I had my Summer birthday in a winter wonderland this year! First time I've had my birthday in winter! Where may you ask? AFRICA!
That's right, Africa. You may be thinking "Winter? Africa? Wonderland?" Yep. Winter. Africa. Wonderland.
Now I shall explain. It's winter here in Africa right now (at least where I am located). And so despite popular belief Africa is NOT always hot…at least at night. The days here can still be hot (unless it's raining) but it’s the nights that has us bundling up and wishing that we hadn't dropped that sweater because, like you, we thought Africa was going to be hot, hot, hot. So that is where the winter part comes in. Wonderland. No it's not the snow filled dream world but something more special. When we think of wonderland we think of a happy place, snow filled, nothing can go wrong type of place.
There is an orphanage that holds a special place in the hearts the team. This orphanage is not the best by anyone's standards. It lacks beds, there is not always food for the kids, there are few clothes, almost no blankets, and most of the kids don't go to school. But for them it's home and it's safe. So again you may be thinking "Wonderland?"
The love that those kids have for each other and for us is amazing. The joy that fill their faces when they see us is melting. The laughter that comes from them will warm any heart. The thankfulness that fills them when they see us bringing food or soap will make you tear up. This is a happy place. Despite all that it may not have physically or financially, it makes up for in love and joy.
This is where I spent 1/2 of my birthday. These are the children that I got to spend it with. I got to love on children that the world has forgotten and tried to get rid of. They got to love me back. This was my winter wonderland. It was the best birthday. Seeing joy filled faces running toward me, not wanting to leave my lap, the smaller children using me like a jungle gym, having a few fall asleep in my arms, then seeing them run after us when we had to leave. I know that I'm not putting any of this into words like they deserve but right now, as I'm writing this, it's just overwhelming to think back on the day, how I felt, how the kids felt. Joy. Pure. Simple. Joy. Jesus was there. He was there in the kids and at the same time smiling and laughing with them. Heavenly Joy.
So what's a birthday without a bit of celebration? Well a few of the squad got together at the Coffee Shop to celebrate Kelli V.'s and my birthday – That's right, they're the same day! A sweet time as we got to celebrate with our old and new teams. They had pulled money together to get a chocolate cake! Such a rarity on the Race. It was great getting to talk with everyone. I know that I could not have asked for a better birthday! Thanks all! So that is just a snapshot of my Winter wonderland birthday!
