So what does one do when celebrating their birthday in the
Philippines on the World Race? 
I woke up at 8:15 (with a sore throat), showered and went to
a 3-hour church service, where the Filipino congregation sang Happy Birthday to
me and tons of strangers shook my hand and sincerely wished me “happy
birthday”.
I then skyped my parents and virtually blow out my candle,
read their email and messages from friends on Facebook. Liz gave me a card that
was completely in Tagalong and some M&M’s.
After lunch, I took a trike (a motorcycle with sidecar that
squeezes 6 people along with the driver) and then a Jeepney (an elongated jeep
that drives crazily) to TayTay mall for a mango & passion fruit smoothie from
Starbucks and some AC. Thanks
Kristy.
When I returned, Kristen gave me a very heartfelt gift: a
book she thought would be good for me to read after hearing my story during
some of our meaningful conversations. The book also came with a HUG!
Then…SURPRISE! My team took me out to dinner at The Old
Spaghetti House. I enjoyed great conversations over some tasty lasagna. We came back and ate the homemade
cheesecake (made by me, of course) that my teammates had paid for. My team also
gave me a journal with encouraging notes from a bunch of World Racers on our
squad. This gift was extra special
because of the gift God gave me: the
ability to accept others love and affirmation without
questioning it, because He has made me to love myself. This was the best gift
of all.
I ended my night with 2 games of Settlers. I won the first
game and should have won the second as well, had I announced it before passing
the dice. Either way it was great to play my favorite game.
The birthday celebration continued to Tuesday night when we
had a birthday/worship service/dance party. The best part was that the boys and
staff from Children’s Garden came and joined in. My face beamed with joy as the
boys danced for us and sang, “Who Am I” by Casting Crowns. Worshiping God with
friends is an awesome way to celebrate that God has given me another year. Turning
26 in the Philippines is pretty great. It exceeded all my expectations!
