Birthdays here at New Day are an adventure--that is for sure. As many of you well know, we have a tradition of throwing water on the birthday person. Many have asked where this tradition came from, I really don’t know, although supposedly it is a tradition in some places in Zambia. Needless to say, it is the part of my birthday party that I was dreading so I thought I would prepare for the day by bringing my backpack with my raincoat inside. Of course, Blu, somehow got a hold of it and tied it to the rafters in the dining room, thinking I was too short to get it down (or too old)! But when he went out of the dining room for a few minutes, I retrieved my raincoat, “thinking” it would help!
The kids showered me first with balloons when I came in the door, and although they were only supposed to throw them at me, they thought they were supposed to beat me with them—such love!
After some dancing and singing, it was time for the cards, presents, and cake. Each of the children made me birthday cards—how very special!
While Blu was busy having the kids sit on their balloons, I snuck out and put on my raincoat and then peaked through the back window of the dining room. My mistake was that I said, “You can’t get me.” That was all it took and the water party began. I did not think about the fact that the kids would just lift up my raincoat instead of pouring water on my head. In a matter of seconds my jeans were soaked and so I decided to take off the raincoat. That too was a BIG mistake. It was all over but the crying for me and laughing for others. I must say that Darbi felt bad for me as she is yet to experience the water tradition. I won’t be here in November to sympathize with her on her birthday, so Darbi, I’m sorry ahead of time for what you will experience.
All in all, it was a great birthday mostly because I was surrounded by such special people. Thanks to my New Day Family for “showering me with love.”
