Brittany McGee

My host-nephew Pablo turned one this month.

One whole year.

When I asked my sister, Greysi, how she felt, she said it seemed like just yesterday that he was born.

And, I know the feeling. It feels like just yesterday I was enjoying the cooling weather in Austin, going out with friends, celebrating my mom’s birthday at Wurstfest, watching football every weekend, spending my last Thanksgiving at home, and rooting for the Longhorns at the Thanksgiving game (while also freezing).

It was a year ago this month (actually, probably Pablo’s birthday) that I was invited to serve as a Peace Corps volunteer in Peru.

While this past year has flown by, and I’ve heard that time only flies as you grow older, I’ve learned to slow down and savor the little moments, like Pablo’s first birthday.

As people packed the front room in my host-mom’s side of the house and took their seats in the chairs along the wall, conversation amongst mothers grew louder and children grew restless waiting for the entertainment to begin. A clown entered the room to music and began the festivities. He had my host-sister walk around the room parading Pablo around and then invited the children to greet Pablo and give him his presents one-by-one (very similar to the receiving line at the Peruvian wedding I went to). The clown then began the activities and led the children through dancing competitions, races, etc. Toys were given to the winners, and candies to those who came in second, third, etc. The clown made jokes that only the moms understood and even tried to engage them in the games. He also brought out his friend Spiderman at one point to help judge a competition.

Three hours later, the piñata was broken—literally broken by hand, not hit with a stick as I’m accustomed to, the cake was eaten, and the goodie bags were given.

While Pablo might not remember his first birthday, I certainly will.