This post features student writing.

In the girls’ room, we kicked off the day with a 7 a.m. birthday song for Lily (17 years old on the 11th of July)! After the first birthday serenade (of many that day), we started our 11th house, and finished our thirteenth by 11:30 a.m.

After work, we took a bus down to Playa Quemaito which is about 45 minutes from La Guazara. We swam in the warm waters of the Caribbean Ocean, explored the clear water with a pair of goggles we all shared (thanks to May), sunbathed, ate ice cream and sipped on soda pop. It was glorious.

After sunning, we got back on the bus and headed to the nearby restaurant, Don Manuel, and munched on fried chicken, grilled chicken, chicken Caesar salad, ham sandwiches, fried fish including los ojos, fries, and tostones (fried, smashed plantains). During the meal we sang happy birthday to Lily thrice more (in English and Spanish).

We then hopped back on the bus and danced to Spanish rap and reggaeton. Check out our video! We made it back to the high school and sang happy birthday to Lily once again, presented her with gifts (various delicious snacks) and enjoyed a yummy cake that Morgan accidentally dropped in the car, but one of our fabulous cooks was able to fix and put a new layer of icing on it!

We then invited locals into the school to celebrate Lily’s birthday, we sang the birthday song again. Lily was well celebrated!

Lily’s birthday was a blast.

More updates coming soon!

-Stella and May