Here to the most meaningful birthday yet- The Beginning!

I've had pretty beautiful birthday celebrations! But, nothing tops this one yet! It was a multi-event birthday! So here we go!

The first event, I'll keep with me forever! My office planned an all day fun-trip for Thika Primary School for the Blind Grade 6 students. I told my colleague, I want in and that's all I needed for my birthday. I needed something meaningful, so I checked off my photoshoot birthday celebration to spend time with these kids.

A beautiful sunny Saturday morning, I took a cab to the Giraffe center to meet the kids and their teachers. Of course I arrived late coz I couldn't decide what to wear! But finally there I was- in an oversized white shirt and black shorts.

I was in such high spirits, met the kids as they were leaving a lecture where the professional was explaining all about giraffes. I'm hugging everyone as I'm familiar with most of these kids and some of their teachers.

We head to where the giraffes were, and we're handed pellets to feed the giraffes. I was camera reeeeeaaady! It was such an amazing feeling watching the kids reacted to the rough giraffe toungues as they ate the pellets off their hands. They were screaming in excitement, and some running back and forth after feeding them. It was beautiful. They only knew about giraffes in theory but here they are, touching and feeding giraffes. Magic!

Some of my colleagues are blind, so I was helping directing them to where the giraffes were and they were feeding and touching them. It was magical seeing the excitement on their faces. We were all kids singing in the bus and telling jokes. These kids are good at dad jokes. 

We left for the Nairobi National Museum where it was definitely a highlight for each of these kids. From feeling the skulls of animals and ancient humans, touching different types of fish, to touching and feeling the metal art representation of biggest elephant to ever live in Kenya- Ahmed, and to finally having snakes put on their bodies and having them interact with them and turtles. Touch and feel is how these kids can relate, it was so nice of the staff members to make allow them this moment.

They were so brave I had to do it! The video below shows me masking fear to have a python placed on my hair but I finally ran to safety. 

I had a moment to give a talk and encourage the kids and finally them singing happy birthday to me was everything I could ever wish for this year. I loved every moment with them. Remember these kids are blind, so for the staff members to take their time and allow them to touch and feel so they can relate is the only way they could learn, one said this was not in her wildest dreams. 

My birthday was the next day on Sunday. A beautiful 2nd October. My most exciting day of the year, and trust me I have many. I woke up and went to Church. Afterwards, I went to join this group of a newly formed Christian Fellowship Union which for a crucial planning meeting as we're about to be commissioned. I called my Mum afterwards and she said she'll be me lunch later that day. I went to do my nails, and even had a pedicure. Oh how my legs were glowing after!

I went back home and changed into this beautiful short sky blue and white dress, tights, a white coat, and white sneakers and headed to this newly opened and beautiful restaurant. It's such a beautiful open air space with different decor, design and beauty on every side you look at. Just what I needed! 

I found an amazing spot at the center that would allow me see around the restaurant. A waiter came in and I asked him I'll eat everything he recommended. So, first this colorful and tasty blueberry mocktail, followed by sumptuous beef brisket, fries and salad, and finally cake and ice cream for dessert. They added a 'Happy Birthday Essy' coz I had told the waiter it's my birthday. I was having such a moment when they did this whole thing with candles, flames and delivery with about 5 handsome waiters. Loved every moment. Almost everyone walked to wish me a happy birthday, afterwards, too much 🙈, shout to Mary and Karen who were seated at the table next to me for being such amazing spots.

On my way home, I walked home to flowers at my doorstep from this guy, we'll call him Handsome Greg for now. Thank you, they were absolutely beautiful. To think it was finally over, gifts started streaming in that night in different shapes and forms. The next day at work, my colleagues ordered two versions of cake and one of them added non-alcoholic wine coz I don't drink duuh! Joanne, you're such an amazing human. 

Every moment really touched me this year. The overwhelming messages of love and wishes, gifts, cakes, and the thought my people put into it. Thank you all so much  I wanna thank everyone of you who remembered my day. I feel blessed, and I hope this will be the beginning of all good things. Amen!

 Thank you!

Here's to a different, meaningful kind of birthday. I look forward to a more graceful year, and one that would help me help even more in my own kind of way. 

Here's to growth. Here's to taking over!

 Amen!