Friends, it was my birthday last week. Like most people, I wanted to do something ‘special’ to celebrate. So, when loved ones asked me, “What do you want for your birthday?”, my response was quick: I want the wildest party with the precious people. For me, orphans and abandoned children are the precious ones. I couldn’t think of better way to show gratitude for the grace of another year than to spend the day with them.

Not only that, I also wanted to use the occasion of my birthday to teach young people the art of service. The goal of Rethink Africa is not just to help indigent students succeed in life, but to also teach them the importance of selfless service, i.e., serving God by serving others.  So, I showed up at Avlankou Orphanage with a bunch of volunteers (the college students being sponsored by Rethink Africa) and the kids went wild!

I thought I was going to do them a favor, but they did me a huge favor.  They made me count my blessings. They opened my eyes to see how much I had taken for granted.  Indeed, having the privilege to celebrate my special day with them was a great joy!

Enjoy some of the birthday pics and videos below . . .