Feliz cumpleaños a mí!

Saturday I had my first Guatemalan birthday!! It was pretty strange not being at home with Dallas friends and family, but my friends here made the day memorable.

My good friend Berta, who I met through my trips with Buckner International, picked me up for lunch. We went to Los Cebollines - a Guatemalan version of Mexican food. Lots of people like to go there for birthdays for the following reason:

They sing and make you wear a sombrero. Yep. We had a really nice time and it was so great to catch up with my sweet friend - she really helped to make it a special day.

That afternoon was a big Harvest Festival at Maria's school and she was working there at the cafe. So I met up with Sandi and we took her friend/housekeeper Susana and her boys over to the school. It was pirate-themed and they had gone all out with the decorations. I saw some other CAM people there including the Selfs - their kids were an Auburn football player and a ladybug - too cute. We wandered around and watched the kids play games and had some great outdoor-grilled hamburgers, not too common around here. Maria continued to work hard and we returned home.

Sandi made a carrot cake with sprinkles for my birthday! Oscar sang happy birthday with his guitar - so fun - and then we all had cake (delicious!) and watched a movie. When Maria came home, I opened the presents that they had gotten for me. It was all so thoughtful!!

I am so grateful for everyone who wished me happy birthday in a message or an email - it means a lot when spending it so far from home. It was a great day and I am thankful for everyone who took the time to make it so.

Psalm 9:1-2
I will give thanks to you, LORD, with all my heart;
I will tell of all your wonderful deeds. 
I will be glad and rejoice in you;
I will sing the praises of your name, O Most High.