Kiki’s birthday in Manaus: a mixture of old and new fun.
Brazilians really know how to decorate for a birthday party. 🙂
Four years old.
Playing with homemade playdough. I didn’t know to adjust the recipe for the extra heat and humidity here, so it ended up a little sticky. But the kids had fun anyways and they all got to choose a color to take home.
Uncle Phil and Aunt Julie, your playdough toys gift from a couple Christmases ago is still well loved and played with.
Jevon and Isaiah making us smile as always.
Jevon made popcorn and kettle corn for everybody.
Hm, yes. Popcorn balls and playdough at the same time.
Like I said, the playdough turned out a little sticky.
After everyone’s hands were washed..it was time for cupcakes! And the birthday song – in English first and then in Portuguese.
Viviane lifted her up so she could reach to blow out candles.
Every birthday Jevon prays a blessing for his children. This year he prayed that Karina would discover that God is the same, even though her house has changed, food has changed, and the friends around her have changed – God is the same. May this be a joy and comfort to her, and may He become her greatest treasure.
She’s peeking over at the cupcakes.
Time to open presents:
Cali couldn’t wait to give Karina the card she made – with hearts to say “love” and a four candles to say how hold she was.
The other girls also brought notes for Kiki, which they had worked hard to spell in English.
All the kids scattered to play with the presents.
The adults watching them play:
The last thing we did was bring out the big birthday balloon with candies inside. Tio Alfredo popped it and…
Here is the scramble that followed:
A really special moment for me was when Karina grabbed two candies and stood still, beaming with contentment. Her cup was full…she didn’t think to scramble for more candy until the adults encouraged her to get in there and get two more. I’m sure over the years the competition will teach her to scramble for more…but oh may God preserve the contented heart.
Oops. Isaiah got the right idea that this was candy all over the floor, but he didn’t know you have to unwrap it.
Things that went without pictures but meant alot:
an e-mail and skype call from Grandma Studtmann, an e-card from Karina’s Marilyn, a skype from the Halverson kids who sang Jesus loves me with Karina because she’s been missing singing the songs at Salem with the other kids. And a happy birthday wish from Mr. John Ailee, to which Karina responded, “oh, well that’s special.” 🙂
I think somehow this first birthday in Brazil filled Karina up and reassured her that life will continue being beautiful in new ways in our new home, and that we will stay in touch with the people we love back in the States.
Thank You Jesus…you are the Lord who took time to touch the children, put your hands on them, and bless them. Thank you for filling Karina’s heart with happiness and reassuring her with love.
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