Today was a special day for 3 of our little BG kids. Over a year ago, there was a local volunteer who would make birthday cakes for the children. She injured her knee and had to stop volunteering so I never was able to witness a birthday party here at Beautiful Gate for one of our orphans. After having a year of adjusting to the culture, teaching my kids, and balancing the chaos that is my new life living here ;), I have decided to take up cake making for birthdays. I wish I had taken a class on cake decorating when I was still in America, but there is no time like the present and if you have a website with ideas and how to's, please feel free to share those with me!!!!!
My friend Donna made cake for one baby house and I made a cake for the other. We sang Happy Birthday (in English because I still have not had someone teach it to me in Sesotho), had them blow out their candles and handed out cake. There were 2 girls and 1 boy who had birthdays this month so the 2 girls celebrated together in one baby house. I put butterfly wings on them and some feather head dresses (interesting mix but TIA). They were all smiles and had a lovely time, and by the time all the singing was done, there was not much left of their candles when it came time to blow them out!
I then went over to the other baby house and got all the kids together in a group and put a feather head dress on the boy who was celebrating his birthday. We had him sit in a little chair and sang to him. I felt bad for him because he looked scared :( I do not think he has ever had people sing and make him the center of attention, and once we were done, he seemed a little more at ease. I gave him a great big hug and kiss, and I think he will be more prepared for his new family at his next birthday.
It was fun to do something "normal" today for the BG kids. A day where they are singled out and important. They can dress up and get an extra big piece of cake because today, it is their special day. There are so many times I think to myself, "What if Elijah, Faith or Mercy were orphans and what would I want people to do for them?" And then it is easy to prioritize the BG kids and do extra things for them, like making birthday cakes each month! I am enjoying my role as their Aunt who spoils them a little till Mommy and Daddy can come and take them home ;)
Have a blessed day,
Anita
I'm the proud mama of a child that was at BG and it was wonderful to see photos of his 1st birthday. Seeing the care and love that was given to my son, not just on his birthday, but throughout his time there means alot to me and will mean alot to my son when he's old enough to understand.
ReplyDeleteThank you Anita for picking up this tradition!