FORT WAYNE, Ind. (WOWO): An Aboite Elementary School 3rd grader was able to see her father for the first time in seven months on Tuesday afternoon.

For most of the school day Tuesday, it was a normal day for 9-year-old Kendyl Kraick. At about 2:40 p.m. she was telling her class about a past Thanksgiving when someone interrupted her —  her dad.

Her dad, Travis Kraick, is a member of the Indiana National Guard. He’s been in Africa for the past seven months and Kendyl didn’t think he’d be coming home until around Christmas.

When she first saw her dad, she was speechless. After processing it for a couple seconds, she ran to him and gave him a long hug.

“I just, I can’t believe he’s home,” Kendly said. “So excited. Before I didn’t think he was coming and I was really, really, sad that he couldn’t be here for Thanksgiving. But, now he is.”

When she was asked what she’s most thankful for, she said “daddy, I’m thankful that he’s home.

After the surprise, Kendyl gave her dad a journal, which she has been writing to him about her life when he was away.

Kendly’s stepmom, Maragaret Kraick, and mom, Kara Kraick, helped set up the surprise.

You can watch the surprise below.