Over the past years, I’ve always wanted to spend my birthdays with the children in the local communities.  So, we packed our bags and flew to Pereira, Colombia, a vibrant city nestled in the heart of the country’s coffee region.

On the day of my birthday, instead of waking up to balloons or breakfast in bed, I found myself walking through the gates of a small local school. The kids had already gathered, their eyes wide with excitement and curiosity.

We spent the day laughing, playing, and celebrating. I had brought along cakes, snacks, and drinks, enough for everyone to enjoy. The children’s joy was infectious. But the real surprise came when I handed out bags filled with clothing and school supplies—items many of them needed but couldn’t always count on having.

The teachers looked on with tears in their eyes, visibly moved. One of them approached me and said softly, “This means more than you know. Thank you.”Celebrating with the schoolchildren in Pereira reminded me that sometimes, the best way to celebrate life is by giving something of yourself to others.

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