Birthdays

Alright...quick, but week late, bithday post. This year I had an interesting experience of sharing my birthday with three other people (specifically three of the children here at the home). It was a very humbling experience. Hanging out with the group of American girls at the mission, we were all ready to go out and celebrate, but as far as the kids were concerned, I didn't want my birthday to appear any more speical than the birthday's of the kids who live here. The kids here are sung to in the morning at breakfast and then have a house party in the evening. Although I could have easily bought a piñata and made a big deal out of it, that would have made, not only my birthday, but the birthday of the other three girls more special than every other child here. For these kids, having their birthdays recognized by those around them is more important than a pile of presents, or even a party. For me it was a good reminder of living life with others in community and the fact that birthdays are special, but being with people who care about you and wish you happy birthday all day long is more important than doing something huge.

The birthday girls (plus the baby on my lap)
turning 14, 7, 8, and 25 respectivly

And besides, who can beat this for a gift?

The view the evening of my birthday.