Birthday in Japan 02/11

A package arrived since Thursday morning. I was surprised and excited about it. It was from three of my best friends. Ette, Ivone, and Mary. Presets and cards were in it. It really made me miss them more specially on that day to celebrate with me. Celebrations started Friday night. Dim(my roommate) and I went to Ginza, Tokyo and hanged out that night. She took me to this steak buffet restaurant, all you can eat for an hour and half. They had steak, chicken, pork, fish, lamb to grill on you own table. There was also a sushi bar, desserts bar, lots of different drinks, pasta, and soups. Had a very nice evening and ate a lot!

   

Me grilling steak and chicken! Hadn't had so much at once in my life before! 

   Saturday morning was my birthday, even when technically it was Friday in Mexico so it was not really my birthday. When I woke up that day, there was a beautiful flower arrangement next to my bed with a picture and note from my parents.  It really surprised me and made me feel a little emotional. I really really missed being at home...

That night we also had a nice dinner at home. My Japanese family and two people from my youth group. We had a sushi bar, Italian chicken, and pizza.  Cheese cake was my birthday "cake" made my Namiki, the other girl I live with. It was delicious!

   On Sunday, my friend, Mrs. Tazawa (sports center 79 year old friend), invited me to Zushi to meet her elder brother and family. Zushi station is about 25 minutes by train. When we got there something I didn't expect happened. The brother and his wife, two sons,  the wife of one of them, and the two grandchildren were waiting for us. They had bought a cake, snacks, and more desserts to celebrate my birthday. We had tea, coffee, fruit, cake, snacks, and some other desserts.  They also gave me flowers and presents! I was so surprised and fell so special. They didn't know me until that day! We spent all afternoon and part of the evening there. At the end, they asked me to come back anytime. I was so blessed to meet them. 

   Even when it was a busy weekend, full of great food, surprises, and new friends, I really enjoyed my birth-weekend. By Sunday night, I was so tired, but blessed and happy.  God really pamper me a lot surrounding me by people who I met four months ago and some I met this weekend. I did miss my family and friends, but He made sure I fell His love and care through so many around me here.  I know I've said this before, but it just so amazing how God has given me grace and how He's taking care of my heart. When would I have even thought that joining a sports center to excersice would also be an opportunity to make friends so quick (sine it's been almost two months) that would throw parties for me in my birthday? To be honest, fell a little undeserving...all I can do is thank Him for giving me another year, for His protection, guidance, and unconditional love! 

   It really was indeed, a birthday full of surprises and blessings! And just when I thought it was over...Monday around 10am, I had a box delivered.  Another present! Flowers...Beautiful flowers from my sister!  Another unexpected, sweet surprised...:) 

    Thank you all who made this birthday a wonderful one! Wish I could have had all who I love and care for, but guess you can't have the best of both worlds ;-) 

2011 birthday will be a memorable one for sure!