A Very Kenyan Birthday
Celebrating your birthday when you
are away from home can be a crapshoot.
Sometimes the day will come and go without anyone being the wiser, and
sometimes you will be astounded by how people come out of the woodwork to
celebrate with you. I have
only had a few birthdays away from home, and each has been unique. There was the depressing flight from
Minnesota to Boston to start my second semester of grad school, waking up to
firecrackers outside of my bedroom window in Guatemala (apparently a Guatemalan
tradition? Perhaps hazing?), last year’s electricity and internet-free hotel
birthday in western Kenya, and this year’s SURPRISE FIESTA BLOWOUT.
I took the day off work thinking I
would just relax on the beach, celebrate in my own way, and no one would be the
wiser. Little did I know that
there were other forces at work.
Upon waking up I called my friends who I invited to the beach and asked
where I should meet to catch the boat.
I was informed they were coming to pick me up. J & M arrived with balloons and gifts gathered from a
variety of sources. A khanga from
someone’s mom, flowers from someone’s brother, cards from aunties and
uncles. I was so surprised that
everyone knew it was my birthday and took the time to send me gifts. I felt very loved (#blessed).
After several hours spent crisping
in the sun, reading in the shade, and eating pizza, I felt very satisfied with
my 28th birthday. I
mean, I spent it on a beach bed and someone brought me iced coffee and ginger
beer at regular intervals. I also
got to eat pizza, which includes cheese, and I haven’t eaten cheese in
weeks. WEEKS.
Unbeknownst to me the day was not
over. I knew there was going to be
a “party” at the office at night, but I only expected soda and chats. I was surprised to find a fully
decorated office, tons of food, lots of people, and even presents! After everyone sang happy birthday I
was introduced to a new custom for me--cutting the cake into small pieces and
feeding it to each guest by hand.
This was strange for me but also pretty funny. I quickly learned that the guests then proceed to smear cake
on the birthday girl’s face before leaving. I walked home with a full belly, some lovely gifts, a
birthday hat on my head, cake on my face, and a full heart.
To top it all off, when I got home
I had running water, after 5 weeks without! A birthday miracle!
