birthday wishes!

I was out of town for the past few days, and when I returned, I had a birthday package waiting for me from my parents! When living abroad, packages literally are the highlight of the day (and maybe event the week), and so naturally, I was very excited to open it. 

The handmade birthday card and the smiley-face balloon are pretty awesome, huh? Yep, I thought so too when I saw them. To make things better, at the bottom of the box, I found a Chinese red envelope! For those of you who are Chinese or are familiar with Chinese traditions, you know that a red envelope is a very good thing, because a red envelope is always meant for gifting money...                         

...or so I thought. I opened my envelope excitedly, thinking about the endless possibilities one could do with some extra cash, but instead of finding money, I found a card with a Bible verse on it.  Needless to say, slightly disappointing. Oh well. At least it was a good verse: The Lord will guide you always; he will satisfy your needs and will strengthen your fame. Isaiah 58:11. Perhaps I'll have better luck with the red envelope next year.  =)

Anyway, with a box full of delightful treats from America, I couldn't be happier! Thanks mom and dad for thinking about me!