Birthday Party in the Village

Last week we changed our weekly study to Monday night due to all the traveling this month.  Two of the village kids met L at the apartment to bake some cookies and cupcakes for party that night in the village while J was working in the office.  We decided to celebrate Easter in 2 parts.  This week, we studied the events leading up to the death and then the death on the cross.  We also had a surprise birthday celebration for L’s big day.

They brought a traditional gift for the new year.  April 13th is the start of the new year here, so each year there is a huge water festival during this time.  Many people also celebrate by giving these gifts of laundry detergent, shampoo, a drink, and small snack.  Then in return, you offer them a blessing for the upcoming year.

You start by sprinkling herbal water on each of our heads and then offering the blessing.  L lifted up a special word to the Father for them.

Thuun mixing the cupcake batter.  Bow prepping the pan.

Putting on the finishing touches…chocolate icing.  They love chocolate and wouldn’t allow there to be any other kind of icing.

On the way out to the study, we made a quick stop to meet one of the kid’s parents, and they surprised L with a gift (hot pink shirt).  So nice!

Natty and L trying on all the shirts in the shop.  They told L to pick out any shirt in the shop, but of course everyone had their opinions and told her which one to get.

L meeting Natty’s mom and owner of the shop.

L and the hot pink shirt with all the gang.

J and another teenager played guitars and led the music.  We sang “Happy Birthday” and ate cookies and cupcakes.  The teenagers put their money together and bought L a small gift.  These kids have no money, so this gift meant so much!

Enjoying cupcakes

L opening her gifts.

Cute little coffee/tea set

The whole gang at the birthday party.

Two of the boys enjoying the guitars.

We didn’t have any translators join us, but we told the story to the 2 teenagers that came over and they became our story tellers for the night.  It was so neat to see them step up and take part in the share time.  Everyone sat in awe of the story and one teenager was even brought to tears when He died.  Next week, they will rejoice when they learn He is alive!