A Very Happy Birthday!

This afternoon was even more rewarding than this morning. After lunch I volunteered again to help dig holes for a new enclosure for atheno. It was really hard work but I really enjoyed the people I was working with and in the end I feel like I did a small part to contribute to Harnas. When we were done marieta again said she would come for dinner. She recently got the whole truth about people's concerns and she wants the volunteers to know how much she cares. I couldn't be more excited! We also had a lecture from one of the girls on the research team about leopards (which are quickly becoming my favorite animal here.) It was very interesting. I hope to speak to her this week because I would love to do what she does. Then we went to the village for dinner. I cannot tell you how excited I was to hear we were having burger's and fries. It was amazing... there were even mushrooms. After we got food marieta came and was saying hello to everyone. Then she asked who had a birthday. I raised my hand and with a big smile she says "Later I will give you a hug you will never forget" which got cheers from everyone. Then our volunteer mom introduced her by saying "in case you all didn't know we have a special guest" before she could say anymore marieta says "IT'S MEEEE!" Everyone laughed. Everything about marieta makes me happy. Then she told everyone that we can always talk to her even though when she is loud she sounds like a bitch. Her words, not mine. Then came time for cake. Marieta asked where the birthday girl was and came over to me (with Abu on her hip) and gave me a great big hug. She wished me happy birthday and that I have many more. In the past every language sings their happy birthday song and then we eat cake. So Kate announces its time to sing. I get my camera ready to casually take pictures as I hear marieta say that I should stand on the table. Which everyone thought was a great idea. The last time I was in this position it was on a wobbly barstool at the cactus for my 21st. This is just as memorable,if not more. I got to pick the order of who sang and everyone sang their songs. I always feel awkward with so much attention, I couldn't stop myself from grinning. I am so happy here. The last language to sing was English and everyone sang it. It was so special. Then it was time me to get my first piece of cake. It was chocolate cake and in the middle was a heart out of cherries. As I walked up Gibon, the bartender and the chef(Idont know his name) took out the heart that took up 4 pieces of cake and gave it to me. It was so sweet. They even gave me sprinkles! Then marieta had to take Abu home but I made sure to thank her for everything and tell her how much I love it here. She thanked me for being there and gave me another big hug and said she loved seeing us so happy. I know that the people at Harnas celebrate everyone's birthday but to see all these people who a week ago were strangers going.out of their way to make it special really means a lot to me. Having marieta here tonight was such a blessing. She is becoming such a role model. Little things she does or says reminds me of mu grandma. I got choked up because tonight it felt like I had a little piece of her with me. The only thing that could have made this day better would have been to have my parents and my sister with me. I am truly blessed to be here. I already know this will be a turning point in my life. Something I tell my grandkids about. Tonight I go to bed feeling as though I have made a difference and truly touched by all the people who helped make today so special.