Ana's Birthday Blog

My 14th birthday will be a birthday I will never forget. 

In the morning, as we were lounging in the kitchen, I noticed that Peter was missing, as usual. He was downstairs showing off to Reyna, his girlfriend.  At around 7:00 he came back up with a plate full of pancakes. As soon as we had finished the plate Reyna came in with ANOTHER plate of pancakes. We had plenty of pancakes and it was a great birthday breakfast.

We were invited to Adrian and Bernardeth's home for lunch. As we walked into their house, all the Tabitha girls were there and they started singing happy birthday and other songs with Adrian playing his guitar. They sang 5 or 6 songs. For lunch we had rice and beans, Swiss steak, plantains, carrots and broccoli, and pop. All of the food was cooked in coconut milk. It was delicious. After lunch, we played freeze tag, tag, and red light, green light. 

The next surprise was as I approached Miss Sylvia's house. Jose grabbed the birthday cake from my hands and Heidy and Maricela rushed me into Digna's bedroom. I was befuddled when I saw a purple, lacy, sleeveless, prom dress laying on the bed that fit me perfectly. Digna motioned for me to put the dress on and then put a little makeup on me. After finding sliver high-heeled shoes that also fit close-to-perfect, she led me upstairs. I still was confused until we walked out onto the balcony patio. I saw tables covered with flowers, lights and ribbon covering the railing and lights spelling out "Feliz Cumpleaños Ana." Miss Sylvia and her family were up there along with a couple of other friends. Londi, Maricela, and Heidy ran up to me, gave me a huge hug, and handed me their presents. They started bring up pans of food: corn, mac and cheese, meat, yucca, rice and beans, potato salad, bananas covered with marmalade, and lobster. Soon, more and more people started coming bringing gifts with them. Soon about 50 people were there! When I sat down to eat, Digna handed me a plate of food with mac and cheese, rice and beans, yucca (my favorite food), and meat. The food was absolutely delicious! After we ate they put on music and some people started to dance. Jack found a little girl who always wanted to dance with him or Peter. I loved dancing with Maricela, Londi, and Reyna. A beautiful full, orange moon came out and silhouetted against the water. It was so beautiful. This will definitely be a birthday I will never, ever forget. 

Heidy, Londi, me, and Maricela

Miss. Sylvia

Dancing

All the food!! (plus another table)

Many people who came brought gifts: bracelets, earrings, and purses.

The next day we had birthday cake and ice cream at the comedor with the boys and girls from the Tabitha's homes. The cake and cookies and cream ice cream were delicious. The pastor led the singing and Miss Amy (Dad calls her big mama) said a very special prayer.  

Kids singing Happy Birthday

Miss. Amy (big mama) and the Pastor