Innocent's First Birthday Party

Innocent turned 31 today, April 23!  But yesterday he had the first birthday party of his life!  It was a wonderful celebration! 

The party was from 2-4. Everyone finally arrived before  4!! ( Last one out at 8pm)

                               
                           Anlaura and Innocent waiting for everyone to arrive. 

 Members of the worship team came to honor Innocent and to bring great music!

Samuel, Anlaura's husband in blue jeans, Eva from Innocent's church
on the couch with 1 of I's brothers, Benny
 

Innocent's family arrives!  His mom on right!

BUT only 2 sisters,  1 niece and 4 brothers
and his mom were able to come.

Papa was sick and 1 sister in boarding school and other brothers elsewhere..  He has 11 brothers and sisters and he is #2.
They are all so good looking!

Another Brother and Sister....

The guys from the worship team!

Plus Eva and Bruce. 

Lionel and his girl friend, Isodele...She has a beautiful voice, too! 

When the reggae worship song started everyone got up and started dancing the
Traditional Rwanda Dance.  Lots of clapping and moving of feet and arms.
Very beautiful.  

Time for the cake!  A chocolate one made by the Belgium Baker!
We sang Happy birthday abut 5 times.

 Looks like he'll get his wish!  

A final goodnight.... and closing song "O Happy Day!"
A perfect song to end with.

After this song, Emmanuel the guitarist asked all of us to reach a hand out
to lay hands on Innocent for a prayer of blessing for his life.  It was great...
and then Innocent gave a little speech thanking all the people who have blessed him in his life.  It was all very moving.  A great tradition to start in the States... or anywhere. 

We forgot to open presents so did that when almost everyone was gone. 

What else could we share with him except a CMU t-shirt and sweatshirt?
He has an Ohio state one so we thought he should represent CMU/Rwanda!

After everyone left... even Bruce --( he took Lionel and his friend home)---Innocent
helped me put the house back together.  As he did he talked about what a joy and blessing the party had been for him.  He did really enjoy himself. And having his
worship team come was a real highlight for him and for all of us!   I tried to download the video i took, but it just takes too long.  Sorry.  The music was just wonderful.

So, Happy Birthday to Innocent.  It will be a year filled with growth and change for him as he continues to study and learn and reach his goals.  It was a "Happy Day!"

love,
margie

Ready to go to sleep!!