Birthday Blessings

November 7, 2012

Today was such a great day and provided the lift I needed in order to survive the next 7 or so weeks until Christmas.  I had the experience of celebrating my birthday in a new country with some amazing new people.  I am somewhat of a traditions person and I was a little disappointed to not get to spend my birthday with the people I love back home, but boy did it get celebrated here. 

I woke up to a plate full of candy and goodies along with a wonderful note from my roommate and her boyfriend who is having the pleasure of visiting and getting to know La Union.  We made our way to school where I was greeted with lots of Happy Birthdays and even hugs.  The day started in my homeroom with the 10^th graders, they of course sang and asked me all the usual birthday questions.  We read our bible verse and discussed the message and I went on my way.  I had the next two periods free during which the primary grades have their chapel, and no they could not forget about me.  They called me over and all of the 1^st – 6^th graders sang to me and I got more hugs than a person could ever need.  I was feeling very loved and took note of the fact that even though I wasn’t with my loved ones from home, I was with some pretty special people and kids who love me! 

Much more happened throughout the day including each class I walked into breaking out in song and the 3^rd graders singing and giving me hand made cards.  My 10^th grade bio students had a quiz today and when I arrived after morning recess they were all ready to take it and asked me to hurry up…very unusual, usually I am begging them to put their materials away and get ready.  After the quiz they all ran outside and when they returned they had a big cake, chips, candy and pop.  We spent the rest of the time listening to music, chatting and eating (some of my favorite things).  I also managed to get one of the class clowns with a facefull of frosting and despite my attempts to run away he was able to return the favor.  I left class with a full stomach and a face that was caked with frosting!  They sure do know how to celebrate J

After lunch I headed down to the 9^th grade classroom where I was politely asked to wait outside.  When I was allowed to enter they busted out in song and displayed a table of food including 2 more cakes (yes they made me eat a piece of each).  I was overwhelmed and couldn’t believe how generous all my students were throughout the day.  We spent another hour eating, laughing and of course chasing each other with frosting and yes I got frosting in the face again!  When the school day came to end I had the chance to FaceTime with my mom and shortly after the power went out so it was home for us.  Luckily the power came back on quickly and I was able to get some school stuff done for the day. 

I was told dinner was going to be at Kara and Lenny’s but that I could not be there before 6:30.  When arrived though the smell was amazing Kara and Brooke had cooked an amazing birthday dinner of lasagna, garlic bread and homemade applesauce.  I was in heaven and couldn’t believe all that they had done for it to be special for me.  Everything was delicous!  Since I had so much cake at school we decided to save cake for Saturday and instead had cookies made by Kara and Cassidy.  It was all so yummy, I had to make myself stop eating haha.  It was a great break from the usual evening school work we do and a great time spent with the people here that I have gotten to know and love…Their my La Union family!