I had no idea what my birthday would look like this year. This year instead of waking up to my mom singing me happy birthday, I woke up to the kids at the orphanage saying, “Hola Gringa!” Oatmeal or cornflakes have been our typical breakfasts but my teammates spoiled me with French toast! Did I mention that there was syrup and powdered sugar!? After breakfast and team devotions, I decided that I was going to hang out with the kids for the day! Keila, one of the tias at the casitas gave me 3 of her bracelets and a picture of her and her daughter Keilita as I sat at a picnic table figuring out team finances for the month. It was such a blessing that she who has so little would give her own belongings and things that had been given to her so generously and thoughtfully to me. As I played with kids, I couldn’t help but be filled with JOY! Their bright smiles and sweet laughter make each day much easier than it may have been without them. We swung on the swings, danced to the music of the political party trucks driving down the street, and played soccer.
After putting the kids to bed for their afternoon nap, some of us ate lunch and headed over to Dunkin Doughnuts (the best place to get wifi and only a short 8 minute walk). Since I was able to get wifi, I was able to talk to my mom even though she was at work – it only took 4 tries. I was also able to talk to my sister for a few minutes as she managed to sneak away from her training for a couple of minutes. I must admit that it was odd calling my family so they could wish me a happy birthday. Welcome to life out in the field! Reading Facebook messages and emails from family brought a smile to my face, too!
Hitch-hiking has become the new thrill and daily adventure since KK arrived so we hitched a ride about half the distance to Casa Grande to make our 3 o’clock meeting after stopping to look at the parrots, rabbits, and monkeys. Arriving at the Girls House, the 11 girls and my teammates ambushed me with “Happy Birthdays,” pictures, and hugs. The 3 o’clock meeting was a surprise party for my birthday! Though I had suspected something was up, it was a complete surprise that the girls had decorated the whole house and individually made me birthday cards. Not only did they have cards and decorations, there was chocolate cake and cream cheese frosting. Cream cheese frosting is my all-time favorite kind of frosting; which my teammates Andrew and Meg spent a week scouring the streets of Tocoa for because frosting is a rare find here in Honduras. The surprises and excitement continued as they blindfolded me to be led to the piñata! The girls had so much fun running around gathering the candy and just seeing the joy and fun they were having was one of the best birthday presents I could have received. Another Tia, Sandra, gave me a birthday present that contained lotion, which was so incredibly thoughtful and kind. It still amazes me how giving these women that have so little can give so much! When I thought there couldn’t be any more my team was provided with entertainment as the girls performed skits and dances.
After all the excitement with the girls, we headed towards a restaurant for our new favorite Honduran meal, Baleadas (Egg and avocado are the best) Yes!, we hitch hiked. 🙂 As we waited for the restaurant to open KK, Sarah, Jackie, and I entertained the rest of our team and the people in passing as we sang T-Swift and Katy Perry at the top of our lungs! The owner blessed us with fresh fried plantains that were delicious! Needless to say, I had an amazing 23rd birthday!
The 23rd blessing is the simple fact that I know my birthday. Each day I learn more about the kids and their stories. Many of them don’t know their birthdays nor how old they actually are. Some don’t have paper work, making it almost impossible for them to get adopted. This month has been one heart-breaking story after another but it has also been allowed me to realize how much we take for granted, even the fact that we have a birthday to celebrate and the family life I have been incredibly blessed with growing up. It has become much easier to realize how good I have it and how much I have to be thankful for, no matter how big or how small.
Thank you
to everyone, near and far, that made my 23rd birthday special, especially my teammates and all the kids at the casitas and casa grande!
After putting the kids to bed for their afternoon nap, some of us ate lunch and headed over to Dunkin Doughnuts (the best place to get wifi and only a short 8 minute walk). Since I was able to get wifi, I was able to talk to my mom even though she was at work – it only took 4 tries. I was also able to talk to my sister for a few minutes as she managed to sneak away from her training for a couple of minutes. I must admit that it was odd calling my family so they could wish me a happy birthday. Welcome to life out in the field! Reading Facebook messages and emails from family brought a smile to my face, too!
Hitch-hiking has become the new thrill and daily adventure since KK arrived so we hitched a ride about half the distance to Casa Grande to make our 3 o’clock meeting after stopping to look at the parrots, rabbits, and monkeys. Arriving at the Girls House, the 11 girls and my teammates ambushed me with “Happy Birthdays,” pictures, and hugs. The 3 o’clock meeting was a surprise party for my birthday! Though I had suspected something was up, it was a complete surprise that the girls had decorated the whole house and individually made me birthday cards. Not only did they have cards and decorations, there was chocolate cake and cream cheese frosting. Cream cheese frosting is my all-time favorite kind of frosting; which my teammates Andrew and Meg spent a week scouring the streets of Tocoa for because frosting is a rare find here in Honduras. The surprises and excitement continued as they blindfolded me to be led to the piñata! The girls had so much fun running around gathering the candy and just seeing the joy and fun they were having was one of the best birthday presents I could have received. Another Tia, Sandra, gave me a birthday present that contained lotion, which was so incredibly thoughtful and kind. It still amazes me how giving these women that have so little can give so much! When I thought there couldn’t be any more my team was provided with entertainment as the girls performed skits and dances.
After all the excitement with the girls, we headed towards a restaurant for our new favorite Honduran meal, Baleadas (Egg and avocado are the best) Yes!, we hitch hiked. 🙂 As we waited for the restaurant to open KK, Sarah, Jackie, and I entertained the rest of our team and the people in passing as we sang T-Swift and Katy Perry at the top of our lungs! The owner blessed us with fresh fried plantains that were delicious! Needless to say, I had an amazing 23rd birthday!
The 23rd blessing is the simple fact that I know my birthday. Each day I learn more about the kids and their stories. Many of them don’t know their birthdays nor how old they actually are. Some don’t have paper work, making it almost impossible for them to get adopted. This month has been one heart-breaking story after another but it has also been allowed me to realize how much we take for granted, even the fact that we have a birthday to celebrate and the family life I have been incredibly blessed with growing up. It has become much easier to realize how good I have it and how much I have to be thankful for, no matter how big or how small.
Thank you
to everyone, near and far, that made my 23rd birthday special, especially my teammates and all the kids at the casitas and casa grande!
