I recently celebrated my birthday on the race. I wasn’t sure what to expect, it was my first time having a birthday away from home and all my family and friends. At first I was a little sad knowing that I wouldn’t get to be with my loved ones, wasn’t going to get my amazing dinner at Cheddars, and that I wasn’t going to be able to eat my favorite coconut crème pie from Littons but it turned out to be a very crazy and different experience. I spent the first half of my day trying to get Internet so I could call home but it didn’t work very well. I kept trying and was able to see my family’s faces and see my boyfriend for a short time. I was able to explore Facebook for the first time this month. It was nice to catch up with what was going on at home and just knowing that I am being missed and prayed for. It was about that time that my team awkwardly swooped in around me singing happy birthday. My team leader was cradling what looked like a baby until she handed me the most beautiful and amazing globe that was handmade by Haitians that I had been taking a fit over since we got here. Turns out that Shara (my person on the race) sang and danced in order to bargain with Madam Cheapcheap for this globe which makes it that much more meaningful. I was also blessed with Oreos, a headband, and many sweet cards of encouragement. Here is where the real fun begins. The night of my birthday was to be a PROM. Not just a prom but a World Race style prom! We had to be asked by one of our fellow squad men in a way that would make us feel special. I was asked by the very special Paul Barnello who took the time to write me a story involving my favorite movies and read it aloud to the squad over lunch. I said yes of course! (Side note- the men had three dates each so I also attended prom with the beautiful Shara and Erin!) Around 3 it was time to get ready! Prom wear was the most fun part of prom. Our prom group decided that since we didn’t bring any nice clothes on the race that we would rock out some beautiful bed sheets toga style. They actually turned out to be gorgeous and super fun. As music blared in the girls hallway hair was being done, make up being applied, and legs being shaved. I wish my senior prom in high school had been this easy. We met our date (who was looking very snazzy) at dinner where he presented us with a rock that had a word that the Lord was speaking over us (adorable right). We then enjoyed some pasta and good conversation until it was time for some great prom pictures. There was no way any better picture could have been taken, from moments that captured our joy to our make it as awkward as possible pictures. I will cherish those photos for a very long time! It was then time to head up to the roof for a Night Under the Stars! The party-planning group did such an amazing job decorating and giving us a great time. We had a blast with the photo booth and dancing the night away. I can’t remember the last time that I danced that long but I know that I tired very quickly. I loved seeing the smiles on everyone’s faces as you could see all the stress and exhaustion of the week melt away. I have the most amazing squad and I couldn’t be more blessed to be doing life with them. They truly gave me a great birthday that I will never forget and made up for my senior prom. I can’t believe I celebrated my 24th birthday in the beautiful country of Haiti, a place that I have come to love and hold very dear in my heart. I got to celebrate with the most beautiful and Godly men and woman you could ever meet. I will never forget this birthday and all the blessings and joy that came into my life. Thank you everyone at home that donated to my World Race and for all the sweet and encouraging happy birthday messages! I can’t wait to celebrate with you next year!!!!
