Tenho 23 anos!

Found this waiting outside my bedroom door this morning from Amber. Probably the first time I've celebrated my birthday outside of Canada since I was 5 yrs old...looking forward to the rest of the day :)

*Update*

Well I should've known that the women of Mulheres Mil would have something planned for me today. On the way to the classroom, I was stopped at the staircase and was restricted from going any further. For a good 30 mins I was was heavily guarded by one of the women who made sure I didn't make any sudden moves towards the classroom where my surprise awaited me. Here are just some of the pictures that were taken:

The women are getting my surprise prepared.

Passing around and signing my giant birthday card.

This is still an English class, the women singing happy birthday in English (lyrics on the board) but after they continued to sing the Brazilian birthday songs.

Maria is always making the class and I laugh, even though there's something in my eye making my eyes water...ok maybe I cried a little.

Warm and loving hugs from the women.

Regina giving me birthday wishes on behalf of the class.

Group 1 photo with all my presents in front.

Group 2: The basket is filled with my favorite fruits and chocolate, good thing we did that class on favorite foods.

Group 3, there are 38 women in the program so had to take pictures in smaller groups. The birthday cake was delicious. 

Picture with the interns and my card. Notice the little figurine on the bottom-right, it's supposed to be me :)

Showing off my new bracelet and earrings, love my gifts.

I'll probably never have a birthday like this again. I'm happy to have shared it with some wonderful women that made me feel like I was with my family back in Canada. It was certainly a great birthday.