So….today is my birthday! For years, I would wander around my workplace, Eeyore-like, thinking “No one is going to wish me a happy birthday. I hate this. I hate being here.”
And then I watched my gorgeous and sassy friend from Portugal on her birthday. She let everyone, I mean EVERYONE, know about her birthday. And she was so happy. And we all celebrated her and wished her happy birthday and it was great.
So this year – I’m being bold. I’ve told everyone it’s my birthday. Big meeting with advertising company? “It’s my birthday!” I announced as I came in late. Bus driver? “It’s my birthday!” I said as I got on the bus. Colleagues I barely know? “It’s my birthday!” I say. So now everyone knows, and it is so much fun!
I bought a pumpkin cake with cream cheese and pecans to my work. I bought pretty napkins. I’m celebrating!
Because – My Birthday!
And so here in this space, I’m going to be so bold as to ask for something. The director of three schools for Syrian refugee kids in Lebanon has a dream of having a small library in each school. And we want to make it happen.
We want to send her $15,000 – $5000 per school. One of the schools is in a poor area of Beirut, the second is in Bekaa Valley, the third is in South Lebanon. These schools reach the most at-risk children who have lost one or both parents. The teachers are amazing, dedicated professionals who love these kids.
So through Conscience International we are raising funds. I am so excited about using Communicating Across Boundaries to help in this way! In the past year, the blog has grown exponentially and I know the audience. You care about the world! You hang your hearts across the globe and grow to love the countries where you live and work. You care about the marginalized and the refugee. You read and comment and pray.
So on my birthday – I would love to ask if you can give toward these libraries. Here is the link to donate. In the area where it says: “I want my donation to go toward”, highlight Lebanon from the dropdown list. Then where it says “in honor or memory of” – you can put Communicating Across Boundaries, so we can track what has come in.
Thank you so much for reading! And Happy Birthday to me!
Marilyn R. Gardner 
Reblogged this on Terra Wanderers and commented:
Pass It Forward. A woman’s testimony of giving to others on her birthday.
LikeLike
Happy Birthday! And great idea!
(I’m learning to just let people know about my birthday too, and let them know how I’d like to celebrate – it’s more fun!! For my 30th we blew up big “3” and “0” balloons and carried them around a Christmas market all day … it was a blast ;) )
LikeLiked by 1 person
Marilyn Dear, Happy Birthday to you! But I always think that it was your Mother who brought you to birth and she is the one who should also be celebrated on this day!! So, Happy Marilyn’s birthday, Polly DEAR! You are the one who brought her to birth, loved her, raised her….together with her dear Dad, Ralph! So, congratulations to you both, as you rejoice together over dear Marilyn! HAPPY BIRTHDAY to you all!
LikeLike
HAPPY BIRTHDAY! I love the idea of telling everyone…beats feeling sorry for yourself. I’m doing that on my birthday too! You’ve inspired me! Hope to send some money soon for books….xoxo
LikeLike
Happy Birthday Marilyn! A little more work time and I would have been able to tell you on Skype, haha. What a beautiful way to celebrate, Bold and Outward Focused. Hope you have some special pampering, too.
LikeLike
Happy happy birthday! You can ask Robynn, I am all for advertising birthdays. I usually have a month countdown. :) excited that you are bold and passionate on your birthday and everyday. Much love.
LikeLike
Happy birthday, Marilyn! I just paid my first property taxes, and have to recover from that before I can give, but would like to as soon as I can! Have a joyful day, and blessings to you from our Lord for each day of this coming year of your life!
LikeLike
What a great way to celebrate your birthday! Thanks for sharing the links.
LikeLike
Thank you SO much! I so want this to happen. It was great sitting with the director and just asking her what she dreamed about. The other thing she dreams about is having a faciltiy and staff where they could accept disabled kids.
LikeLike
Happy birthday dear one….i am honored to make a donation to such a wonderful cause for your birthday!
LikeLike
Happy birthday dear one. I loved being able to donate to such a wonderful cause in honor of you birthday
LikeLike
So lovely to hear from you! And thank you!
LikeLike
Happy Birthday!! Always remember to celebrate the wonderful, beautiful person you are! I appreciate you daily….Be the hero of your own story!! PS My birthday is right around the corner, no worries, I will remind you!! <3
LikeLike
Happy Birthday!! Always remember to celebrate the beautiful woman you are!! I know I appreciate you daily….Be the hero of your own story! PS My birthday is right around the corner, but no worries, I will remind you!! <3
LikeLike
LOVE you! you are my fashionista, bright spot in my day friend. There is NO one quite like you.
LikeLike
Happy Birthday Marilyn!!! Thank you for being bold. We all need a little encouragement to be generous sometimes and this was a great way to do it.
LikeLike
Thank you so much Julie!
LikeLike
Alles Gute zum Geburtstag! Thank you for highlighting organizations that are making a difference.
LikeLike
Thank you Ashley!
LikeLike