Romão's First Birthday

Romão is not a baby, he is our 18 year-old semi-orphan neighbor and
friend and student and helper. And like many Africans, he did not know
his actual birthday... until this year. His official documents claimed
he was born in April 1979. This being clearly inaccurate (i.e. forged
by his uncle whom he lives with), we encouraged him to investigate.
With the incentive of a birthday party, he made the long bicycle trip
to his mother's home to ask her. To the best of her recollection, his
birthday is February 15, so we celebrated. Janet made a cake and we
bought and wrapped some very practical gifts (like soap, school pens
and a small bottle of cooking oil). We had the neighbors over and all
sang Happy Birthday in Portuguese and English. Then Romão made a wish
and blew out his birthday candle (we only gave him one since it was
his first birthday). Even though it was a small event, he was very
happy - he stated that his goal for this year is to study very hard.