27 and counting

Yep, still a good reason to be in Kuwait :)

Yesterday was my birthday and the students (and teachers, and administration, and my parents) made me feel like an absolute princess.

They sang for me at staff devotions.

After staff devotions that went a little too long, I went to the courtyard and found that my students had already gone to my classroom. But when I got to the classroom, the lights were out and there were no students to be found (despite a few stifled giggles coming out from under the desks and tables).

Talking aloud, I made a big deal about the missing students and wondering how on earth they could all skip school ON MY BIRTHDAY of all things, and as I switched on the lights, they all jumped up and yelled, “SURPRISE!!”

My desk was covered in gifts and flowers and cards.

The first thing they did was pray a blessing over me and sing.

The 6th, 7th and 8th graders joined us next for assembly. “Anyone have a birthday in the month of October?”

I looked around, innocently.

More singing.  Three times. “Happy Birthday to you…” “Senna Helwa Yagga Meen…” ”God bless you today…”

They left.

We had Bible class.

I went to teach Grade 1B Art.

MORE singing!

I went to teach Grade 2B Art.

MORE singing!

Back to Grade 5 Art. I gave them cookies. They were enamoured.

I taught Grade 1A Art next.  Singing AND a group hug from the entire class!  It was adorable.  Just before I left, one of the students prayed for me. I love prayers from kids.

I  taught Grade 2A Art next. They had all made cards for me and brought a gift and flowers.  And they were quite good for the lesson (which is a blessing in and of itself…)

After school, Katie and I went to “our” Coffee Shop, where the staff know us by name. “Hi, Ms. Katie, Hi, Ms. Katie!” 

We had girls Bible Study next, where the girls (with the help of Katie G.) had decorated and organized a birthday party. After cake, cookies, donuts, and being harassed and distracted by a bunch of other students, we cleaned up and headed for Mrs. Jacque’s office.

Insert a rip-roaring game of Truth or Dare.

I was dared to prank call a friend and speak a different language.

I called one of the other teachers from the school (who is easy-going) and said, in a low voice in Russian, “Hello! How do you say, ‘Peace to the World’ in Russian? You speak Russian very well. No, I don’t, I still speak it poorly.….” at which point he hung up, stating, “sorry, English only, good-bye!”

I’ll tell him about it on Sunday.  I imagine he’ll laugh.

We had barrel races and penguin races and a photograph on the fountain, heard Pastor Jerry speak, and then it was time to call it a night. Katie, Andrea and I joined the fellow worshippers at the Night of Joy (aka. congregational meeting) and sang for a bit.

When we got to the parking lot, I found out that someone had double parked behind my car, blocking me in. Katie’s suggestion was to honk until they came to check and move it. I was a little annoyed that I would have to honk at all…horns are not meant for that…but I did it. 20 minutes later, he came. I gave him my best “what the heck were you thinking?” look, to which he gestured, “just be patient”. I’d been waiting at least 20 minutes. I was a little annoyed. He then had the cajones to TAKE MY PARKING SPACE after I left. I won’t lie. I wanted to pull a “10 Things I Hate About You” move and maim his car.  But A) that’s un-Christian and B) I like my car too much.

Truthfully, B) was the reason I didn’t do it. 

No one is perfect.

All in all, it was an awesome birthday and possibly the best one yet. Little kids have a way of making you feel like a million bucks.

God is so faithful. SO FAITHFUL.

Even when we have thoughts of maiming someone else’s car. It’s a small test of patience…. :)

Looking forward to being 27.