The idea of having a birthday out of the US was strange for me and, to be honest, I woke up with the mindset that I was just going to pretend like it wasn't my birthday at all and just enjoy it when I got home. Boy am I glad that didn't work out though! The Jamaicans have a tradition here of making the birthday person into a cake and, luckily for me they only had the flour since that usually involves eggs as well! I still have flour in my hair but it was pretty hilarious and I loved feeling like a part of the culture here. (Hunter Cook's birthday is in two days and you can just guess who plans on showing him the tradition ;) ) Besides this, I really tried to just be out of myself and continue thinking about the position as a counselor and not as a birthday boy and that is where God really taught me a lot. When you aren't making your birthday into a day of selfishness where you just get to do whatever you want (aka my last 20 birthdays), then you end up getting more encouraged than ever and not just feeling guilty and spoiled. I had an awesome day just getting to know my boys better, attempting to learn Jamaican phrases, and hanging out with the other counselors and the campers here. I couldn't have picked a better place to be for my 21st!
On a side note, I just want to thank my family and everyone at camp who gave me letters or wrote in the notebook that Sara passed around. I was SO encouraged reading it all during my counselor break today and felt so loved and encouraged by every word! You guys are the best and I love you all and wish you could be here in Jamaica to experience camp with us.
Thank you for all of your prayers and please keep them coming! Relationships are being formed so fast and God is really moving in the hearts of all the Jamaicans and Americans here at camp.
Much love,
- Jacob R (MrJFreshest)
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