I got woke up at 5am to the sound of banging on pans and singing. The whole orphanage including staff was outside the door to our place. I answered the door. They all sang to me then threw flour all over me. This was my first birthday blessing. Normally in Central American you get flour and EGGS thrown at you. However my girls (beauty from ashes – teammates) said "No Eggs!" Then they each gave me a hug and said "Feliz Cumpleanos" It was an awesome start and I felt really celebrated and loved.
Kathryn woke me up at 8:30 "Happy Birthday Jessica … Breakfast time!" She had made me a nice rainbow card and it was sitting at my breakfast spot. During breakfast the children all greeted & hugged me again. Fernando made me a picture frame out of pop cycle sticks … So precious!! I'll print out some pics of him and I before I leave … Leave him one and put one in my frame 🙂 I will prob leave all the kids a picture and a note actually.
Then I took a much needed shower … To get all the flour off and feel beautiful on my day. It was cold of course but I took my time. When I came back in the room the girls had made me a big rainbow in the middle of the room that says "We are praying God's promises into your life this year" …so beautiful and perfect! They know I love rainbows but they didn't know about my prayer.
Kristen made me a Happy Birthday wall sign … Later she took it down … On the back of each flower was a special note.
It's a super beautiful day… breezy and completely blue skies. Beautiful but not rainbow conditions. Us girls got dressed and went into town for the day … Lunch, Spa, shopping etc. (pics- team shot, lunch, milkshakes) I was nervous about my rainbow and frequently searched the sky as we went in and out of the buildings. "Lord, I pray You bless me with my rainbow gift today!" While we were out I insisted we get a birthday cake it would be fun to celebrate with the children when we got back. (I didnt know the children were already preparing a planning for me)
We got back just before sunset. I sat on a blanket in the grass with my bible.I first read my birthday card from my mommy (she stuck holiday cards for me in my stuff before I left.) Then I read Psalm 37 (Since its my 37th) Which also includes "delight yourself in the Lord and He will give you the desires of your heart!" I watched the sky with a heavy heart and talked to God. There were lots of trees everywhere and not a lot of sky options. So I stared in the one area, one could possibly be. I thought God can make it happen … If He wants too. Children came over on my blanket with me. They talked with me and played with my hair. Then the sun went down. It was a beautiful sunset but no rainbow.
Then I went in for dinner. I was numb but not recked about it. It had been a great birthday and it wasn't over yet. After dinner, the kids told me to put on this purple dress. They had a birthday surprise for me.
My Birthday was awesome. I felt very loved and special. I was thankful for my team mates and all the children of the orphanage. I went to bed focussing on every part of this day that brought me joy. I didn't journal before I fell asleep. I didn't want to think about my rainbow (it was a painful subject.) I prayed for the many things I had to be Thankful for.
Here is a Video…
