Happy Birthday Wayne!

Last Friday, July 9, was Wayne's birthday!  We took full advantage of the opportunity to spoil and embarrass him and had a little surprise party at Wat Opot.  

After dinner, while Wayne did a little work and gave out medications, we quickly decorated the children's dorm.  The kids made the HAPPY BIRTHDAY sign and blew up all of the balloons.  

 Left, me with Rong, Meng Ty, and Phanya; Right, Seyha helping to hang balloons

There is only one oven in the whole village, and it's only been used three times in the past 6 years.  Cora and I walked down the road to use it and needless to say we had a few issues but the cakes came out okay!  Cora decorated them and we found a candle in the volunteer house to use.

Everyone yelled HAPPY BIRTHDAY when he walked in.  They were definitely more excited than he was- and they didn't even know about the cake yet!

Pesei and Saman, two of the older boys who are also very talented artists, each made a special piece for Wayne's birthday.  Pesei made this 3D painting using real wood and branches for the tree.  It is incredible.  The Khmer staff bought Wayne cokes and wrapped them in Disney princess paper.  Sorry we had to open the boxes Wayne.. I know how you love your Disney princesses!

Left, Virak dives into his chocolate cake; Right, Sompoa eyes Socheat's piece

Saon couldn't have been happier if it was his own birthday! Actually,  I don't think we know any of the kids birthdays and the majority of people in Cambodia don't know their own either.  Birthdays aren't acknowledged and everyone turns a year older with the Khmer New Year.  I don't think anyone really understood what it was we were celebrating but that didn't mean they didn't have fun!

Saman's painting of Wayne.  He had finished it about 6 weeks ago and had been so eager to give it to him.

All of these pictures are courtesy of Ms. Cora Marshall who also thought of doing a video for Wayne that we showed at the party.  I have posted it below!  We weren't able to get everyone in the video but it definitely represents the love for Wayne from the community as a whole.

Wayne is such a selfless and humble person, so it was fun to do something special for him.  HAPPY BIRTHDAY WAYNE!  We hope you enjoyed it :)


Tomorrow Cora, Melinda, and I are taking the 14 high- schoolers (who all passed their exams!!) to Phnom Penh for the day to kick off events of the Summer Fun Fund.  They have been counting down all week, and the girls have spent the evening picking out their outfits and getting ready.  We will all take lots of pictures and report back.  Thank you to everyone who has donated!!!  If you'd still like to donate it's not too late!  Click on the PayPal button on the right-hand side of the page.  Again, if you're not in a position to donate, consider spreading the word.  Thank you :)