I cannot believe you’re 20 today.

Im so sad I couldn’t get on to say hello today, I was on the train and then in school. I always look forward to seeing your smile and getting that, “Hey Sadie!” In that deep 20-year-old voice haha.

You should know though, I woke up and told Seth, holy cow, I can’t believe Miles is 20. I remember turning 20 and I felt OLD haha. It makes you seem old too and less little brother ish:)

I’ve told you before, but I’ll tell you again, I am so so proud of you. You have toughed this thing out when it’s hard, and more than that, you have made it a wonderful thing.

To be honest, I felt a little sad today thinking about missionary birthdays… I never got to celebrate like in Ecuador, and I always felt sad about that. I’m so glad you’re having this experience, and how cool is it to get to spend such a momentous occasion in Aruba?! That’s so sweet:)

I hope you felt special today. I know it probably felt like just another day haha, but I’m glad it was on pday at least! There’s some silver lining in that:)

I love how sweet you are, Miles. I’ve been so touched by your tenderness and kindness to all us of, even me, since you’ve been gone. That kindness has really inspired me to be sweeter. It’s been one of the more obvious blessings I’ve received personally from your service. It means so much to me.

I love you so much. I’m sorry I’m not the best emailer in the world, but you should know something comes up that makes me think about you at least twice daily haha, no joke. I’m getting a little teary thinking about it. In those moments I just like to look up at the sky and send a quick prayer your way and say “I love you Miles!” Because I do.

Shoot, now I’m crying and that’s stupid ha. You’re very special to me and I hope you had a great birthday.

Sigue con las esfuerzas— se que el señor te vas a bendecir Sadie

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From Seth: Happy Birthday Miles!

It was so good to see you this morning. I don't get to do that often but it is always a highlight of my day whenever I can. It is so good to hear about all you are doing and the people you are meeting and the spiritual experiences you are having, all of which have been a strength to me. Keep up the good work because you are blessing more than just the people you are around in your mission. We are extremely grateful for your dedication to the Lord. It is inspiring to us.

I hope that you had a great birthday today and I just wanted to tell you that I feel very lucky to have you as a brother. You have been kind to me and made me feel included even though you didn't know me at all. It has been cool to see how your special gifts and talents have done the same for those around you. People love to be around you because you can light up a room and make it a fun atmosphere and I look forward to having you in Provo with us so I can get closer to you.

You're a good man and everyone around you can tell. Happy birthday again. Love you.

Seth

His comp left the door open and at 4am and other Aruba Elders got up and biked over to decorate and make a fancy birthday breakfast

FROM President &Sister Lamprect

MIles 20th birthday journal entry

Email I sent out to Miles 200 weekly email readers:

Hello All- this is Holly. Elder Miller's mom. TODAY Sept 25th is Miles' 20th birthday. I'll probably get in a little trouble for sending this out, but he is so special to all of us, and I would love for him to feel the love on his birthday! Sending this out to his email list-- If you have a second could you please just reply to this email and it will go right to his inbox for some birthday fun today! You only turn 20 once-- and he's doing it in Aruba! Thanks for all the love and support-- it means everything to him and to us ♥

Responses:

Happy Birthday to you....Happy birthday to you.

Happy birthday, Elder Miller, happy birthday to you!!!

I know....I'm late, but then, I'm always late!!!! I hope you had a great day yesterday! If you didn't, then it is what it is, it will become what you make of it!! Was cow tongue your birthday dinner??

We love getting your letters, such positivity!! Keep up the good work! Ruby Watkins is now doing home MTC...an adjustment! We got to go to her setting apart on Sunday. Wow! What a great experience to be a part of!! Looking forward to General Conference this weekend. Do you get to watch it or listen?

Love you much and more....

_______________

Miles, I just wanted to wish you a very Happy Birthday. Hope you had a great one. Also I really enjoy your weekly emails. You seem to be really enjoying missionary work. You attitude is always so positive. Keep on, keeping on. Jack Cunningham

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Miles!!!!!!

Happiest Birthday! You are so so awesome! I can definitely tell you are ready to graduate from teenager to 20! What!? Ruby and I were just watching the video of you and her playing dress up at your house in Fort Erwin when you were 2 and 3. Feels like that was yesterday. And now she is starting her mission on your birthday, you are turning 20 — it’s crazy!

Both Max and Ben gave talks today. Ben in Sacrament meeting and Max in Stake Priesthood meeting. Love those two. Thanks for being such a good example to them. I hope one day they will be faithful missionaries like you.

I read such a good talk today from April conference:

The Imperfect Harvest By Elder Vern P. Stanfill

I love these quotes:

Often we are placed in situations that will cause us to stretch. We may not feel up to the task. We may look at those we serve with and feel that we will never measure up.

Regardless of how insignificant our efforts may seem, if we are sincere, the Savior will use us to accomplish His work. If we simply do the best we can and trust Him to make up the difference, we can become part of the miracles that surround us.

Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf taught: “I believe the Savior Jesus Christ would want you to see, feel, and know that He is your strength. That with His help, there are no limits to what you can accomplish. That your potential is limitless. He would want you to see yourself the way He sees you.

I wish I could send you a birthday card full of confetti in the mail. I know you love my confetti! Lol!I am sending special prayers for you today instead so that you can get exactly what you need from Him!

Love you Miles!! I hope you have a great day!

XO, Aunt Nicole

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On this day a miracle and a missionary was born- love you forever- Auntie K

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One year older and wiser tool Happy Birthday to you! -Elder Oren Eggleston, MTC comp

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I can't believe how old you are!!! Absolutely mind blow!! Jkjk hahaha I hope you have the best day ever and I can't wait to hear about your awesome adventures! Keep up the great work, you are such an awesome example and hope you strive to be great every day. Love you big dawg can't wait to see you again! Elder Brock Blackwell (cousin)

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Hi Elder Miller!

I wanted to wish you a super happy and healthy 20th! How cool is it that you get to spend it in Aruba! I just found out that we are almost-birthday twins (mine was yesterday) and I thought that was so neat!

You may or may not remember me, but I met your family at the Portland Airport a few years back and you all have been such a blessing to me. Your amazing Mama and sisters are truly like family to me and I love them dearly. I've been hiding for way too long for the past year and haven't written you, but one of my goals for this new year is to drop a note more often. I know what it's like to live abroad and away from family, and as lovely as the island life is, I know there are days when we miss home a little extra and it's heartwarming to hear from others. I greatly enjoy your weekly emails and appreciate the time and effort you put into each one! The Bible verses and your messages of positivity always make me smile! You seem to be really enjoying it over there in Aruba - I've never been to Aruba but I love the fusion of cultures that you've described in your emails.

Anyway, I hope your birthday is amazing! Know you're loved and thought of!

- Teddie Alexandrova (your mom's airport friend)

______________________

Hey Miles!!

Wishing you a huge, Happy 20th Birthday from the Loefke family in San Diego. Your mom and

I have been friends a long time and I remember when you were born. :) We LOVE being on

your email list and reading all about your adventures! Your mission will fly by before you know

it so enjoy this really special bday out in the field. Our twins are also out serving too and will turn

19 on the 28th. Aedyn is in your home mission Boise, Swahili-speaking and Devyn is in Detroit.

So, loads of missionary bdays this week!

Take care and keep enjoying your mission!

The Loefkes

(Valley CEnter friends)

______________________

Elder Miller,

Happy Birthday! I hope you are doing well and having amazing missionary experiences. I am so grateful for your righteous example in our priests quorum while your family lived in our ward. May God continue to guide and bless you while you are engaged in His holy work. Have a great birthday Elder Miller!

Sincerely,

Bishop Jason Eberhard, Bainbrridge Ward, Bishop during senior year in high school

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HAPPY BIRTHDAY! We hope that you are having a great birthday. We are grateful for your service to the Lord.

Love,

The Omer Family, Nampa 26th ward, Carriage Hill Friends

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Yo happy birthday big dawg!! Your such a great example bro hope they treat you right out there. Love you man - Elder Kobe Kesler, Cousin

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Happy birthday, Miles. I am very proud of you and of your dedication to your mission. Hope you had a special celebration with your friends and church. Dorothea and I really miss having your family in our neighborhood. You are blessed to have such a loving and supportive family.
Danny, Neighbor in Carriage HIll

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Briggs Miller

Mon, Sep 25, 9:57 AM (22 hours ago)

to me

Happy Birthday Miles!

Sure love yea buddy and am so proud of who you are becoming! Jesus Christ will continue to bless you as you seek and find those individuals wanting to follow your guidance to become like HIM! May God watch over you as you continue your service in this great work. Much Love! Our family is praying for you! -Uncle Briggs

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Stephanie Best

Mon, Sep 25, 9:59 AM (22 hours ago)

to me

Happy birthday!! Hopey you have a great day.

Stephanie Best (MIles' primary teacher)

Jaime Westlund

Mon, Sep 25, 10:03 AM (22 hours ago)

to me

Happy Birthday Miles! We hope you have a great day and a blessed year!!!

Jaime A. Westlund

Megan Lovell

Mon, Sep 25, 10:10 AM (22 hours ago)

to me

Happy birthday, Elder Miller! I love reading your emails each week, & I especially appreciate how you include a verse from the Book of Mormon each time. It looks like you are having amazing experiences! I love how eager you were to serve with a new missionary...you always seem to look for the good in others, & I'm sure that is helping you connect with your companions, the members, & the friends you are finding & teaching.

I hope your birthday is filled with memorable moments!
Love, Megan Lovell

Jennie Youngquist

Mon, Sep 25, 10:27 AM (21 hours ago)

to me

Love you Miles!! Know we’re thinking of you. Scott and I are traveling in Brugge, Belgium this week.

Kevin Bailey

Mon, Sep 25, 10:45 AM (21 hours ago)

to me

Dear Elder Miller,

We love you and want to wish you a happy birthday . Your letters and pictures are a great joy to read and see. It is so wonderful that you are serving Heavenly Father and his children. Thank you.

I am totally in awe and grateful when I hear of people getting a testimony of Jesus and his church. For the most part people don’t change a great amount but that is not true of many converts. They often change a lot and it is so wonderful that you can be a great part of that change.

Thank you, we love you.

The Bailey’s

Kevin Bailey

Barclay Adams

Mon, Sep 25, 10:46 AM (21 hours ago)

to me

Happy Birthday Elder Miller.

We love being able to read your weekly letters. Thank you for being so diligent in your communication. What amazing opportunities of service and love.

We hope you have a wonderful birthday. The birthday's I celebrated on my mission are some of the few that I always remember. And, Aruba - not a bad place to turn 20!

Best wishes for a fabulous day.

Much love,

Clay and Alisa Adams and family

Carlet Page

Mon, Sep 25, 10:59 AM (21 hours ago)

to me

Dear Elder Miller,

Thinking of that time you were walking by my house and I was out working in the yard and you offered to help. Wow. I think you were about 11 or 12. Apparently you’ve always been wonderful! And now you’re 20 and still doing awesome things just about every minute of everyday! It’s so heartwarming to know you’re out there serving the Lord and strengthening His kingdom. Your light is shining all the way back here to Idaho. I love to hear about your mission and am praying for you. Enjoy every minute of it and HAPPY BIRTHDAY! You get a double helping of blessings!

Love,

Sister Page

Jan Lakey

Mon, Sep 25, 11:09 AM (21 hours ago)

to me

HAPPY 20thBIRTHDAY!
We hope your birthday is amazing and you know how much you’re loved and your hard work is appreciated!!

The Lakeys

Marianne Blackwell

Mon, Sep 25, 11:35 AM (20 hours ago)

to me

HAPPY BIRTHDAY ELDER MILLER!!!!

We love you and pray for you daily! We love hearing about your experiences and testimony each week. You’re not only blessing many lives in Aruba but you’re also blessing our life for your service. We see those blessings and give thanks to our Father in Heaven. Have the best day Miles! 20 years! Has gone by so fast. You’re an amazing young man and I hope you know how much we love you!!!!

We miss you and love you! Countdown to see you again is on! We can’t wait!

Much love,

Aunt Marianne and family!

J Miller

Mon, Sep 25, 11:37 AM (20 hours ago)

to me

HAPPY HAPPY BIRTHDAY!! Hope you're having a wonderful birthday today! How are you 20?? We are all doing well. Nate is staying busy with work and Bishop duties. We had a funeral this week for a young dad who lost his battle to cancer. It is a good reminder of how fragile life is but also how important each day is. I am still battling health issues and am seeing small changes for the better. Oaks and Preston are having a blast down at BYU. They love being down in Provo and all that goes with it. They are both pursuing business degrees. Trey is getting adjusted to missionary life slowly but surely! Mason is golfing a ton and trying not to fail out of school....he misses so much school with golf. He hopes to play at region and State so we are praying for him to do well. Jett is doing well in JR High. He seems to roll with any situation. He is busy with flag football, golf, basketball, and soccer...haha...to be young again.

I am so proud of you and hope you have a great birthday! Keep up the good work....the days are long but the years are short!

Love,

Aunt Jenny and Crew

Jenny Miller

Kim Bowen (teacher at skyview, girls bball coach)

Mon, Sep 25, 12:03 PM (20 hours ago)

to me

Happy Birthday Miles!!!!!

Emma Weaver (works at dad's office)

Mon, Sep 25, 1:12 PM (19 hours ago)

to me

Happy Birthday Miles!! Have a great day turning 20 in such a beautiful place. Enjoy your day and take it all in.

Emma

Lisalyn McGuire (mom's VC friend, also aunt in law to your comp elder Priebe)

Mon, Sep 25, 1:32 PM (18 hours ago)

to me

Happy Birthday Elder Miller! Happy 20th! So happy you get to spend in on a mission in Aruba :).

Love,

Lisalyn McGuire

Drew Youngquist (cousin)

Mon, Sep 25, 3:16 PM (17 hours ago)

to me

Happy birthday Miles! Hope you make it a good one!

Em Waite

Mon, Sep 25, 9:43 PM (10 hours ago)

to me

HAPPY HAPPY DAY OF BIRTH MILES!! IM SO GLAD YOURE ROCKING IT OUT THERE! KEEP UP THE HARD WORK, WE ARE ALL ROOTING FOR YOU BACK HERE!!

Em Waite :)>(friend from working at Krave's)

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Nate Miller

Mon, Sep 25, 9:57 AM (22 hours ago)

to me

Happy birthday Miles. Keep rocking it. A big 20 today! Love you

Uncle Nate

Diplock, Tracy

Mon, Sep 25, 9:59 AM (22 hours ago)

to me

Miles,

Here’s wishing you a very happy birthday! You are such a blessing to so many. Keep up the amazing work you are doing on your mission. All the best from your old Owyhee people. (Miles' Elementary school secretary)

HAPPIEST OF BIRTHDAYS TO YOU ELDER MILLER!! The Hodges family is so proud of you and the way you carry a spirit of love with you everywhere you go! Your Christlike desire to serve is no doubt a HUGE blessing to those people you serve in Aruba!!! We remember Aruba and the fun we had visiting there about eight or nine years ago! We visited over Thanksgiving and didn’t know how to get any typical Thanksgiving food there, so we went to KFC and ate our Thanksgiving dinner on the beach. Not very traditional but we made a fun memory anyway!

We also remember all of the wild mules all over and feeding them some of our apples. There were some very kind people in Aruba! Hoping you feel special on your birthday today and know how many people back home are cheering you on! The Hodges family sure is! We’ve grown by two now, Audra has a baby now and Sheldon has a baby now too! Wishing you continued success and knowledge of the love that Jesus Christ has for you.

You are in our prayers!

Love, The Hodges Family Nampa Friends)

Zachary Miller (Uncle)

Mon, Sep 25, 10:12 AM (22 hours ago)

to me

HAPPY BIRTHDAY MILES!

Love reading your emails and sounds like you are doing amazing work. Keep up the good work and you are an example to many!!

Take care! Love you buddy! Uncle Zak

Susan Webb (nampa Friends)

Mon, Sep 25, 10:19 AM (22 hours ago)

to me

Happy Birthday Elder Miller! We love reading about your mission in the Caribbean ! You are awesome

Zach Shoemaker

Mon, Sep 25, 10:37 AM (21 hours ago)

to me

Miles!

Hope you are having an amazing Arubian birthday! I hope you get loads of good food and teach lots of lessons!

I enjoy reading your messages each week. Keep up the good work!

Zach Shoemaker

Viry Velazco

Mon, Sep 25, 10:40 AM (21 hours ago)

to me

Happiest of Birthdays my love!!! I can't believe you're 20 already, with so much more ahead of you. I'm sure you will hear this about a million times today, but here I go...I'm so proud of you and where you are. The joy and love you are helping so many find, I just in awe of you. You've always been so sweet, kind, funny, and loving, be proud of yourself and all you have accomplished in 20 short years. I love you sweet pea and hope you have a truly brilliant day.

With all my love, aunt V

Sent from Yahoo Mail on Android

Peden Robinson

Mon, Sep 25, 10:57 AM (21 hours ago)

to me

Happy Birthday Elder Miller! Keep Killing it in Aruba!

Moroni 7:48 Nunca Te Rindas

Hermana Robinson! (MTC district)

Rick Chandler (Nampa friend)

Mon, Sep 25, 2:07 PM (18 hours ago)

to me

Hey Elder Miles Miller! Happy Happy Birthday!!

Wishing you a most excellent day in your wonderful sacred service for the people of Aruba!

Mike and Jenifer Aldous (Nampa Friend)

Mon, Sep 25, 2:39 PM (17 hours ago)

to me

Have a happy birthday, Miles! Enjoy serving others at this special time of your life!

tandtwill (Mom's VC friend, college roommate)

Mon, Sep 25, 3:06 PM (17 hours ago)

to me

Happy happy Aruba birthday Miles. You are loved by many!! Tiana Williams

Jennie Miller (Aunt,)

Mon, Sep 25, 6:24 PM (14 hours ago)

to me

Happy Birthday Miles!! I hope your day has been a great one!! You are doing amazing things! Keep up the great work! Love ya buddy!

Aunt Jennie Youngquist

Beverly Oels (Nampa Friend)

Mon, Sep 25, 9:01 PM (11 hours ago)

to me

I had already wished him a wonderful birthday before I saw your post. He is so special! I hope he knows how much I admire him and the service he is providing.

Bev

Happy Birthday Elder Miller!

I've thoroughly enjoyed reading your your emails! I love hearing about your experiences in Aruba and enjoy reading the scriptures that have touched you each week. It sounds like you are learning and growing so much! Keep up the good work!

Love,

Shonni Stevens (your Landau neighbor)

Elder Miller,

Happy 20th! I hope you’re getting closer to being the PERFECT MISSIONARY as you age up in to the Twenty-Something group.

All is good in Meridian. We just got back from Thailand…doing some missionary work there with a Buddhist family we’ve known for 17 years. We took them through the Bangkok Temple open house and they love the feeling and the “clean spirit” of the temple. The mother frequents Buddhist temples and said she felt at peace in the Celestial Room.

Their daughter lived with us for a year when we were in Hershey, PA. She developed a testimony and shared it at Girls Camp before she returned home to Thailand.

Sometimes missionary work last a long time. We’re still trying and we’ll be back to Thailand next year for her wedding.

Enjoy the sea. Fall is coming to Idaho…

- Stan Larson (Bainbridge Ward)

AND ON FACEBOOOK Miles had an outpouring of love from so many people he's met while on his mission: