Birthday Blessings

I woke up Feb. 20th thinking, "How can I be 31?". I certainly don't feel like I'm in my 30's. I feel about 26. But, I think my 31st year will be a good one. In fact, I think I could say with confidence that it will be good and full of adventure and challenges. I was a bit sad to be away from family and friends at home, but I felt very blessed that I was able to celebrate it with new some of my close good friends and some awesome new ones. I'll let the pictures tell the rest.

When I woke in the morning and walked into our kitchen, I was greeted by Marlen and Cynthia singing, "Happy Birthday" to me and holding Marlen's homemade cake.

Cynthia (Our cleaner) and Marlen (German volunteer)

Then, I went out to Olievenhautbosch to have a prayer meeting with the other workers and do some training on taking blood pressures. It was an awesome time of prayer and I got sung to again.

Then, I went over to the babies home for a good-bye celebration for Carina, a German volunteer who left. I got to hang out with the kids and they sang happy birthday to me also! I've never been sung to so many times.

Then, I went to coffee with Rebecca, Abigail, and Lexi and ate delicious crumpets and had strawberry juice.

Me with baby Abigail

Lexi (Brittish volunteer), Rebecca, and I

Then, I went to the best Thai restaurant with a bunch of friends and had a fantastic dinner!

Annie (Brittish), Me, Aimee (Brittish), Johanna (American), and Susie (American)

The birthday crew!

When we returned to our place, we enjoyed the cake that Marlen had made. It was delicious!

I also recieved lots of emails and facebook messages throughout the weekend. Thanks for helping me feel loved and blessed on my birthday.