Last week was a very blessed birthday week.
Monday I was kidnapped from HBR where I was dorm subbing and taken blindfolded to a surprise party at Kristi, Anna, and Emily’s apartment – full of laughter, food, games, balloons, blessing and friends. I did not suspect a single thing until the bandana went over my eyes!
Tuesday one of my students brought cupcakes by the house because she thought she had missed my birthday the day before. Emily also gave me a card and started the “Birthday Countdown: 3 Days and a Wake-Up.”
Wednesday the small group girls sang Happy Birthday to me (props for best “Woo”) and Emily had another card and countdown.
Thursday was another card/countdown from Emily. My German friends at band hinted that they have something to give me, but I’m not sure when it will appear.
Friday I arrived at school to find my office decorated with streamers and balloons. Marit, Emily, and some students had done it the day before. During 2nd period I went to an “Unbirthday Tea Party” hosted by the Independent Living (i.e. Home Ec) classes. For dinner I went over to the Watsons’ house and had a birthday dinner complete with “Highs and Lows” of the year and traditional birthday cake followed by a game of Dominion, which I somehow managed to win. After my adopted family birthday party, I went home and Skyped my real family and opened some cards and gifts from home.
Saturday was my actual birthday. It started with an early morning run to Sausenburg (the local castle ruin). Emily, the other Emily, and Kristi had hidden my last birthday card up at the castle, so they wanted me to go up there and find it. Incidentally, I got to watch a beautiful sunrise highlighting golden leaves. Then Emily made me breakfast and I was off to an all-day rehearsal for Seussical the Musical. The pit orchestra sang Happy Birthday to me and drew a large sign on the whiteboard. After an exhausting day, I came home and ate dinner with several good friends. Then Marit and Emily gave me a gift that made my day (and Emily’s) – sheet music for The Lark Ascending! We had a little slumber party complete with violin duos (improvised), chocolate chip popcorn (I’d explain it, but you only understand once you try it), pumpkin chocolate chip cookies, and Tangled (an attempt at getting something besides Seussical stuck in our heads). It was a delightful evening.
Sunday was a restful day. Due to Daylight Savings, we had an extra hour to make up for the late night. We ate waffles, bacon and hash browns compliments of Emily’s generosity and cooking skills.
Monday (Today) my guitar class sang Happy Birthday in approximately 5 languages. All at once. It was not the most stirring rendition, but appreciated nonetheless (I think Russian was probably the most prominent of the simultaneous birthday wishes).
This birthday week was a reminder to me that I am loved, and that there are people here who are willing to go out of their way to show love. It was such a blessing to me to be served; I hope to be that kind of caring servant to others in the things of daily life here in this community. I’m thankful for the friendships I have here, friendships that teach and challenge me and make me feel like I belong here. It takes time to develop relationships, but it is well worth it!
