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Goshen College

Celebrating a birthday – Peruvian style

January 24, 2014

Seven of 15 students will have birthdays while in Peru during the Study-Service Term for Spring 2014.  Since we will be taking a field trip Friday, we celebrated the first of those birthdays a day early.

Malaina is the uncomfortable center of attention as her birthday is celebrated.
Malaina is the happy but uncomfortable center of attention as her birthday is celebrated.

We sang “Happy Birthday” to Malaina in both English and Spanish. She blew out a candle and then followed Peruvian tradition by cutting the cake – in this case, a cheesecake topped with deep-purple sauco (elderberry), a Peruvian speciality. It was delicious. Malaina said she appreciated the pre-birthday cheer and well wishes.

Members of the Peru SST unit for Spring 2014 enjoy spending breaks together, usually in a large circle.
Members of the Peru SST unit for Spring 2014 enjoy spending breaks together, usually in a large circle.

Students in this SST unit truly enjoy opportunities for celebrations and savor each other’s company. While on breaks, they tend to form one big circle – either standing or sitting – and converse intently until summoned back to lectures or Spanish class. They continued that pattern Thursday during the afternoon break and then while enjoying cheesecake and Malaina’s birthday (one student was under the weather and recovered at home). And all ate every last bite.

Members of the Peru SST unit for Spring 2014 enjoy spending breaks together, usually in a large circle.
Break time means it’s time for sharing for Goshen students in Peru.
Malaina is the uncomfortable center of attention as her birthday is celebrated.
Students and SST teachers sing “Happy Birthday” to Malaina in English and Spanish.
Malaina blows out a candle to celebrate her birthday.
Following a Peruvian tradition, Malaina cuts the birthday cake.
Malaina’s birthday cake – cheesecake topped with elderberries.
Malaina enjoys the first piece of birthday cake.
Studente gather in a circle to enjoy Malaina’s birthday cake.
Will the circle be unbroken? Hopefully it will for the Peru SST unit.