When I was little, I used to get so stinkin’ excited about my birthday…
Birthday cake and candles.
Lots of candy and soda.
A movie or games with my family.
And if I was really lucky, or it was an important bday, I could have a big sleepover!
Those were the days.
I say “were” because birthdays aren’t like they used to be.
But more on that later…
I turned 24 this month. in Malaysia.
Here’s how my team and I celebrated!!! (pictures included)
Friday evening (before my birthday) we got all dressed up in saris for church.
So fun!
A visiting pastor prayed and prophesied over our team, and I was blessed to receive “birthday encouragement,” as well.
And then there was birthday cake!!!! With candles!!!
Auntie Teresa was also celebrating her birthday!!! We followed the Indian tradition and fed each other cake, and then others came forward to do the same. I’ve never had so many people feed me at one time in all my life!
We finished out the night with dancing.
In our saris.
At midnight.
I don’t have pictures, but trust me—it happened. 🙂
Saturday morning I woke up bright and early to talk with my family. But had no wifi…
So it was back to bed, only to be greeted with balloons and cheering when I woke up, not to mention little notes and hugs.
Then it was off to the mall.
Yummy dinner, fun conversations, followed by bowling, and then back home to rest and relax.
(Elephant pants and bowling shoes. World Race style)
That evening, baby Jordan Raj was born into the world, to the blessed and wonderful parents, Matthew and Catherine Raj. (our contact’s brother)
It was exciting to be part of this experience with our contact’s family and see him only a short time after he was born!
(I couldn’t help but think about my nephew, baby Logan, while I was holding him)
As if the rest of the day wasn’t enough, my team topped off the evening with some donuts and good-night hugs.
And then my 24th bday in Malaysia was over!
Putting it simply, it was a good day.
I’ve been thankful for the way that my team, my sister friends, have done so well at celebrating birthdays, but most importantly celebrating the person the birthday is for!
And even though I was so far from my family, there were birthday videos and messages waiting. And I loved every single one of them.
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I think it’s sad that, as people get older, birthdays seem to become much less important. And they somehow get pushed to the bottom of a to-do list.
Since no-one ever seems to get to the bottom of the list, that’s where the birthday party stays. And it collects dust…
It’s not even about the birthday. It’s about being intentional and finding creative ways to show the person that, after so many years, they still matter. After life has happened, no matter how long, their life, their dreams, their existence is important. And they are worth celebrating!!!
That evening, as I lay on my sleeping pad, I scribbled in my journal.
Today, I’m thankful for:
-sister friends who eagerly and creatively celebrate bdays and people! –cards, gifts, food, hugs, smiles, laughter, encouraging words.
-parents who hang in and continue to learn how to love even after 34 years…when “I do” is more than just words
(I had the honor of being born on my mom and dad’s 10th anniversary!)
-lots of videos from family and friends, not to mention emails, notes, and messages
-new life to celebrate—little Jordan Raj!
-being prayed/prophesied over for greater things yet to come
-being blessed by Pastor Thomas’s grandmother
-cheescake!
-dancing in saris
-laughter and joy
-physical ability to bowl, walk through the mall, hug my teammates, write, and dance
-that fact that I’m unique
-Mostly, that I’m a daughter of the Heavenly Father, Princess of the Prince of Peace, a dwelling place for the Holy Spirit
{Thank you, Daddy. You are the giver of all good gifts. I’m grateful.}
