I don't wanna grow up

It is bedtime and Helen is upstairs crying because she wants to stay four years old.  She does not want to turn five.  Sob.  “I really like being four.”  Sob.  Helen’s birthday is tomorrow.

On Friday I asked Helen’s teacher if they do anything special for birthdays.  She said something about a little party in class, and asked if I would like to do that.  Sure, why not?  Then she asked if I would like her to write out a draft of the poster we should make for Monday.  Ok.  Three minutes later, the teacher handed me a piece of paper with the message in Spanish, “I invite you to my birthday party on Tuesday.  Don’t bring your lunch.  I’m turning five.”  The teacher gave me the address of a print shop that could help with the poster, but she did not realize how talented Natalie is.

Invitation/Poster by Natalie

So it appears I am making lunch for Helen and her 24 classmates on Tuesday.  (“I,” because Natalie will be in her second day of Spanish class.)  I have asked around, and been told to bring a light lunch, cake, and party favors for the kids.  Easily said, but not so easily done in a foreign city.  I think I hit the jackpot at the big grocery store near our house, Soriana, where I ordered cupcakes.  Around the corner from that store is a store that specializes in items for party favor bags and piñatas.  Seriously, that's all they sell.  I will make little turkey and American cheese sandwiches (on Wonder bread, of course), and bring drinks and grapes.  I considered making or buying something more uniquely Oaxacan for lunch, but I am going to play it safe.

Helen is laughing now.  It sounds like Natalie was able to talk her through the angst of growing old.  Actually, we think the crying had more to do with missing her friends and cousins at home, and wanting them to be at her birthday party.  As things get easier for us here, we worry less often that the experience is too stressful on the kids.  We are increasingly certain it was the right choice for all of us to come here.  But there continue to be moments of feeling badly for pulling them away from their lives at home.  Hearing Helen cry about turning five was one of those moments.  --Harrison