Thursday was my 25th birthday. I’ve been struggling with turning 25 since my best friend turned 25 over the summer. I even grief-journaled the loss of my childhood and early 20s while at training camp. (If you don’t know about grief-journaling, just ask and I will try to explain it some day.) So my team (a.k.a. my J-Bay family) has known about this fear of thinking of myself as old since the first week. This past week was especially hard in realising that the days were not going to slow and I would have to be 25 sooner than I would like. I was never sure how to answer when people would ask me if I were excited about my birthday because the truth was, I wasn’t. However, their excitement helped me start to be okay with my ancient age. Because I didn’t want my birthday to occur this year I wasn’t sure what I wanted to do, so I was comforted when I found out that they were planning a surprise for me.
As I was falling asleep the night before my birthday, GOD and I had a conversation that went a little like this:
Me- GOD I don’t want to be 25 tomorrow
GOD- How old do you want to be?
Me- I don’t really know, just not 25
GOD- You have a choice. You can be 25 or you can not be in Africa tomorrow.
Me- I choose Africa.
My birthday turned out fabulous. It wasn’t anything too out of the ordinary. I did my usual Thursday ministry, which included moving lots of dirt. The cooking team made very tasty lasagna for dinner. Friends from town came over to hang out. Marco brought me a koeksuster and milk tart. After dark we stopped for coffee, then went down to Super Tubes beach and watched the stars and waves. I love that I can see Orion here in Africa and in the States. I learned that phosphorous in the water makes the waves look like they contain a green light at night. My team wrote me birthday messages on paper stars that are now taped to the wall above my bed. I feel so blessed to have spent this birthday with friends that have become family in this country that I love. I miss home often, but I know GOD brought me here for a reason. I have never seen HIS love and promises more clearly and that is the best birthday gift I have ever had.
Happy Belated Birthday, Sarah, and happy belated Thanksgiving. I remember thinking to myself that when I turned 30 I would finally have to face the fact that I was an adult, with all the inherent reponsibilities that come with that. It is depressing sometimes, but it is also empowering when you think about it. Age makes us become more experienced, and with experience comes (hopefully) wisdom. As you age, you will become more deserving of respect, and that is something to look forward to. Whether you receive that respect is another story! Ha! I can see that you have become wiser in your choice to go on a mission trip as opposed to a vacation in New Zealand. Your age and wisdom do you justice in that. Be proud of your age. 25 is a landmark, but just wait until 40, then 50! You have a long way to go, youngster, and that’s coming from another youngster!
Sarah,
My birthday was 11/09 and I too was dreading my b-day but that is because I am much older than 25! I am so grateful that my daugther Katie is with young women who can be an influence and friend to her.God has been so faithful to the Jbay team. You all have professed of God’s goodness and love on your blogs.I just love reading about your feelings and adventures.What a wonderful way to spend a very special 25th birthday.
Katie Ely’s Mom
Little Big Sister,
If you can think back to what mom and dad always told us, you can be whatever age you want.
#1) Believe you can do anything. Therefore, believe that you are a different age, and you shall feel you are so.
#2) Act your age. This shouldn’t be hard, just act your height, :). Just think of every corny joke dad has told and all those he will make up in time to come and remember that he doesn’t act his age very often.
Your Big Little Bro, Micah
Sarah,
Being just a teen myself, at 64 you have a great gift in all the giving you are doing there. But must remember you are here at TTUMC with us as we pray daily for you. HAPPY BIRTHDAY LADY. GOD BLESS!
Sarah,
Age, it’s just an arbitrary marker as to where you are in your life. What is so much more important is your walk with God as you age.
My prayrer are with you.
Susan
Dearest Sarah- Happy belated birthday. Trust me, 25 isn’t old. The funny thing is that I didn’t like turning 25 either. Just think of it this way. Each birthday is an opportunity to grow in God’s love and join God is what he is doing, receiving his many blessings in your life. Grow in grace and love.
Lovingly,
Janet Bos
Dear SarahHappy very belated birthday! when I turned 25, I was in South America about to meet my husband-to-be! Look out!!! YOU JUST NEVER KNOW! It’s wonderful to read your blogs and see how quickly you have fallen in love with your “adopted” country, your work and the people you are with. God loves to surprise us as He helps us discover our gifts.
Happy belated Thanksgiving, too!
Love, Phyllis Greene
Dear Sarah, I’ve been reading through these as I look forward to seeing you on the 13th. Will you have any time to “share a Dr. Pepper” (my favorite soft drink, though I don’t drink many soft drinks at all)? We are so proud of your making yourself avaiable to God’s call and then honoring the call by choosing to go to Africa! Obviously your experiences have given you new insights and perhaps even new dreams. Shields and I wish you well and continued opportunities to be God’s presence in the places and with the people you minister! See you the 13th! In Christ’s love, Martha Clark
Hi Sarah,
I know you won’t believe this – but 25 is not old! But an awesome way to celebrate your birthday – with all you new friends in Jeffrey’s Bay! And look at all you are experiencing at age 25. Much more than I have at age 52 (hey, I just realized it is your age flipped backwards.) Thanks for your honesty and your servant’s heart.
Happy Belated Birthday, Sarah!
As I read your blog, I thought about how I am not looking forward to my own 51st birthday on Friday! But when I consider the alternative, I choose to embrace my years as a positive thing, for in true Wesleyan fashion, I am not getting older, I AM getting better (going on to perfection, translated by Clairol).
It is so wonderful to hear how God is using you and working in your life through your ministry in Africa. We pray for you always and look forward to seeing you again. May your 25th year be your best ever!
Blessings,
Susan