A Quarantine Birthday Celebration

My baby turned 9 a few days ago. It is such a blessing to see her grow into a smart, kind, and generous young girl. I really wanted to make her birthday extra special while respecting the restrictions Governor Cuomo put in place.

I really wanted to do something to show her how much she is loved and cared about. I originally planned on getting her a special jogging suit, a small fanny pack and earrings made in Egypt. The items were going to have her initials and/or name. Confinement in Egypt kept on being extended and it wasn't possible to get her special items. After a call with my cousins I decided that it would be great to make her a video with people from all over the world wishing her a happy birthday.

The week before her birthday I kept trying to manage her expectations. Three days before her birthday she mentioned that she wants to celebrate her birthday with the kids at the orphanage in Matete. I had a proud mommy moment! I texted the team in Kinshasa and informed them of G's wishes. They were all excited and eager to make it happen. Afterwards, I made a phone call to her uncle in Kinshasa and informed him of her wish. He was so proud of her generosity that he decided to reach out to some other "Uncles" for very special birthday shoutouts.

The morning of her birthday we went downstairs and she saw all her birthday balloons. We danced to Happy Birthday by Stevie Wonder on the ottomans. Afterwards we had breakfast (naturally, she had cake for breakfast) and I told her she still had to do homework even though its her birthday. She was BEYOND annoyed!! I sweetened the deal by telling her that she would get help. I grabbed the laptop and started playing her birthday shoutout video. The first two minutes was a national geographic video. Afterwards a message popped up on the screen saying "Guess What Day it Is Today?'. A video of her popped up and she was genuinely surprised. She really had no idea! She received messages from her parents, family members, close friends, Nanny, classmates and many people who care about her. She was especially surprised to get message from her favorite Congolese musicians: Hiro, Innoss B, Gaz Mawete, Robinio Mundibu and the King himself Fally Ipupa. Thank you all for making her day extra special. Thank you Ton Ton PM for making it happen.

Afterward, we FaceTimed the team. They were at the orphanage for a few hours already. They made a cute sign for G's birthday. It was especially hot on her birthday so they moved the party inside. The kids wore balloon hats and had a dance party before we called. The team brought a birthday cake, drinks, candy, cookies, and some fun decorations. We also gave the children sheets and blankets since the dry season is approaching. The team brought additional food, soap, finished the painting project, and fixed the bathrooms. When we called the kids were in the midst of a dance party. They sat down and sang Happy Birthday to G. She had a smile from ear to ear. She thanked them for the song, wished them a fun party, and told the kids she looks forward to meeting them when possible. The Director thanked her for her love, generosity, and kindness to all the kids. She smiled and thanked them back.

After the call, I asked her how she felt. She said she was happy to see the kids having fun and being silly. I also thanked her for thinking of others on her birthday. As a parent, you sometimes wonder if your kids are learning and listening to you. Her kindness and respect for others make me feel like I'm doing a great job.

Thank you to everyone who called, text, sent video messages, and even practiced English phrases in order to show G love on her quarantine birthday. Like her classmate, Jade said in the video "You will always remember this birthday because of what's happening now". She will also remember this birthday because of her big heart. We will start a new initiative where you can celebrate your birthday virtually with the kids of Matete, Bibwa, or Lau.

You can watch a short video about her special day below or on our youtube page; Adolophine Designs.

Many Thanks,

Adolophine