Birthday Parties!

Happy 2nd birthday Katie! It’s my niece’s birthday today and I can’t believe that she is already two. It amazes me how fast time goes, how fast she is growing up and all those other things that people say when they are getting older and they think that the rest of the world isn’t. It fascinates me how she already has her own personality and everyone knows it! This is birthday #2 that I have missed of hers. I have been out of the country for the last 13 months of her life. I ask missionaries and expats what the hardest thing is about living overseas is and surprisingly enough it is not electricity, toilets for even a good steak. They always say that the most difficult thing is not being able to see their grandchildren or nieces and nephews grow up. I don’t think it ever get easier. My family is great at sending me pictures and my favorite tear jerkers, the Katie and Mandy movies. However, all I want to do is play with them, giggle with them, and give them big hugs and kisses. I am counting the days until I can do that again. It brings tears to my eyes when I think about how much I am missing in their little lives.

But my day was not without a birthday party. Our house worker has eight children and two of the youngest ones had a birthday in the end of October. So we invaded their house with a cake, candles, hats, party favors, popcorn and cold drinks. Birthdays here are an important event. The happy birthday song is just about the same but it is sung at a greater volume and more enthusiasm. So it was great to be able to bring these children a bit of a party and I’m sure it is one that they won’t forget too quickly. It was great to see them smile and laugh as they blew into their party favors and just to see the family come together and celebrate these two precious lives. So I couldn’t be with Katie on her birthday but I got to bless two children for theirs. I guess sacrifices are rarely without their blessings.