One Year Older...

Yeap, that is right, I turned one year older.

I have to say, Tuesday was a WONDERFUL day. I have never been one to go all out for my birthday or celebrate in a big way, but lately my past 4 birthdays have been pretty lame. Other than a meal out with my family or close friends, it just hasn't been anything exciting. That is partly because my birthday falls in April, which happens to be the busiest month.

But, this year, rings in a big year. A year of a new journey.

A couple of weeks leading up to my birthday, I was a little upset because once again my birthday was landing on a week that was extremely busy. Majority of my small group girls were going to be out of town and I honestly did not know what I would plan for the actual day. I kept getting the question, "So, what are you doing for your birthday?" And I had nothing.

The night before my birthday, I was feeling pretty good about the plans I had for the next day...birthday surprise from my mentor and lunch with a co-worker.  I had spent some time journaling and being in awe of where God has me right now. Here I was celebrating my birthday in a new town with amazing new friends. But little did I know how this was going to be one of the best birthday's yet.

I started the morning with a community leadership meeting and was full of ideas and excitement about jumping on board with this organization. After leaving there and returning to work, I found my office completely decked out in birthday gear. I was completely surprised. Followed by a sushi lunch and some treats, I was good to go. Now, Melissa had given me instructions that I could not head to her place until 6:30pm. I thought nothing of it other than it would give us time to not have to rush after work. Well, about 6pm I received a text that said, "Stay in your apartment until you hear a knock. No peeking." Now all of a sudden, I got super nervous. I had no idea who/what was going to appear.

Right at 6:30, there was a loud bang on my door and I open it to find a sweet college friend who had driven up to surprise me. Completely shocked. We screamed for a bit then jumped in the car to head down to Buckhead. The night was full of a yummy dinner, cupcakes (seriously, look at the icing... and yes I turned 3 again) and girl time. It was wonderful.

Now, on the way down to Buckhead, I received a phone call. The number was one I did not recognized and I was not going to answer. Annie insisted that we answer the call. I thought this may have to do with my birthday surprise. But, as I answered, I hear a HAPPY BIRTHDAY and realize that it was my amazing friends from Haiti. I was in complete shock. I have been so fortunate to have formed an amazing community here and majority of them are currently serving on a mission trip. They passed the phone around and all wished me Happy Birthday. I never expected that nor do I even remember what we said other than screaming and being in complete shock. I can not even begin to tell you what a blessing these friends have been. Love all the time we get to hangout and grow.

I can say, my birthday was full of love. This year I will be celebrating my birthday a couple of times. My family will be gathering this weekend, followed by celebrations in my new community when everyone returns and then again when my college friend comes to town. I feel so blessed to be able to celebrate with old and new friends.

As the night was ending, I was so overwhelmed with the love I had received that night. I sat down in my apartment and thought back on how I got to where I am today. Completely blessed to have found the community and support on this new journey. Our God is amazing.

So this birthday on this new journey, has been one to remember.