Felipe came down, and Friday we went out to a cool cafe to catch up over a couple of drinks. Saturday morning we helped make hundreds of empanadas for the plato unico, and that night we went to the party.
At first it was a little awkward because no one was really there, but as the night went on the house got more and more full. Finally the dance floor opened, and Andrea and I took it as our duty to start it going. We danced for hours, and, since wine flows pretty freely at these kinds of things, my knee didn't even bother me.
As the clock struck 12, the dj started playing the happy birthday song, and everyone sang along and came to give me big hugs and good wishes for the year to come. It was a complete surprise, and I felt overwhelmed with all of the love and positive energy I received. Every time we have a big house event I can't help but reflect on how far we have come here. Our Spanish is way better, and we have built so many wonderful relationships. Sometimes in the hustle and bustle of the week I wonder if I'm making any kind of an impact, or if anything I do really makes a difference. But those wonders were put to rest in the face of such an outpouring of affection from all sides.
As the hugging and congratulating came to an end, I saw Felipe walk through the circle of people with his violin, another complete surprise! He played happy birthday and then improvised a song. Claudia (a woman from my oil painting class) and I started dancing a hoedown and pulled everyone else into the circle for an invented square dance kind of thing. The rest of the night, before Mimi kicked everyone out, was full of more violin music and dancing. It was completely magical.
Sunday morning my host sister brought me breakfast in bed after I had been woken up by a phone call from another woman from oil painting who just couldn't wait to wish me a happy birthday. I don't think I've ever been brought breakfast in bed before, at least not like this, and it was really sweet.
That afternoon Andrea came over and she and Felipe and I made salsa, guacamole, chicken fajitas, and margaritas! Mimi and Ruth came over and we had a little celebration with the family. One of the advantages of hanging out with so many artsy and craftsy people is that you get some pretty stunning gifts, like felted slippers and bags and scarves and all kinds of fun things like that. After I dropped Felipe off at the bus station, Andrea and Carola and I spent the rest of the evening relaxing in the kitchen, chatting and drinking mate.
I really am so lucky to know the people I know, and to have this opportunity to be here. Sometimes I can't get over how much I love my life. And of course I've been receiving so many lovely messages and letters and packages and whatnot from back home - so thanks to everyone!
Speaking of lucky and amazing opportunities, this Saturday I'll be heading to Santiago for a few days before my flight on WEDNESDAY to Ecuador!! From Ecuador I'll be traveling to Peru, and I'll get back to Chile the morning of the 27th.
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