Mr and Mrs. Troung:
This is Mr. B. Just wanted you to know how we celebrated Rebecca's birthday today - something I hope she will never forget. The day started off with all of us singing Happy Birthday to her at breakfast. Next we arrived at Potter's House for another day of work and ministry. As we entered our room for the morning's orientation Rebecca was greeted with balloons and a special card made by the PH staff. Another round of Happy Birthday followed and she I think was hoping that everyone would just forget it was her birthday! That did not happen. I had arranged for some cake and ice cream to be served at lunch when we returned from our morning tasks. After lunch the cake (with candles} was brought it by the PH staff and they joined us (all 50 of them) in yet another singing of the birthday song, and then stayed to celebrate her birthday.  They also presented her with two small gifts (hand made items from the "treasures" in the dump) and, well, she was the center of attention in a way that she had never dreamed of.  She quietly thanked everyone for the well wishes and then enjoyed her special birthday cake - Guatemalan style! This was something unusual and special for the PH staff as well - the fact that we included in them in our "family" celebration. They really appreciated it and did a wonderful job of helping acknowledge her special day. After, on the bus ride home, I asked her how she felt about all the focus on her birthday - and the surprise lunch treat. She said that she was humbled by it - embarrassed but "in a good way". We love her and all of us are so glad that she is here with us. She is a very special young lady and has blessed us and everyone that we have encountered over the past two weeks. Thank you for letting her come and for doing such a good job of raising her.  She is truly our "treasure"!