My First Birthday in Peru!

My first birthday in Peru was so great! I had many greetings from friends, family, and supporters by email. Some of which were great surprises!! I have learned that birthdays here in Peru are a big deal, I also received several SKYPE phone calls too. Sunday night I visited with Bonita and Elise Davidson, as they brought over cake and a present. And so my birthday celebrations began. At midnight the phone rang, and fortunately Kiera and I were still awake, but puzzled as to who would call at that time and why. It was the family from Arequipa who I lived with. Both Laura Hoyt and Susan Crenshaw (2 year missionaries that will be working with us here in Lima) are living with them, and they all stayed up to call me. They also told me that I had a package from them that I could pick up the next day.

Monday happened to be my day off too, which always makes birthdays better. Kiera and I met up with Lori for coffee at a Starbucks here, and then did a little shopping. Part of the shopping included getting a bulletin board to put pictures and cards up that are sent to me. My room is now more of a haven for me, with many pictures of friends and family. A sweet family, Kike, Martha, Romina, and Gianella, brought dinner over, along with an amazing chocolate cake. It was a special time of celebration and fellowship with them. Here are some pictures of them. I have started discipling the girls each week. They are so sweet, and so eager to learn more about God!


Then on Tuesday we returned to the childrens project in Huaycan. I had no idea that they knew about my birthday too! After lunch they presented me with a bouquet of roses and a cute poster with all of their handprints wishing me a happy birthday. It was so sweet!

It was a great birthday! I am so blessed to have such a birthday from 2 cultures!!