I celebrated my 21st birthday on last Wednesday, June 29!! It was great spending it with the group but what made it truly special was the love from the locals, something I was not expecting.
On Wednesdays as a part of our work at Falls Women’s Centre, we attend a community music project with and residents of Sandy Row Day Center, an elderly home. For the project, led by local musicians, we actually wrote a song together called “Sweet Memories” and finished recording it last week! It was so much fun to be a part of!
As it was my birthday last Wednesday, I was with the Sandy Row group. Billy, a man who I’d grown to get to know over the past weeks and whom I was very fond of, remembered that I had told him my birthday was approaching and he surprised me with a card! The group then decided to sing happy birthday to me. It was so special!!
Happy Birthday to me! 
(video)
Klodetta, an Albanian immigrant who I’ve also grown close to, sang to me in her native language!
Happy Birthday from Klodetta (video)
I came back to Farset to a pleasant surprise! The Farset staff decorated my room with lots of 21st birthday love!! The card and box of wine was the cherry on top!
Later on, the group went out to dinner at The Apartment (great food and great time!).
Ended the night with cake from a Shankill bakery!
Overall, a great way to celebrate. I had a great time with the group! The generosity and hospitality of Norn Iron people was exemplified that day and I am truly grateful for their kindness and for making the day that much more special!