A Special Day

The regular morning calls by the Rabbi woke me up on the 5th of October 2014. I felt very tired. Could it be as a result of the fact that I didn't sleep on time? I thought to myself. I had a long phone conversation into the night with my boyfriend who was miles away. We usually have long conversations but that was a special one, it was my birthday. I heard a knock on my door again. 'I am on my way' I replied. 'Okay' the person said.

I practically dragged myself out of the bed, while washing my mouth, my mum's call came in. My siblings wished me happy birthday and my parents prayed for me. I quickly went to the common room for the morning devotion. This was what we do in the lodge everyday. They had already started the praise and worship when I got in. We sang and danced and after that, the Rabbi preached and led few prayer points. When it was time for the announcement, the secretary called on me to come out as others sang birthday song to celebrate me and wish me well.

I felt a bit shy. They sang and made me dance before they started presenting their gifts. I felt special. I received food items, soap,and all sorts. That's the common practice in the lodge. You bring anything you have for the birthday celebrant anytime we have one. I appreciated everyone and we all left to get ready for our PPA.

I got back early because a colleague at work wanted to take me out. Immediately I got in, Feyi, one of the girls close to me asked what I want to prepare for them. I told her that I have rice and whatever she needs to prepare it for the others. I gave her my keys and some money for meat and drinks before I left.

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My friend took me to a restaurant where we ate. It was a very nice place, built near The water. The view was pleasant and the cool breeze in the evening was really nice. We talked about a few things and enjoyed the cool breeze before we left. I was happy and thanked him for taking time to celebrate me I told him that he made my day. He dropped me at the lodge and left.

I got inside my room to be welcomed With a surprise party in my room. I was speechless. They already took out my bed to God knows where. Sincerely, the room was looking beautiful. Decorated with ribbons and balloons. I asked what's going on but they told me relax and enjoy my party.

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It started with Wale saying a prayer for me and the party started proper. Asula was the MC and I Jay was the DJ the most Emotional part of the party for me was when everyone had to talk about me. Everyone spoke in all sincerity about my nice and caring attitude, giving instances of things I did and when I did them. It was a whole lot of emotions for me. I cried, laughed, and smiled. I couldn't believe they had such beautiful things to say about me.

Feyi was so particular about how much I cared for her when she just came to the lodge, how I fed her for weeks without asking for a dime. Everyone had something special to say to me. When I was called upon to say something, I was too emotional to speak, I just kept saying thank you. It was such a special day for me, and I got more gifts.

Birthdays are celebrated in my family in simple ways. A prayer for you in the morning and you get to eat anything you want on that day. This was what I was used to before I went for my NYSC. It blew my mind and I haven't had any birthday celebration like that before. I stayed in bed thinking about the events of the day and thanking Him for making me happy.

This is my entry for neoxian city writing prompt #16
Thanks for stopping by, I really appreciate you.

Yours truly, @aunty-tosin💕💕