Quarter of a century

I´ve had such a cool birthday!! The day started with everyone on the base here singing happy birthday (the Spanish version is very funky, makes our version sound super-naff) and praying for me, and then throughout the day people have been so sweet and given me chocolate (yes, my reputation as a chocolate freak has already spread).
I have been feeling very joyful the whole day, even while cleaning the loos in the afternoon (which were flooded with water and mud - nice!) :) Then in the afternoon meeting they presented me with a big hand-made signed card and sang again and prayed again!! Have also never had so many hugs in one day! Feels very strange to feel at home and surrounded by friends even when I´ve only known people for 2 weeks.
The good news too is that I´ve now adapted to the snoring and light in the room, though I am still flying into a mild panic every time a dog barks (actually they growl here!!) A bunch of us went out for a run in our afternoon break today, slightly pacier than our last run, so I feel a bit more justified in eating the vast amounts of chocolate.
Thanks for all your birthday greetings, miss you all very much!