Living with almost 90 kids, birthdays are a big deal. Some have it memorized when their birthday is, others come to the office to specifically ask us when their birthday is, and often times, kids will come in having no birth certificates or any idea when their birthday is. We can only guess based on physical traits, sizes, and learning abilities.
This week, I was blessed to be able to celebrate my birthday with a bunch of hugs, giggles, and excitement. One of the house mothers’ birthdays was also this week, the Monday, two days prior to mine. The kids are usually celebrated somehow on their birthday, that the house parents often get missed or celebrated a little less. I did devotions with her boys Tuesday evening, and decided to bring a bundt cake sliced into 14 pieces for us all to celebrate her. We all sung Happy birthday. Some were singing to me, others were singing to the house mom, that when it came time to sing “Happy birthday to <insert name>” it didn’t sound like we knew what we were doing. But at the end of it, they all counted up to 24 to celebrate my 24th year of life (only after they asked me midway through how old I was turning).
Wednesday morning, I walked down to the office, with most everyone occupied inside their house. I was about 50 feet from the boys house, when I heard a bunch of feet coming in my direction. I turn around to see about 7 of them running full speed, shouting “Feliz Cumpleaños” with their arms open wide. I was almost knocked down to the floor with the amount of love I received. They noticed that I had my ukulele in hand (for worship therapy) and each took turns strumming the strings and singing me their own version of “Happy birthday”.
From there, I got to help with therapy. Plan B. We worshipped with hand motions with pre-recorded music (since the singer lost her voice and couldn’t participate this morning), learned about Daniel in the Lions’ Den, and had some free time to visit whichever station(s) they wanted to take part in today. I was in charge of leading horse therapy, where I was able to teach two boys how to comb, brush, feed, and make friends with the horse.
Lunchtime came around, and it was the first time I got to see some of the girls that day. One had her arms open wide walking slowly towards me, using her best voice to sing me “Happy birthday” (in English). She arrived at the orphanage a little over a month ago, and was excited to celebrate me today. Others surrounded me with hugs and wishing me a happy birthday.
I got some work done in the afternoon, and got the word that worship night was cancelled for tonight (scheduled every other Wednesday). I was kinda disappointed, knowing I had a cake and two pans of bars ready in my fridge to share at the potluck. But, that doesn’t mean I can’t celebrate my birthday tonight, right?! Plan C.
Three of the American volunteers went to grab pizzas and told me not to make any dinner plans before they left. My spirits were lifted knowing that they still want to do something for me, even though plans changed for the evening. They left about 5:45, and I got a chance to make my birthday phone calls and respond to messages I’ve received throughout the day.
They got back around 6:30, and all met up inside the neighbor’s house to set things up, while I was busy getting things done in the room. I headed over at 7, and they had balloons, a “happy birthday” banner up, and dinner all ready. Plan D. Pizza changed to a local chicken restaurant after traffic was heavy due to road construction. But, they remembered that every time I go to that restaurant, I always get the burrito. So I got my favorite burrito.
While we were finishing eating, we heard the school bus get back with most of the kids (the next town over) around 7:45, after it left at 4:45 to pick them up (it usually leaves at 5:15 and arrives back at 6:30 for dinner). Poor kids! About 10 minutes later, I got a message from the house mother (whose birthday was Monday) that I left something in their house yesterday evening from devotions. So I left my party for what I think will be just a minute or two, and head down to grab whatever it was I left behind.
I knock on the door and hear lots of little voices excited for a knock. A few peeked out the window, then turned around to say to the others, “HARPER’S HERE!” That’s when I knew something was up! Plan E. I stood outside the door for about 6 minutes while I heard phrases such as “HIDE”, “SET OUT THE FOOD” and “SHHHHH” between the sound of a dozen pairs of feet running around the house. Lights were being turned off and on inside and outside the house and I could hear a bunch of excited laughter. I didn’t care about the waiting, knowing all the emotions hiding behind the door.
The house mom lets me into the dark house and tells me I forgot something as I am tackled by 11 kids. They had the rugs all laid out, the house was clean, “Happy birthday Harper” was stuck on the wall, and there was a wide variety of chips (Nachos with salsa/cheese, both puffy and thin cheetos, and cheese rings) for us to snack on, along with a 3 liter Coke. I was so full from my burrito, that I gave about half of my chips to the boys sitting nearest to me (felt bad declining food they brought just for me!) Half of them came up to me, put their arm around me and wished me a happy birthday, along with “God bless you”, “We love you”, “take care”, and a bunch of other sweet phrases. I was almost in tears!
I ran back up to the house, so the girls didn’t have to wait much longer for me to cut into the cake. By the time my piece of cake was eaten, I was full. Full of food, and full of love from those near and far, adults and kids, Guatemalans and Americans, staff and co-volunteers, friends and family. Thank you to all who helped me celebrate this week or wished me a happy birthday. It’s been a great celebration!
This Saturday, I was going to spend the night at one of the volunteers houses so they could take me to the airport Sunday morning. Plan F. They are throwing a birthday party for one of their friends on Saturday afternoon and asked me to tag along, so I could also be celebrated! So, I will be spending tonight (Friday night) and Saturday night at their house before my flight out Sunday. My birthday is already over, but the celebration hasn’t stopped!
(har)Perseverance on a mission 