Friday the 13th was a great day. We closed the office of employment at noon and all 10 of went to a Chilean buffet for lunch. We were having a "surprise" farewell for Brother Claudio Alfaro, who is taking another Church assignment on temple square. He knew all about the surprise, haha. After we finished eating, the head of the office gave a little speech about how we were going to miss Bro Alfaro (and we will). The he said, "We are here for another reason. It is also Sister Karren' birthday on Sunday." Then he said some things that I didnt understand, but everybody was smiling so I guess it wasnt too bad. Then, everybody started pulling out gifts. I received four very nice Chilean-style scarves. They are beautiful. I was overwhelmed by the love and tears ran down my cheeks.
I have never had a birthday party, and have always felt hurt and unimportant. This was the best birthday ever. I found people who cared. We went back to the office and enjoyed a delicious Chilean cake. It had a kind of filo, or pie crust, layered with thin sheets of white cake, and a raspberry flavored whipped cream.
It didnt end there. On Sunday, the Primary sang to me, and so did our Sunday School class. One of the senior missionary couples brought over dinner that evening.
Tonight we are in charge of FHE and we are in charge of the lesson and refreshments. I made my favorite cookie: ginger snaps, because I dont like birthday cake. We will have soda floats, too. There is no rootbeer here, so we bought orange, lemon/lime, and pineapple soda.
Thanks to everyone for the birthday wishes. It was the best birthday I have ever had.
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