Another birthday come and gone and I am now officially 24 years old. Celebrating here in Tchad wasn’t all that different from how I’ve spent my birthdays at home, really. Thanks to a package from Mom and Dad (that arrived in just two weeks, believe it or not) I even had my Reese’s Puffs at the ready when I woke up! I spent the morning visiting schools with Martine, which went well. As we hopped off the bus to go to the first school, a man asked Martine if I was her daughter. Clearly, we look exactly alike (not), so she said yes. The man then offered to give Martine all of his sheep if he could marry me. Her response was that she did not have the authority to sell me, which I appreciated. But 24 must look good on me if I’m worth a good 250 sheep, right?
I got home and got to FaceTime my parents while I opened the package of gifts they sent me. I was so proud that I was able to resist opening them until my actual birthday! I must be getting more mature or something. Okay, I confess, I got into the bag of Swedish Fish a little early, but nobody’s perfect. They also sent a bunch of printed photos for me, some candy to share with my host family, and a big book of variety puzzles (my favorite!).
After lunch, Maman surprised me with a birthday gift! A little background is that March 8 is International Women’s Day. It’s a HUGE deal here, and all the women wear outfits made of “Women’s Day” fabric. Every year there is a new fabric in a variety of colors, and this year Maman bought me the fabric so I can match all the other Tchadian women! I will be sure to post photos once my outfit is made.
Also that afternoon I got a visit from my friend Heather and Chad who came with the world’s greatest rhyming birthday card, handmade by Heather, accompanied by granola bars and a packet of instant chai tea mix! I am so spoiled. It was also Chad’s birthday so Papa insisted we celebrate with some yummy juice as well.
I got to relax a lot, do some reading, some puzzles, and just hanging out with the fam, just like I like. Oh, and did I mention Jon and Ang treated us to CHINESE food earlier this week?? I am seriously way too blessed. Or spoiled. Or maybe a little of both :)
I got home and got to FaceTime my parents while I opened the package of gifts they sent me. I was so proud that I was able to resist opening them until my actual birthday! I must be getting more mature or something. Okay, I confess, I got into the bag of Swedish Fish a little early, but nobody’s perfect. They also sent a bunch of printed photos for me, some candy to share with my host family, and a big book of variety puzzles (my favorite!).
After lunch, Maman surprised me with a birthday gift! A little background is that March 8 is International Women’s Day. It’s a HUGE deal here, and all the women wear outfits made of “Women’s Day” fabric. Every year there is a new fabric in a variety of colors, and this year Maman bought me the fabric so I can match all the other Tchadian women! I will be sure to post photos once my outfit is made.
Also that afternoon I got a visit from my friend Heather and Chad who came with the world’s greatest rhyming birthday card, handmade by Heather, accompanied by granola bars and a packet of instant chai tea mix! I am so spoiled. It was also Chad’s birthday so Papa insisted we celebrate with some yummy juice as well.
I got to relax a lot, do some reading, some puzzles, and just hanging out with the fam, just like I like. Oh, and did I mention Jon and Ang treated us to CHINESE food earlier this week?? I am seriously way too blessed. Or spoiled. Or maybe a little of both :)