Bogenhofen: Two Decades Down, Many More To Go

    I've had many first holidays away from home this year, but my birthday was not one of them. In the past, I have spent many birthdays away from home or without my family. From when my dad became a pastor to when he took a job with the Dakota Conference, his yearly pastoral meetings always, without fail, happened over my birthday. So, I could either spend my birthday in the snowy Rocky Mountains at Pastor's meetings or not have my dad with me. Those were the options. Now, my birthday is always on the first week of the second semester so I celebrate early and spend my real birthday begrudgingly accepting the reality that break is over. So in that sense, spending my birthday away from home this year wasn't hard. 

   Other than celebrating with family, I've never done much for my birthday. I've only ever had two birthday parties; when I was ten and sixteen, and I didn't like them. Both times, there were so many people that I felt ignored and overwhelmed. Last year I tried to invite my friends out for lunch, and only two took me up on the offer. One of them had to leave thirty minutes later. So, this year, I wanted to celebrate but didn't want to go through the process of pulling teeth either. My birthday, as always, was at the tail end of our first week back to school. The whole week had been miserable leading up to it. I hadn't been sleeping well, I had a terrible cold, we have more classes this semester and I was trying to get back into the mindset of speaking and listening to German 24/7 while also just trying to keep my eyes open, I was learning to navigate having a new roommate, getting hit with the reality that Makena and Sawyer were truly gone, and to the top it off, I had a lot of anxiety. So, I didn't even know if I would be up to doing anything when Friday rolled around.

   Thursday came, and I decided to ask some of my friends to go get Indian food in town with me but didn't expect much. You can imagine my shock when the response was a resounding "yes". No "I'll think about it", "Sorry but I have too much homework", or a begrudging answer. Just plain and simple. Yes. As if they expected this invitation, as if they had been planning to do something with me all along. (Which I found out they had.)

   Now, I'm not saying all of this to sound like a "pick me". I'm not saying no one loves me or that I never expected anyone to want to hang out with me, or something pathetic like that. But sometimes, it is nice to be reminded that the people you love the most, love you just as much. That your friendship is mutual, and you didn't assume more than was actually there. And that's how I felt. I felt so loved and so blessed to be surrounded by friends who not only loved me but loved each other. It wasn't like trying to bring together a bunch of mutual friends who don't know each other. It was all so easy. 

   First, we went to get food (it was very tasty), and then after that, everyone dispersed to finish up some things. I was satisfied with out little outing, but then Keegan told me he had cake for me and wanted to hang out. Of course, I said yes. I got there, and then my friend Florencia showed up, then Keith came, and then Amaru and Kai trickled in. We spent the rest of the afternoon playing board games and eating cake together. I felt so warm inside. 

   At seven, we had Sabbath vespers, and our group leaders, Larissa and Gerlando, brought in another cake to help me celebrate. We had an amazing time studying the Bible and after almost everyone had left, I and my friends stayed and talked until around midnight. 

   It was arguably one of the most fun birthdays I've ever had and one in which I felt a lot of love. Not only from the people here on campus, but also from everyone back at home who sent me texts, called, or posted on Instagram. Not to mention my siblings, who both sent me gifts. What a great way to start my third decade of life. I can't believe I'm twenty! 

From left to right; Florencia, Kai, Amaru, Keegan, Keith, and Me

Such a tiny cake, so many candles.


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