Jhodi's 11th!

It was Jhodi's 11th birthday and we were able to celebrate it thanks to very generous Aunts and Uncles.

After JJs birthday, Jhodi was already excitedly planning and looking forward to her 1st birthday in NZ. Much as I liked to be excited with her, I honestly couldn't given our current situation. Back home I could decide two days before and voila - you get a complete birthday. Here you have to count the guests and invite weeks in advance.

Two weeks before, I carefully explained to her how we might not be able to give her a party mainly because of finances.As I said before, we were still waiting for the permit and we were financially depleted. Even when the permit arrived still there was no extra to work with.

It was the generosity of an Auntie that finally made it possible. She asked us not to worry and that would take care of everything. And so given just a week, Jhodi made her invitations. It was Labor weekend here and usually people go somewhere so I told Jhodi not to expect all here invitees to arrive because they might have some previous appointments.

Jhodi invited three girls and two boys, which I didn't realize was a big deal here. It was fun, there were games with prizes, there was more than enough food and Jhodi loved her presents.

The party was at an Uncles place because our place is not the best place for kids to run around.

That weekend was also the gathering of Filipinos from all over NZ in Waikato and so later that day many arrived not for the party but to crash at my brother-in-laws place. Two of my former students and some others from all over Bukidnon.

So now no more birthday until the end of the year.