A Birthday Blessing

I sat around the fire with my friends, breathing in the cool fall air and sitting close to the flames. One gift after another was carefully opened, admired and put back into its bag. My whole 18th birthday had turned into a big two week ordeal full of fun weekends and lots of junk food. Tonight was the night my friends and family were invited over for some ice-cream cake, some yummy cider and a big bonfire. After going through some gifts and reading cards my mom handed me a big box. I carefully unwrapped it, excited to see what was inside. Once it was fully unwrapped it was nothing but a cardboard box so I cut it open and slowly pulled out its contents. Each item was dutifully wrapped in tissue paper and laid flat inside of the box. Item after item was unwrapped and shown to everyone, the first being a tiny shampoo, then some conditioner, face wipes, deodorant and a little toothbrush kit. By the time I had emptied out the box everyone was laughing and I was even more confused. I had no idea why I had gotten any of these bathroom items and considered the fact that because it wasn't my actual birthday that day, it was nothing but a gag gift. After everyone's laughter subsided is when it happened........ I looked up to see my mom handing me her laptop. Confused once again I hesitated before I took it, but once I set it on my lap I realized that the computer screen had a slide show on it. "I'll read them out loud as you click through them," my mother said as she stood behind me. Slide after slide she read aloud so that everyone around the fire could hear...." We asked you what you wanted for your birthday, but the only answer we really got was that you didn't want anything, you were content with the things you have. But we know what the perfect gift is for you. You are probably wondering why you just opened a box full of toiletries. Well, because we love you. And Haiti loves you, and you love Haiti. The cards you are about to open contain the amount of money you need in order to stay a week in Haiti." Tears of joy sprang to my eyes and I couldn't believe what I was hearing! I got out of my chair and ran to my mom for a hug then went over to my dad to give him a hug. Everyone was clapping and my face was lit up in a huge smile. It was the greatest birthday gift I'd ever received. My mom then explained that my trip would be for a week sometime in January during my break from choir, and that I would be staying at Mission Lifeline where I had previously been this last August! I was excited for the rest of the evening, and as I fell asleep that night the only thing going through my mind was the thought that I would soon reunite with the place that held my heart.