January 12, 2011- Josh Perez

It is honestly pathetic that it has been maybe twenty-four hours since I last saw you, but not seeing you all day left everything a little more cloudy. I met Josh one of my first days in Boone, playing Cranium at a friends apartment where he was forced to be my partner. Poor kid hasn't gotten rid of me since. He was lucky enough to have a class with me, that we either did not attend or talked enough in that I managed to not learn a thing. Little did he know, hanging out with me results in a lot of scheming and moments where you wonder why I am so weird. Josh toughed it out though, and with that became a truly wonderful friend that I have grown to rely on in ways that vary from buying me coffee, to making me a paper tetris game so I could play in class. From listening to my tireless rants about nonsensical things, to sitting three extra inches away on the couch so there is less chance of you accidentally touching me and ergo making me twitch in my sleep. Really though Josh, all that you do does not go unnoticed. 


Josh Perez is truly a gem. His heart is so selfless and so loving, I don't think there is a thing he wouldn't do if I asked him nicely enough. (Except for when he didn't come to Orlando, but we won't get into that.) Josh has an ease about him that makes everybody a little more comfortable and a laugh that lights up the room when he enters. A day without Josh Perez is like a day without the sunshine; doable but nowhere near as fun as it could be. His spirit is so happy and you can't resist a smile in his presence.


I was blessed with the opportunity to spend a few days with his entire family in the Boro, and saw where he gets his love for life from. His family was one of the most encouraging and loving groups of people I have ever been able to witness. They truly love each other so, so much and give you the feeling of comfort and inclusion, no matter who you are or how long they've known you. It was an incredible blessing to spend time with them and get a feel for why Josh is so wonderful.


My favorite thing about Josh was hard to pick. He has influenced me in so many ways and I am so thankful for his friendship, but the thing that stands out to me the most is his acceptance of people regardless of who they are. He loves without concern for who the person is, where they are from or what they do with their life; he loves because he was loved first. His love is inspiring and fresh, it's beautiful to see a man who desires the Lord and because of that, can love unconditionally. I am lucky to know him and have his friendship as an influence in my life. You are incredible Josh and I hope you know how much I appreciate you. I love you forever Ydna.


Ephesians 4:32
"Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you."