My birthday fell on the day we had to say goodbye and leave Busia, Kenya. My team kept their promise to not make a big deal of the day and to focus on the farewell lunch we were cooking for our hosts to thank them for the month.

The 27th was Sunday so the day began with breakfast then church. Charlotte and Lyndsie made me actual American pancakes (very different from African) which made me very happy. Throughout the day I received small gifts, sugarcane, chocolate, etc. It was the small things that made me smile and make me feel special for that one day. My favorite would have to be a half-awake Bek singing and clapping Happy Birthday to me through sleepy eyes and yawns as she walked into the dining room.

After church I made my way to the internet café for the first time in the three weeks we had been there. It felt weird to be on the internet again and was honestly glad for the month away. It took me over an hour to check 109 emails, post 2 blogs, check 37 Facebook messages, and I didn’t even begin to go through my notifications.

From the internet I hurried home on a boda-boda (bicycle taxi) and got there right as the pastors and families were starting to say their goodbyes. There were many pictures to be taken and hugs to be given, but soon they were gone and we had an hour to finish packing before heading to the bus station. We were taking an overnight bus to Nairobi to catch another bus to the Masai Mara for a safari, but that’s another blog. On the bus there was one last surprise for me to finish off my birthday. A cupcake decorating contest was the way to end the day. Each of us had a cupcake and a small packet of chocolate icing. I got to be the judge and pick the best one. It was tough, but because we were heading off to a safari it made sense to pick Kristen’s lion.

We probably drove the other people on the bus nuts with our party but oh well. It was a fun and very busy day, but a birthday that I will probably always remember. Thank you to Team Radiance and Team SWAT for a great day, and thank you Lord for another year to follow you.