Surprise Birthday in Spain!

(I had to do some magical editing to that photograph.)

My friends are the greatest! seriously. How else would you explain the surprise birthday party they threw for me last night? Yep. They really did. I love them!!

We spent the day shopping and sunbathing... a perfect way to turn 22. Little did I know, that all day long (behind my back) they were inviting people - locals, tourists, police men, you know.. the obvious invitees.

At night, we got all dolled up, had a delicious midnight dinner, and then... they told me they had a surprise for me! Surprise? Was Raul proposing?! (don't hold your breath... it wasn't christmas. )

Without further ado, they blindfolded me, told me not to ask any questions, and began parading me through the city. At one point, Emily, who was holding my arm (kinda like my own seeing eye dog.... she'll die when she reads that) started to talk quietly to the other girls about if it was a good time to turn the corner yet or if she should distract me longer. I was like, "Emily, I'm blind, not deaf!" We all had a good laugh and they decided it best to turn the corner. Shocker.

Just as we rounded the turn, they escorted me into Cafe Burunda (our favorite little bar here) and as my blindfold came off, everyone started singing "Happy Birthday"... well, that and some other strange and wonderful basque song. :) Aren't these girls amazing?

Needless to say, we all had a fabulous last night together!

Sadly, almost all of them went home today. Em and I are the only ones left. We both board our planes tomorrow. Em heads back home, and I'm off to Africa. I can't wait!

I'm so thankful. Truly. God has blessed with incredible friendships...

Hopefully I'll find time to write before I board my plane...

love you all so much,
mel