The birthday boy!

So tired. I am writing this post while laying in bed at 2:30 am....oops. Well today at midnight was the start of Ryan's birthday and also at midnight US played Portugal in the World Cup. Naturally we had to stay up for this game. Finding a bar in Muizenberg to stay open for this game was a little bit challenging. After asking around we found a bar and pretty much set up camp for a long time. We were there plenty early waiting for the start. Little did Ryan know I had a small surprise up my sleeve. We have gotten to know this local man who lives in Muizenberg names Jean. He is originally from the Congo but now lives here. He is probably a couple years older than me and is trying to put himself through engineering school. He also is a model and actually has been in Nike commercials. We know Jean through other volunteers that have been here for longer. He is one of the nicest, kind-hearted people ever. He is constantly helping volunteers with rides or anything they may need.

On Friday evening he was out with us at a bar and Jean and I were hanging out. He confirmed with me that Monday is Ryan's birthday. (Ryan must have told him at some point)  We talked about how we should do something special for him! Jean's idea was to get Ryan a personalized birthday cake! He said he would have no problem going to Checkers, a local grocery store, to order one and they would be able to make it very  nice. 

Earlier in the day I saw Jean at a meat market that we went to. He was so excited about the cake! It was so sweet.

He then told me that Checkers in Muizenberg was unable to do it because they need at least 1 week notice. So he ordered the cake from this special bakery in downtown Cape Town. It was sooooo nice of him. He mentioned that after the meat market, he was going to drive to Cape Town and get it! I felt so bad that he was inconvenienced to go get this so myself and another friend, Niome, went with Jean.  

Then we waited around till midnight to serve the cake and sing to Ryan! We were surrounded by about 10 friends! Ryan was completely suprised and LOVED it! It was so great! 

Little dark but this is Jean!! So sweet!