Sana hilwa ya gameel!

That's Arabic English for "Happy Birthday to you!"

     I wasn't sure how I would feel celebrating my birthday overseas. Some friends of mine who've done the same told me that it can be difficult reaching that new year away from family and close friends. But, when I walked into the "surprise" birthday party my students threw for me, and the birthday dessert party Jamie, my roommate, planned, I saw all the new friends that I've made because I took the risk of moving abroad. This was probably the best part of my birthday.
     My students were super sweet! A couple of the girls asked a bunch of students and teachers for "one word to describe Ms. Holmes" and presented it to me in the video. This was probably one of the best birthday gifts I have ever received.

     The girls also made me a card with "26 Reasons Why [I'm] the BEST TEACHER EVER!" Here are their reasons:
1. Smart!
2. Lovely
3. Soo sweet
4. Your sense of humor :-P
5. Your style!
6. Understanding =)
7. Funny!
8. Loveable
9. Soft =)
10. Helpful =)
11. You're awfally nice!
12. Extremely FUN!
13. Your smile makes us HAPPY
14. Great in teaching!
15. Very kind!
16. Neutral
17. Always have a smile on your face!
18. You listen to everyone's opinions!
19. Always happy! =)
20. Polite!
21. We love the way you call us 'sweaty' and 'sweetheart'
22-26. RAN Out OF WORDS/SPACE.
    
     My boys all signed a card for me, and brought in truffles and ice-cream cake! Several of my students hugged and told me "I love you!" I've never had students say that to me, and I was left speechless. In the States, teachers are so cautioned against hugging or expressing love for their students, at least in words, so it was positively overwhelming to share such a warm emotion with my kids

     My dessert birthday party was fantabulous as well! Jamie prepared cake, fruit salad, ice cream, brownies, candy, tea, wine for about 30 of my friends and co-workers. I didn't realize I had SO many great friends until I saw them all together in one room! I really appreciated that everyone came over to celebrate my day of birth. It really meant so much to me.

     These festivities are also in addition to the gifts, flowers, phone and Skype calls, Facebook posts, and emails that I received from friends and family back home. With such a wonderful day, I didn't even need candles to blow out and make a wish with.

Unfortunately, my camera stopped working while I was in Zanzibar, so I do not have many pictures to posts. I can't be too upset, though, because how many people can say, "My camera stopped working in ZANZIBAR"?! =)