Birthday Extravaganza!

Last week a few of my students told me that they would be unable to attend class on Monday evening. Normal reasons....a mothers birthday celebration, a business meeting, a trip to St. Petersburg.... And I remember saying to Brighid that I would have a small class that day. She suggested that we combine our classes and do a movie (which is good for English aquisition! dont you worry:) ) So, we were getting ready for class....and Brighid was feeling a little sick and kind of cranky...the movie wasnt working...and five minutes after class was supposed to begin, there were only 3 students!! A combined class should have at least 20. Brighid was frustrated and said..."Ugh, they must have skipped class today..because we were planning a surprise party for you tomorrow...and they must have thought that meant they didnt need to come to class today...gosh!" (FYI we dont have class Tuesday....so it made sense that if they had to come on Tuesday they may think they didnt need to come to class Monday). Anyway, my first thought was that I felt bad for her because she wasnt feeling well...and I felt like the students had taken advantage of her. But my second thought was, 'Why did she tell me that! I love surprises! I wish she wouldnt have said that...shootface.'

Then one of the three girls who was sitting there suggested if it was just going to be the five of us...maybe we could take a walk, it was a nice day. And I was so irritated. Why would they suggest that...cant they see Brighid is upset? Another one said, 'maybe we could go to a cafe..Im hungry'. So I said fine. Lets go...but we are talking in English the whole time ladies. So we were walking downstairs to leave the building and a student was running up the stairs. Tanya said "Sorry Im late!" I told her she wasnt late, and about our new plans about going to a cafe. She said that she thought her dad was still here (he had dropped her off) and she suggested maybe he could take us. I thought to myself that it was a nice offer...but Russian cars are pretty small...so I asked if she thought it could fit all 6 of us. She said that her dad drives a van. Great, I thought, how lucky.

Well, we drove around and headed to a cafe I had wanted to go to, but hadnt been yet. One of my students just a week ago had asked me if I had ever gone....hmm, what a conicedence I thought. So we walked into the cafe...and around the corner, were all of my students!!! A huge Happy Birthday banner...pizzas, chai, and lots of smiles. I was so surprised...and was very excited. We all talked and had a great time. They even gave me amber earrings as a present...and amber is my favorite...and the earrings are kindof obvious...because I wear earrings everyday. But, it was so thoughtful. I loved it.And that was just Monday.

Tuesday was my actual birthday. I had class at 930...and I got the key to open up my classroom and headed to class. Strangely none of my students were in the hallway waiting for me. But I soon discovered why. They had locked themselves in the decorated room (with the help of another teacher.) So I unlock the door, and they are all waiting for me...with cake and juice and icecream and then they sang Happy Birthday in English and Russian. We talked about Birthdays...and common traditions that we all have....After class I went to the library...and at the American Corner, Elena and Sasha had another cake and tea party for me. Afterwards I met with Asya...and then Dana...and then had another classroom party...roses....Then I saw Vera...lillies....Then I went home around 530.


Brighid and Stasey and I had planned to go to the pink Cafe to celebrate...and so we left shortly after I returned home. When we arrived, there was yet another surprise! Yuri, Katya, Kostya, and Galya (and the baby Irina)...were all there. It was a marvelous. I was surprised throughout the whole day...even the very end...when we returned to the profolactory and the fire trucks and fire men were taking care of a fire that happened in the building. We werent there to see any flames, but the smoke has sure lingered.

The day started with a cake and candles....and ended in smoke. Just how a birthday should go.

It was the best 23rd birthday I could have ever asked for. Also...recieving the wonderful emails from friends and family from home as well, topped my day off and made me feel at home at the same time. And...the packages I got and the phone calls I recieved each made my heart so full.

And the girls and Joel are coming from St Petes this weekend too which makes me feel like birthday is lasting even longer. Oh birthdays. Shootface.