Turning 24 in Honduras

All of the excitement started two weeks prior to the "big" event. Beginning on November 7th, I began to ask the question "There's an important day coming up next week, what is it?" From then on they were drilled. Every time I saw them they knew what was coming - the question. When they responded with, "Thanksgiving?" I would respond with, "Try again. Think really hard." Eventually it would come out and pretty soon it became second nature. It came to the point, as the days approached the 17th, when they began to tell me, "Miss your birthday's coming up!" Everyone was excited! (Or I like to think that they were).
     The night before I of course couldn't sleep. I had just spent almost three hours baking cookies for class and banana bread for fun, and I wasn't the least bit ready to shut my eyes. The only problem was that I was practically alone in the apartment and really wanted someone to talk to. It was like my mind was playing tricks on me again. I began to reminisce - but it wasn't helping the situation any. I thought of where I was for my birthday last year, and who I was with. The people I loved most in Austin were all there, and now they were at least 1200 miles away. Not much for comfortable thoughts on the night before the big day. Thankfully though, Sarah came to my rescue (as she always does). We both hopped onto Skype and spent a good hour or so catching up and telling stories. I of course vented and got her up to date with what was going on over here - an enjoyable twist to the evening that I was dreading. Not only was it a nice long conversation, it got my mind off of thinking of other things and redirected it to the friendships that I do have now and how thankful I am for the people who God has placed in my life this far. I realized that my 24th birthday may not look anything like my 23rd birthday, but it was going to be filed with many new experiences and new company. I was very thankful for the conversation with Sarah. It definitely was a great end to the last day being 23.
     The sun rose and I felt as if I had been asleep for ages. I was well rested and ready to get the party started. No, there weren't streamers hanging from my door frame like my mom use to do when I still lived at home, but there was a whole other country out there and kids who were so excited to greet me awaiting. I got all dressed up (wore an actual dress for the first time since I've been here) and made a delicious breakfast to start the day off on the right foot. One by one, my roommates appeared and wished me a happy birthday, then off I went - cookies in one hand, grades in another, a full backpack, and a smile on my face. I made it to my classroom, then devotions, then headed back to begin the school day. Each class was very special. Some greeted me with big hugs and they all wished me a happy birthday. My 9th grade class had our Wayne Theibaud dessert party (with was perfectly planned). But my 7th graders were extra sweet. They walked in, some handed me a little gift (candy), and they all sat down like little angels. I greeted them and asked them how they were doing, then as soon as I turned around to take attendance they all began to sing to me! It was the sweetest thing ever. They sang the whole song, words that I don't even remember (I guess you could say, the Spanish version of Happy Birthday). After they were finished all I wanted to do was have a big group hug, so I offered. Everyone came in for the biggest group hug that I think I have ever been in. It was such a special moment.
     Once we all got settled in again, we began the lesson and continued on. And yes, we actually got work done!! I was amazed at their behavior and response to such chaos. It was awesome. The day progressed with many more songs, greetings hugs, smiles, candy, sweets in general, and some of the most encouraging cards. I left my classroom with arms full of sweets and encouraging words.
     That night, one of the staff made food for those who wanted (John gave me his second plate that he had ordered, because of course I forgot to order one) and we all gathered together to eat in C3. The food was delicious and the company was wonderful (I even had CCC's worship cd playing in the background). Then it was time to get ready for the final dessert party! I got my boots on and cleaned up a bit, ready to hit La Cumbre to see the most amazing view of the city with some of the coolest people here in Tegus. The ladies arrived all dressed beautifully (by my Facebook request) and we headed out to gather the boys and get down the mountain. To my great surprise, both of the boys got dressed up too!! John came out looking spiffy, with a tie and blazer, and Richard came out with a tie as well!! It was the icing on the cake no doubt. I didn't think it was going to happen, but they sure did surprise me. We all squished into the car (9 total) and headed over the the restaurant. Yes, Lauren called ahead of time to warn them that we were coming.
     We finally get there, they weren't ready for us. We eventually get our table, and they didn't have the deserts that we went there for. Service was bad, but the people who were there were awesome troopers. I think I was probably debby-downer, but the view at La Cumbre was definitely amazing. The perfect spot. Tegucigalpa truly is Cinderella. Well, to end the story of day one being 24 years young, the night came to an end after a couple hours of conversation and good company, I was able to Skype with my family when I got home and I could not have gone to bed feeling more blessed. My students were amazing, my friends made me feel extra special (whether they knew it or not), getting to see my family was great, and the best part was just thanking God for another year and looking forward to the year ahead of me.

P.S.
Yes, this is just the story, but pictures are coming soon. Promise.