American Birthday Celebration

Psalm 118:24, "For this is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it!"

Sunday happened to be one of my favorite days in Swansea so far ... why? Well, one, it was my 21st Birthday! (I cannot even begin to tell you how wise and basically genius I feel now being 21 .... Kidding!) And second, it was a night filled with American foods, American friends, and American football! It was perfection. I began my birthday in the best possible way and in one of my favorite places ... Church. I attended Mount Pleasant Baptist Church in downtown Swansea; it is beautiful! Off white colored church with large columns in the front, red doors, and an old sanctuary to worship in; what could be better?? Experiencing a church in another country definitely gave me such an appreciation and love for my churches, pastors, and activities back at home. Don't get me wrong, Mt. Pleasant was wonderful, but the preaching just isn't the same. However, after learning under such exceptional and inspirational pastors such as Dr. Rogers, Brother Steve, and Pastor Holly (Pastor at Sevier Heights in Knoxville), I feel like there can't be any better! But we did sing "Just As I Am" which made me feel like I was still at home, sitting in the balcony of Bellevue with my parents beside me, the Arnolds behind me, and Brother Steve preaching in front of me. What is unique - Because the churches are much smaller than in the states they are able to host events like having breakfast, lunch, afternoon coffee/tea, or dinner as a church which is so great. I have been able to be a part of one of these events, and they are just so fun!

After a wonderful morning spent with fellow believers worshiping Our Great God, I headed back to the house only to be kept in my room all afternoon by my housemates as they cleaned and decorated for my birthday! Around 6 o'clock, I was finally allowed downstairs to find the kitchen decorated with birthday banners and balloons. Brittney and Ryan spent all afternoon cooking and the result was delicious! They made grilled BBQ chicken, hot dogs, nachos, cheese dip, brownies, and a High School Musical cake (apparently the "only" cake mix they could find ... I don't believe them) for my birthday dinner. I felt right at home; they made my day so special!

After a fun dinner with friends and housemates, we headed to Woody's, a hangout area in The Student Village, where it was packed with students watching the Super Bowl. The best moment of the night - About 40 American students, surrounded by many many British students, with their hand over their heart, singing The National Anthem with Carrie Underwood as loud as we could. It was Amazing. This was also followed by all the American students chanting USA! USA! USA! Oh yes, I do have video of this. The day would have been even better had my man Peyton received a win that night, but I guess I can't have everything on my birthday ....

The next day, Stephanie and Lindsey came over with an absolutely amazing chocolate cake they had made for my birthday. We also cooked some delicious (in my humble opinion) stir fry with chicken, fresh vegetables, and rice, and we had a great time talking, laughing, and planning adventures together. I could not have asked God for two better friends to put in my life during this exciting time. They are not only kind, caring, and fun girls, but they are also a great spiritual encouragement to me as well. We chatted in my room until about four in the morning, just enjoying being together and sharing stories with one another. So so fun. Job 8:21, "He will fill your mouth with laughter and your lips with shouts of joy." Indeed, He does.

God has blessed me with such great friends here, and for that I am truly grateful. He placed friends in my life who took the time to make sure my birthday in Wales was fabulous. And it was!