Happy Birthday Audrey

Audrey had a great birthday- a nice mix of American and Bhutanese celebration. It happened to be the birthday of a great Hindu god as well- he is the god of all things mechanical- so many the cars, trucks and big machines in town were decorated with balloons and flowers. Work stopped at most construction sites and blessings were offered at the hospital and wherever technology is used. It was quite something to ride in a taxi covered with balloons (windshield included) on Audrey's birthday. 

Her big wish was to visit the newly constructed Buddha statue above the city, so despite the rain off we went! We gathered later in the evening with other volunteers and their families plus the children that live in our apartment building. A big chocolate cake magically appeared and Audrey had a lively and memorable day. 

Gifts included a golden prayer wheel from Daddy, a stuffed cloth eggplant and chillies from Mama, slippers and mask from sisters and a tanka (traditional canvas painting) depicting the Bhutanese fable of the four friends from Noni and PopPop. The story tells of the peacock,rabbit, monkey and elephant working together to collect fruit from high on a tree and is found in most homes to remind families to cooperate for greatest harmony and success. It is a tradition to give a child a tanka on their birthday.

Our little one is 6 years old- we are hopeful that she is old enough to remember her birthday in Bhutan always.