Turning ... older

This month, I turned a year older in the thirties. Thought you might like to see what 31 looks like in my world:

. I was a summer-baby. But this life in South Africa lets me celebrate in my favorite season ... WINTER!

. A friend from the USA sent me a strawberry cake mix and canned icing for a Christmas gift. I saved it for this special occasion! When far away from home, you treasure the American gifts and save them for not just any day, but one of memory! Note: I've been on an "extra sugar fast" but gave myself one day to splurge. Let's just say, I had cake for breakfast, lunch and dinner. I had a sugar-low to punish my excitement.

. People in South Africa love wishing you a happy birthday with "God bless you this year!"

. Friends are few, but very close! The older I get, the more I realize that one or two close friends is the best gift and worth celebrating! A close friend is worth more than gold. 

. Thankful and ful of joy that only God can give. Even though life here is hard many days, I choose joy! Still appreciative of God's mission and journey of purpose here in South Africa.

. Coveting your prayers and support as we continue to serve in South Africa. 

Still praying my life-verse, and wanting to grow as Jesus did "in wisdom, stature (physical health) and in favor with God and man." - Luke 2:52

AMERICAN CAKE MIX AND FROSTING : strawberry cake, strawberry icing ... with cheesecake chocolate chunk on top! I'll share the recipe below! 

Crazy Gherkin! Birthday kisses!

Still laughing when I can!

Found a soft-serve yogurt add-your-own-toppings place in Cape Town (Wakaberry).
Made an adventure out of finding it. Fun way to pretend I was celebrating at Yogurt Mountain!

Celebrated with Interns and Meagan!

This is what 2013 looks like for me. Thirty-one. Not feeling too bad!

...........................................

STRAWBERRY CHOCOLATE CHIP CHEESECAKE CUPCAKES
1. Make a boxed strawberry cake mix as directed on box!
2. In a separate bowl, mix one package cream cheese (softened), one egg, 1/4 cup white sugar and chocolate chunks together.
3. Fill cupcake tin with one spoon of strawberry cake mix. Put one spoon full of cream cheese mixture on top. Put half a spoon of strawberry mix atop cream cheese dollop.
4. Bake as instructed on cake mix box.
5. Let cool. Frost with ready-made strawberry icing! (It's good even without the frosting. Skip this step if  you like semi-sweet.)

* I think this will be "my" birthday cake from now till eternity. Seriously, it's that good.