I turned 24 on Friday, March 27th. However, I felt like I got to celebrate this birthday a million times over. Here are a couple of stories.
On the Wednesday, March 25th I was in Rio Cuarto working with the MEI team. I was starting to become sick that day and was in bed trying to sleep during the church's Wednesday service. Unfortunately, my bedroom was directly behind the sanctuary's stage and the music and singing made it impossible to sleep. I got up, changed and headed to the open double doors that led into the sanctuary. The church was packed and I felt the body heat flow through the open doors and windows. I stayed outside of the sanctuary a bit and then decided to find the pastor, Milton. I had unfortunately locked myself out of my bedroom. I went to the side door to the sanctuary and asked Milton for the keys. He just looked at me and said, "No, you need to stay here. I have something for you." I was somewhat annoyed and felt weak. He made a spot for me on the pew and I sat through a couple of songs. At the end of the service, he said that it was someone's birthday to the congregation and called me forward. Someone brought in a cake and I stood there embarrassed with a one hundred voices singing "Happy Birthday" to me in Spanish. I was shaking the whole time trying to keep the strength and not drop the cake. It was humorous evening. I said thank you to the church and later jokingly said to the pastor that I was angry with him. We saved the cake until the next day and I finally went to bed.
Friday, March 27th was the MEI team's last day. I woke up and showered to be greeted by my roommate, Dan Hertgers in the next stall saying "Happy Birthday!" I murmured a "Thank You!" and went back to the room. I walked into the dining room to get ready for breakfast to be greeted by the MEI team and a hundred balloons that were spread on the floor and "Happy Birthday" being sung. I love balloons. It was amazing. I was also introduced to the new family teams with a "Happy Birthday" song. I was even greeted with texts from Costa Rican friends and a phone call from sister. Of course, a ton of e-mails and facebook messages. My favorite was a video from Carla who lip sung the Kelly Clarkson song "My Life Would Suck Without You"... quite amazing!
Monday, March 30th I got to the check the post office box in Heredia. (For some reason, even if I do not get anything it is my favorite thing to do). I noticed there was a package stuck in the post office box. I tried to pull it out and yet highly unsuccessful. I read that it was for me. I continued by wedging my hand inside and opening the package and pulling some candy and a card out. Finally, after about ten minutes I finally yanked the DVD (Little Miss Sunshine) out and the packaging out itself. Oh, Carrie Wall - Thank you! It was worth the fight against the post office box! I also got a few cards from family and friends.
Monday, April 6th I had to go to my Tico family's house because apparently I was supposed to call them on my birthday. It was a confusing conversation the previous Sunday! I arrived at 2pm at their house to be greeted by random people from the church outside the tin house. They set up the grill and made a huge pot of soup. We enjoyed time talking and watching a documentary on Nicaragua. Cesar (my Tico dad) sent Samuel (little brother) to purchase some chocobananos (Chocolate Bananas) which we consumed while watching Slumdog Millionaire.
Thursday, April 9th. After many hours (I mean "MANY") of looking through iTunes and unsure of what to purchase. I finally used up the gift cards that my parents and brother sent me. Muchas gracias!
My birthday day itself was good and yet I was sick on the couch watching Zoolander and Arrested Development while talking to Steve W. I also took a brief 10 minute naps doozing in and out. However, my birthday was not without love from friends here in Costa Rica and from friends and family abroad. The Lord has surely blessed me. At times I do not think I am 24. In fact, a student from the Shekinah time (ahem... Steve...) asked if I was 18 or 19. I guess I should act my age someday soon... Here is to another year of adventures!
Post a Comment