Day 82: Sarah’s Bday!! (11/4/19)

One thing you must know about my Team Leader Sarah Beaver: she loves, loves, LOVES her birthday. It is her utmost favorite holiday, and she is obsessed with it. Today marks 23 years of living for her, and as the birthday planners, Ellie and I did not wanna disappoint. On our day off a couple weeks ago, Sarah and I talked about what she wanted for her birthday. Her priorities were Mass, Adoration, spending time with the team, and getting a surprise. With this in mind, we also had to plan to arrive at St. Augustine School in Washington DC by 4:00pm as our only obligation. Well since we had to be in DC, we thought the best place to go for all of this is the National Basilica downtown!! So the day began with the sisters going out for breakfast, as the brothers stayed back and packed the trailer. At around 10:00am we picked up the ladies from their breakfast spot, and headed downtown. When we got close, we blindfolded her to keep it a surprise. When we arrived, we unblinded her, and despite her not being surprised, she was extremely appreciative. Then we headed inside into the crypt chapel for Adoration and Mass. After lunch, all was left to do was surprise her with something. Our idea: a Marian Chapel Scavenger Hunt! In the National Basilica, there are many mini chapels on both floors, many of them include a statue of Mama Mary or something to commemorate our great Mother. So the night before, Roni and I created riddles for the Scavenger Hunt, and each member of the team took a chapel and waited for her to arrive, so they can give her an affirmation card and pray over her. At the end, she would arrive at the Chapel of Missionaries, where we would all pray over her. It didnt go according to exact plan: When we sat her in the Crypt Chapel, I placed the note next to her. She never noticed it though, and began praying a divine mercy chaplet while she waited for something to happen. I found her 10 minutes later in the same spot, and then she began going. Eventually it all worked out, which im really glad about. After, we arrived at St. Augustine School, where we stayed at the top floor of the rectory office. There was a rooftop view along with a first floor chapel, where we did team prayer after bringing in all the luggage. Finally, we finished the day with pizza and driving to Menchie’s for some good frozen yogurt. It was a successful first birthday, and Im excited for planning the rest of the team’s birthdays!. . . As for Sarah, if you ever read this, just know I love you so much. Thanks for all the adventures thus far and leading this team closer together and to God. You are such an incredible woman of God, and there is no one else I want as my Team Leader besides you. You are a gift! Thanks for sharing it with me, I am forever grateful.