10-Jun-03
Wow three entries within a week, you say, that’s a record! I know, but if I don’t write now I’ll forget! Yesterday had to be the best birthday of my adult life (I mean, how can you compare to Showbiz Pizza and Jiminee’s Skating Rink?). I had only experienced one person’s birthday so far in Guatemala, so I wasn’t sure what to expect. I expected nothing, really. Elizabeth and Cheryl Leigh left yesterday for Canada, so I knew we wouldn’t be having any type of ‘family party’ (Tom wasn’t here either). And I knew not to expect any presents, which was great, actually. (Not to say before I always expected presents...) A few people had been lightly asking what kind of cake I liked and etc, but nothing more. And so, I was greeted in the morning by many Feliz Cumpleaños ’s and hugs from everyone who works here. And, as is the tradition in Guatemala, they lit off a bunch of fireworks in the driveway (incidently, when I was in the shower and they didn’t realize!!) And then the day just went on as usual, all of us busy at work. Late in the afternoon things began to get a little fishy, but I just tried to pretend I didn’t notice anything. The funniest was when I spontaneously decided to leave the office and go outside to the concession stand to buy myself a coke, and a few people somewhat started to panic. While I had gone to my room to get my money, Cesar and Patty dashed outside and down to the concession stand ahead of me, and then Elio who doesn’t work here and thus it was strange he was here, runs up out of nowhere and starts talking to me about playing the guitar and climbing another volcano. It was so obviously stalling me but I didn’t know what to do but play along! Needless to say, I didn’t get my coke because I didn’t want to stress anyone out anymore, and eventually ended up just asking Cesar to go get me one.
Anyway, so after another hour or two (a rather grueling time actually), the secret was broken and Brent told me my “presence was required outside” but I had to be blindfolded. And so, Patty led me out and down to the church. I could tell the lights went off and I could hear some murmurs—and then she removed the blindfold and a loud Sorpresa! and tons of confetti sprang from about 40 of the youth from our church! And then of course, once again, they set off a ton of fireworks in the driveway again. Most of the youth lined up to give me HUGE hugs and wish me blessings, a happy birthday, and for many more birthdays. I couldn’t believe there were so many of them there! Then they made me sit in the special chair in front of all, and several got up and said a lot of stuff to me. It was incredibly awesome a lot of what they said, at least what I could understand. One guy (besides Brent) even said his whole thing in English, which I had no idea he could do. I then of course had to make a speech in Spanish, Brent refused to translate for me, and so I hope I got my point across! Then after that, we played some games, musical chairs and limbo and then had some really awesome cake.
And so, it was a really great night for me because it helped me to realize how much they all appreciate me-- even though I’m really shy they love me anyway!
See some pictures.