Derrick's Birthday Party

by Ari Esteban

Last Sunday night, Derrick’s parents, Pastor GP and Auntie Mee Yoke, gave him a party to celebrate his “coming of age” (a.k.a. rite of passage or bar mitzvah). He actually turned 13 last August 9, but there were stuff coming up so, yeah, they changed it to August 23. His family and friends came to celebrate.

Giving thanks and saying grace before eating

 Food galore!

Young ladies (L-R): Ari, Jenny, Brenda

Derrick's classmates

Moms (L-R): Pansy, Mee Yoke, Lyn, Flor, Vicky, Myla, Ida, Cindy

After a dee-lish (I mean, delicious) dinner, everyone gathered to watch Derrick open his gifts and to listen to his loved ones and friends say their encouragements, prayers and blessings for him.  Oh and prophecies too.

Dad - harp clock: Time is precious,  passion to excel in music, #7 stands for perfection

Mom - water tumbler: Grow in God's words

Brother David - earphone: Listen when God talks

Cousin Janie - notepad: Gods loves you always

Cousin Jason - sheep CD holder: A shepherd leads the flock and is caring

Auntie Lyn - blanket: God is your blanket, run to Him for covering

Uncle Nat - slipper: Everything begins with a 1st step, know the truth

Pastor Jojo - slipper, again: A new phase in life, discover who God is

Uncle Rommel - pen: Sign up for righteousness, make a mark in God's kingdom

Pastor Joule - different currencies: Conquer nations (he's passing the baton to Derrick☺)

Auntie Cindy - socks, ruler, salt:Guard your walk,walk straight, bright living

Pastor John - money: Godly character and good looks can only get you so far
( money can get you farther, haha...meant to be a joke)

Auntie Pansy - basket of fruits: fruit of the Spirit, with responsibility comes blessings

Auntie Joyce - ang pow: Love of money is the root of evil, use it wisely.
(The dad shared that when Derrick was 2 years old he went to her Child Care)

Auntie Ida prophesying to Derrick

After that, we also had BLUEBERRY CHEESE CAKE! which I totally love and I took the last piece too. Everyone enjoyed themselves at the party and I’m sure Derrick did too ☺. 

Derrick and family

Happy Birthday, Derrick!!!