Maligayang Kaarawan - Happy Birthday!

All 3 of us have now spent a birthday in the Philippines. It's always a mixed emotion kind of day for me when holidays or birthdays roll around. I always miss my family and it's kind of tiresome to learn how another culture celebrates holidays and try to adapt well. This week was a double-wammy with my birthday being so close to Easter. This week I cried. I laughed. I got upset with my husband. I apologized to my husband. I cried out to the Lord for strength. I missed my family and things about America. Yet, I loved being here with my new friends and family. And I was so thankful for Josh and Monica. All in all, the Lord's grace was more than sufficient and I want to share with you a few pictures from my birthday celebrations (yes, I was blessed to have more than one :)

Haha the baker asked where I was from when we ordered the cake. I thought it was just a simple question. We get asked that all the time. But no, it was for the cake  :) 

Sis Shyriel and I had a joint party.

 This is pansit. It is served as most birthday parties here. Because the noodles are thin and long, it represents long life.  It's also very cheap.  Obviously, we don't eat it for long life :)

 GJane and me 

 All of us had birthdays in March! 

 

Singing Maligayang Kaarawan/Happy Birthday 

 

 

We had lunch on the beach on my actual birthday

 

 

 Everyone on the compound ate dinner together with some of my favorite Filipino dishes and fruits.

  

 Josh gave me another basket to add to my collection. I don't know how we'll ever get them all through customs :)

 I'm praising the Lord tonight for 23 years of life! 

Thanks to everyone who made me feel special and loved!