About a month ago Heather and I got a new “flat-mate” 
Her name is Salome and she is from a little farm town in Switzerland. Her English is not very strong, so I often have to remind myself, “just speak slower, not louder- she’s ‘hard of English’ not hearing!” She is very kind and has a beautiful spirit.
Sunday afternoon, I walk into the kitchen and see Salome baking an assortment of muffins. “Oh, what are you making these for?” I ask.
“Tomorrow is my birthday”, she replies. “So I thought I would make some cakes.”
Her birthday??!! Oh wow! “Do you have any plans?” I ask.
“No,” she says contentedly and continues to arrange the muffins on the cooling racks.
“What are your plans for these treats?” I ask.
“I just thought I would make cakes in case guests come.” She laughs, as she often does, not because anything is particularly funny; just because her spirit seems to be bubbling over with extra joy.
Quickly, Heather and I have a secret meeting to arrange dinner plans, and I’m off to find a gift. Later that evening Salome comes to my doorway, with a big smile on her face and more laughter.
“Jenny, do you think we can have a women nail polish party here tomorrow evening after dinner?”
“A nail polish party?” I ask, just to ensure that this is not one of those language miscommunications… lol. She laughs some more and nods her head. “I’ve never had one before.”
A nail polish party it is!
Monday- Salome’s birthday:
We eat dinner at a restaurant called “Gastrobar Botanico”. (Our attempt to bring this countryside girl to a place in Phnom Penh that actually has plants and is green!) More friends surprise Salome (thank you Heather!) And we enjoy celebration and good conversation together. Then back to the apartment for nail polish fun
Salome shares some Swiss biscuit cookies from her home town that require a special method of breaking them with your elbow before eating them. The first time I was a little over zealous and ended up hurting my elbow a bit I hit so hard. Haha
I look up at the women I’m surrounded by- we are ranging in ages and nationalities, life experiences and I’m sure future paths. Some are mothers, others are engaged or dating, and a few are single. We represent 5 different organizations in Phnom Penh and 4 home countries. 2 Swiss, 1 Aussie, 1 French and 3 American girls. All serving in Cambodia at this present time- just painting our nails, laughing together and listening to Swiss Christian music from Salome's playlist. (I’m guessing mostly traditional hymns from the tunes I recognized)
Salome shared with us that yesterday she was praying to God about her birthday. She felt like God told her, “You just make the cakes and I’ll take care of the rest”. The Lord did just that!
Salome closes the door after the final guest has left. “So, did you have a good birthday?” I ask her.
Huge smile. Laughter.
“This is the best birthday I have ever had”
Hello Ms Jennifer,
I have not written as life gets busy and I am sorry for that. I met you on the plane when you were on your way to Phnom Penh. I have been following your posts and enjoy them very much.
May God bless you you in mighty ways and grant your heart’s desires fully.
Thank you,
Sherri Sanchez
What a great summary of last night’s events! What a great girly international birthday party it was!! =)
Hi Jenny,
You are simply marvelous the way you bring smile to any face…even here in India, Laughter is probably the best communication that overcomes any cultural barrier and translates good will and peace for one another..and a heart warming experience.Best wishes to Salome on her birthday and many many blessings be poured into her life.
Lord bless you and your wonderful team in all that you do.
George
I love the way the Lord prompts the heart with joy in the simple ways of bringing honor and joy to others – and when that happens internationally, I think that makes HIs face beam! As it does mine!
George, what a wonderful blessing you consistently are to our family! May God bless you greatly with great joys also is my prayer for you and your whole family! Thank you for your great encouragement and kindness. Love, Marge and Chuck