MY BIRTHDAY SPEECH

First of all, I am happy to have every one of you with me here today. I really cannot fathom the extent to which I have grown with all of you supporting me and being at my side every single moment. It is like I found another family over here, and indeed that is true; however, before we proceed, happy birthday to me! One of my friends informed me that there is no love without loving yourself first because we transfer what is within us to those around us. Therefore the birthday wishes to me first. I made sure that I was the first to tell myself happy birthday; however, that did not work since I found my best friend had already done it for me. It taught me that in as much as it is beautiful to love oneself, we could only genuinely love ourselves through other people, and therefore, the best thing is what you have given me, true love, seeing yourselves through the love you have offered me.

From the time I came to the United States till today, life has been a great teacher. I had difficult days at first, and that is when I met some of you, so kind and so concerned that I almost thought this is not the United States I had heard of every time I listened to people talk about the west. From then I enrolled in school, and I even met more of you. Each of you brought into my life by chance and opportunity with a specific purpose, and I thank nature for placing me here today, whereby I firmly believe I am standing among the best of the best. You are my family, and you are part of who I am. I thank you so much, and I will never forget every one of you wherever I go.

Please feel free in the house, and let us enjoy ourselves. We need this for our memories since when everything is gone and those we love to vanish, we can only hold onto memories and keep them closer. I do not want ever to forget you. If you have any concerns or are stranded, please feel free to ask and let this be your home until the celebration is over and even later—cheers to more lovely days of friendship.