50th Birthday Celebration

WOW! What a wonderful 50th birthday celebration I had for the 20th OCT. I actually recieved over 50 cards, and they are on the wall with the 6 posters one of the little girls in the village made for me.

The 2 weeks of prior preparation for the big day were tough, for we had no water, except during the night and through the early a.m. It was a lot of "fun" to get up at 4 to wash dishes from the day before, especially when baking 7 batches of banana bread muffins for coffee time and 8 cakes for the special service. Ugh.

The Friday before the big event, a half dozen of the teen girls helped to decorate the church. The florist at the mall donated a bucket of flowers for us to use on Sunday, which made 7 vases with some left to decorate the windows too. How nice!

The ladies of our church did all the cooking and serving. The people from Pastor Emmanuel's church, Phokeng Bible Baptist came, and I had several friends from town to come. Debbie read the funny reading about "Reaching 50", and Wendy played the guitar for me to sing Julie Andrew's funny old age words to "My Favorite Things" . I dressed up and did a funny skit before I sang it. It all went well. My friend Rita brought crutches and other props to go along with the song.

Then I got a big surprise from the ladies of Grace Baptist Chruch. They had collected money and got me a gorgeous brown African outfit with gold trim and matching sandals and bangle. (See photo.) Wow! It really suited me so well. They had me change in the Sunday School room, so the children could march me into the church with a special song and holding balloons. Then 3 of the little girls did a special song and poem, and 2 of the teen boys wrote a wonderful poem (Words are at end by my photo.) The choir from Phokeng sang several specials, and friends said kind things. Then Mike preached a very ncie message on birthdays. It was precious.

Some missionary friends from NY came to spend a few days with us, and JulieMom wrote a hilarious song to the tune of "From This Moment." We had a great laugh. Here are a few of the words:

On this birthday, a half century's past. Now you're 50; how long will you last?

Hope this birthday's truly a blast. Happy 50th birthday today!

When you're fifty, you've crested the hill. But don't worry. We'll all love you still.

And we'll gladly, feed you your pills. Happy 50th birthday today!

MOTHER

From seeds you watered us.

As we sprouted You helped us grow

With the warmth of your radiant love.

Along the way you trimmed us

To keep us safe from harm.

When we grew out of our little pods

You replanted us

Where you gave us hope and showed us faith

That we may be able

To do for others as you did for us.

We thank you, nad we thank God for a Mother like you!