Today is Thanksgiving in America, but it’s just a random Thursday in Bolivia. I tried to explain the holiday in Spanish to a woman we met, and I got stumped on the word “pilgrim.” All I could say was “white people from Europe,” and I’m sure that I’ve left her more confused than ever. We’ve only been here a few days and haven’t made the come-over-for-dinner type of friends yet, so the kids and I shared a mediocre meal full of laughter and silly times in the backyard.

But it isn’t just Thanksgiving. Two years ago today, our youngest child was born, so we celebrated his life this evening. He brings late nights, early mornings, and an immense amount of joy to our family. We didn’t know how we’d handle a 4th child, and now we can’t imagine our family without him.

A few thoughts about birthdays away from home…

• Having siblings makes for an instant party, even if friends are far away. We had a quorum, and Baby Boy was delighted to be surrounded by his favorite playmates.
• Focusing on the person and not the “stuff” ensures that no one is disappointed. We couldn’t find a birthday cake, cake mix, or a cake pan at the grocery store today. So we had pop tarts that looked kind of like cake (a little…maybe) and vanilla ice cream. The ice cream “tasted good until you swallow it” as my oldest so aptly put it. But we had fun. And I have a million pics of my little boy smiling and laughing.
• Forced simplicity is a gift. We couldn’t fit birthday gifts in our luggage, and I didn’t think far enough ahead for an Amazon delivery, so my wee one’s gifts came from the grocery store down the street. They’re poor quality and weren’t wrapped. He got a blue bouncy ball, a plastic bat & ball, and a yellow toy car. The kids played outside with those 3 toys for hours today. That would never have happened at home. The kids know that we’re on an adventure, and “I’m bored” has never crossed their lips. They figure it out and find a way. That is one of the skills/lessons we’ve hoped for from this journey, and I saw it happening tonight.
• Kids feed off of our energy. I’m tired (the altitude) and was caught off guard by my inability to find a cake, decorations, and a nice gift for today. If I’d had someone to complain to, I would’ve been whining and moaning. But when I saw the kids looking at me with excited anticipation, I just shrugged off my disappointment, released my expectations, and did the best I could with what I had to work with. And the kids didn’t skip a beat. They spoke to their dad & grandma via Facetime tonight, and I overheard them excitedly telling all about the fun “party” we had today. I’m so glad I didn’t kill their innocent enthusiasm with my poor attitude.
• Being in the company of friends should not be underestimated. As great as today was, I’m reminded that friends should not be taken for granted. I do miss our tribe back in the States, and my mind is already planning the next birthday party surrounded by all of our peeps. Making the best of where we are and looking forward to the comforts of the familiar are not mutually exclusive.