18th Birthday Celebrations pt. 1

September 20th, 2012 I turned the big 18! Here in Finland, I think it's a lot bigger of a deal compared to in the states. People really do start to treat you as an adult once you become "legal." At the start of the month I had no plans for my birthday and when coming to Finland I really had no certain expectations as to how my birthday would go. And I have to say that my birthday ended up being way more than I could ever wish for and probably was one of the best that I've had yet. Not only did I have the opportunity to celebrate my birthday on the actual day itself, but also throughout an entire weekend! It was truly incredible.

And so here is the start of it all: Pt. 1

In the morning I woke up to my host family coming in my room and singing "Poljon Onnea Vaan" which is the finnish version of "Happy Birthday to You" and then as soon as they finished that, they sang it in English! 

It was so thoughtful and sweet :) My two younger sisters came and joined me on my bed and they all handed me presents. First, I opened up a birthday package that my real parents had sent me from back at home. 

<--- the big package is what my parents had sent me. They had sent me some things that I had asked for (like some camera gear!) as well as two bags of lucky charms, and my wrapped birthday present. I opened the birthday present on my actual birthday and it was wonderful! They included many misc. things that I love & might find in good use - like my favorite mascara and my favorite pens to write with - also, they gave me money to go shopping with for my birthday! Definitely something I prefer getting while being here ;)  

& then I opened up a birthday package from my host family which had some Finnish candies and this card!