Turning 19 one Country at a time...

I thought that since I was celebrating my birthday today and yesterday, I thought that I might share with you in the celebration. (I would just like add in that I am really tired right now, so if I don't make a lot of sense, then just ignore it and pretend you know what I'm saying!)

Friday was the day that the girls choose to do some surprises for both Joanna and my birthday. They planned that we would eat supper at the Church with the Hiebert's and Sean. It was kind of funny because all of a sudden three people disappeared to make supper, but Joanna and I were out of it a bit so we didn't really notice. (Ok another side note: Joanna claims she knew what was going on the whole time, so maybe I was the only out of it...but anywho) Then Simone all of a sudden went to check on supper at the church and came back being very adament that we come for supper NOW. Claiming she was hungry, but by this time even I had caught on to the fact that something was going on, and I figured we were having a supper for our Birthdays. So we had supper (which was very delicious, THANKS LEONA!) and the girls brought out gifts and some dessert and coffee. I got a two pair of dangly earrings and a notebook, and Joanna got two t-shirts with funny english and a notebook as well. They refused to let us help clean up (our teammates can be quite stubborn if they want to!) so Joanna and I went back to the house and were just hanging out. Both of us were tired and I wasn't feeling all that great. Then they came back a bit later and told Joanna to change out of her sweats. We got our shoes on and they blindfolded us, put us in the van and off we went. When you are blindfolded you really have to trust the people that you are with, good thing we have trustworthy teammates!! When we got to "the place" the lead us out of the van, into some building where loud music was playing. By this time I was quite positive where we were, but I didn't say anything. They had us sit down and then asked us where we thought we were, we both yelled "KARAOKE!" And then we were allowed to take off our blindfolds. We were right! They had booked a room at this Karaoke place where you can sing for a while. It was so much fun, and the perfect way to spend my birthday in my new home away from home. Thank you girls for being so thoughtful and surprising us. It's the first time I've had a "surprise party" and you girls made it extra special! Love you all!

Backstreets back alright! :P

So on my actual birthday, which was today, I got up early, we had team time and then Brianna and I went off to prepare for our class and then had the class. After that I came back and called home and talked to my mom, and then talked to one of my good friends Tania! It was great to hear from home! I also got a few emails and facebook msgs wishing me a happy birthday. It's kind of funny though because in Japan my birthday is almost done, but in Canada it's just beginning. Almost like having two birthday's, but not. Hence the title "Turning 19 one country at a time". It's true you know.

Anyways to conclude this entry, I would just like to say that I have had a wonderful year, and I am so thankful for everyone that has been a part of it. So much has happened in this last year, and I know that I am only moving forward in life. God has started to reveal His plan and His heart for my life and it's really exciting. I can't wait to see what this next year holds, and my prayer is that I take every opportunity I can, and that I glorify God in all that I do.