Ayiti:BON FET

Last night the head cook made me a cake. I was given a global phone and talked to my parents for the first time since leaving Miami. I most likely wept a lot last night.

Upon shuffling out of bed this morning, I headed to the kitchen for some delicious Haitian coffee. It was a clear morning so I could see the mountains on the other side of the cove. I was greeted by the teams who were briefed shortly thereafter that today was a special day for me.

A chorus of happy birthdays ensued. After a pancake and a second cup of coffee, it was off the Hope House, where I share my special day with one of the girls. A round of "Happy Birthday" in english AND french came from 56 mouths of the most precious kids. I spent the day with them, helping them make sponsor letters.

It rained a lot in the afternoon, but never fear, my fearless friends led the way out of the mission, determined to celebrate no matter what. Then:

1) 3 of our friends didn't show up.
2) We couldn't catch a tap tap.
3) We got a late start.

So...we walked to Source Matelas. We found two of our friends who didn't show up and ate at Gwopapapoul (translation: Big Daddy Chicken). Wicky brought ice cream, Vulcy played "the game" with me*, and Sadrac beat me at the game every time. Sadrac also brought me apples.

* "The Game" is where you keep a straight face until the other person laughs, or vice versa. I am very bad at it. Sadrac is not.

I maintain that the most beautiful part of Haiti is the people here. I have never been wished BON FET so many times. I have never had so many people sing to me. I have rarely laughed as much as I did today. On a day when I might miss my family and friends the most, the community surrounding me made sure I celebrated well. I feel incredibly blessed by God's faithfulness.