As my birthday approached, I had my expectations set set low- maybe a cake at school and a shared supra in the evening with guests mainly there for my host sister Pikria, who's exactly one year older than me. I in no way expected the grandiose celebration that was in store for me.
The day started with a couple calls from my old host family wishing me well and birthday kisses on the cheek from all- my host mother, the teachers and the 9th grade boys. I got "Happy Birthday" from the 1st and 3rd graders in English. I was ushered into the 2nd grade where they sang "Happy Birthday" in Georgian standing in a line, holding hands. Upon completion they rushed at me and I was surrounded by crowd of 7 year-old hugs! After my 4th class I was told to go home, change into something nicer and come back at 1pm.
When I walked upstairs I found most of the school and half the village sitting in the main room in front of a make-shift stage. There were balloons in the corners, leaves on the floor and the curtains were decorated with paper hearts on which were written "Chris", "USA", "Pennsylvania" and "Happy Birthday" in Georgian. I was asked to sit at a small table to the side where my friends Tim, Andy and Inga were already waiting. On the table: 2 bottles of champagne, glasses and a huge cake decorated as an American flag, with candles and big sparklers.
Then the performances started- "Happy Birthday" by all; a number of girls sang songs in Georgian with the music teacher on piano; a boy and girl danced a traditional dance in traditional dress; one of the 1st grade girls and one of the 2nd grade boys (probably the two tiniest kids in the school) sang and danced dressed as super-cute mice; a number of students recited Georgian poetry in my honor; my co-teacher spoke some moving words in English that brought be to tears; and I was presented with a beautiful book. It was an overwhelming, touching, special and joyous occasion. I didn't feel worthy of so much, but it was wonderful to see everybody so happy.
From there we moved into the teachers' room where a long table was set up decorated with baskets of pomegranates, persimmons, pears and grapes. We ate khinkali, the national meat dumplings, and achma khachapuri, one of variations on the cheese pie. There was about 5 gallons of red wine and a bottle of house made walnut-flavored grape liquor for the endless toasts. We drank for God, for me, for my parents, for my brothers and sisters, for the day of St Michael, for our countries, for our community and for many others I'm sure. It was easily the most special and memorable birthday celebration of my life!
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