Today was my 22nd birthday; not the first birthday I spent away from home but the first celebrated in Africa. In many ways, a typical day but also made special by those who love and care about me. Just a few of the special parts of the day:
Waking up to fluffy pancakes made by Chef Anna. While meeting with Bundi Nutrition workers, Amy came to the door and sang a Happy Birthday solo. Opening a HUGE pile of cards that had been stacking up for weeks at the Bundibugyo Post Office; reminding me of the many loving friends and supporters I have in America. Discovering a waffle maker the Clarks had left behind, after Anna and I had been lamenting our inability to make waffles on Sunday morning. Birthday text messages from family at home; my 4 year old nephew suggested buying me make-up for my birthday and my 1 year old nephew distinctly said my name. Piling in the car, bumping our way to Bundibugyo, for a night out on the town. A true Ugandan feast at the Vanilla Hotel with more plates than could fit on the table. Good dinner conversation with team plus a new friend. A phone call from the Clark family, complete with a beautiful rendition of Happy Birthday as well. Chocolate cupcakes, a firework candle that shoots sparks which is probably illegal in the U.S., and yes, even plastic animals (a childhood cake tradition). To top it off, cheesecake made possible by the Jello company and the postal service delivering it from America. Beautiful gifts and a pair of elephant earrings to add to my growing collection. Piling back into the car, one last birthday phone call from Pat. A cool-ish breeze comes through the windows as we bump back to Nyahuka; Aidan’s little hand finds mine as he falls asleep in his carseat.
A great day thanks to friends and family in America and my new family here in Uganda. And what is the perfect end to a great birthday? A rat running down the hall while Anna and I hop and scream, shutting him into the back office and baiting him with a banana stuffed with rat poison. Bundibugyo Birthday complete.
So thankful for such a special day. You are so loved by so many, and that is the best gift of all! (well, except perhaps for some make-up from Micah). We are so blessed to have you in our lives...
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