Firecrackers exploded outside my window at 5:45 as I shot out of bed. My birthday. Of course I couldn’t miss out on this lovely Guatemalan tradition. I walked out of my room into a sea of balloons and a huge sign on the wall. I was then brought a massive pancake with a little candle, while being sung to. Sidenote: birthdays are the exception to not being a morning person.
I went through the rest of my morning routine only to find little hand written notes taped all over the house. I discovered these little encouragements on the walls, the microwave, the doors, where I do my morning devotions, in the shower, on the mirror, the toilet, the car windows, in my shoes, and anywhere else you could possibly imagine. They left me smiling and shaking my head each time I found another. I’m actually still finding them four days later.
On the way to school we were listening to the radio in the van. Soon I was listening to my birthday being announced on the Guatemalan Christian station. How cool is that? I was thanked and blessed over the radio in a foreign country. I was also prayed for in spanish during our quick prayer time before teaching. There was something powerful in hearing those words in another language and knowing God exceeds language barriers. Love and community go beyond something so small as a language difference.
The very first class Megan and I teach knew about my birthday and came prepared to celebrate. The teacher walked in with a cute little cupcake and candle for me. All of my little kids started singing their birthday song, which included chanting until I took a bite of the cupcake in front of the class. Then they brought me a huge decorated bag full of little snacks, candy, and hand-written notes. At the end of class they mobbed me, almost knocking me over and eventually forming a long line of hugs.
Little kids would run up, smothering me in hugs and kisses all day. They would also hand me pieces of candy or bracelets they had made. It was so humbling to receive all of their little gifts. These kids have little to none, yet they made sure they had something to give me. I love how they love so simply.
I love how willing
they are to give away
what little they do have
just to make me feel special.
On the way home I read all of their notes. They are something I will cherish forever. I’ve struggled in knowing whether or not I am really making a difference in teaching. I don’t get to see results as much as other things. In a public school, I can’t openly talk or ask about Jesus. After reading about how thankful they are that I teach them every day and am always happy, I was so reassured and encouraged.
I got the opportunity to FaceTime with my mom, two sisters, and niece. Seeing their smiling faces and hearing their laughs was so good. I was able to celebrate with them for a few minutes from a different part of the world. I loved seeing that little piece of home and feeling their love from afar. Love also exceeds distance and I love how well my family does that for me.
My team and the other team we are staying with splurged for dinner. We all went out for pizza and then they took me to pick out ice cream. While we were waiting for a few people in the parking lot, a nearby restaraunt started playing music. Naturally, we all started dancing. People were passing by laughing at the Gringos once again. We even had a little audience watching for a time. We left the parking lot dancing the whole way out. That was one of my favorite moments of the day. There’s something so freeing in dancing like a fool and not caring. Once we made it home, we spent the rest of the night playing games and laughing together around a campfire.
The whole day was full of little moments that just kept coming. But they all added up to be huge. I was able to feel love and appreciation in tangible ways on my birthday. Each small act brought me so much joy. My heart was full all day long.
Jesus let me in on how
big of an impact
I can have.
And I was left in awe.
This was easily the best birthday I’ve ever had. Yet it was so simple. I felt blessed beyond words. I was humbled to the point of tears. What an incredible community I have around me. What an incredible God I serve that He would give me all of this. Words can’t describe the thankfulness I have towards each of my squadmates who made my day special.
Words can’t describe the thankfulness
I have towards a Father
who cares enough to show up in
every
single
moment.
