Today, April 8th, is Mama Lucy’s birthday.

In Tanzania, birthdays aren’t quite the production they are here in the US. Maybe there will be a cake baked. Perhaps cards given.

But, if I know Mama Lucy, there will be no pause, no expensive celebration. There will be plenty of joy, the kind she creates every day, hopeful anticipation of the year ahead, and gratitude for the year past. After all, since her last birthday, under her leadership and with your investment, Mama Lucy’s school has become the top school in its district and has nearly tripled in size.

It’s clear that she’s got something to celebrate…and I’m hoping you’ll help. I’m asking you to send your own happy birthday message to Mama Lucy in the comments below or directly on Facebook, and pledge to celebrate your birthday in honor of Mama Lucy and the children of Shepherds Junior school. Here’s how:

1. Wish Mama Lucy a “Happy Birthday”. Mama Lucy recently joined Facebook!! Follow her here & post a “Happy Birthday” note on Mama Lucy’s wall today to welcome her.
2. Pledge to celebrate your own birthday in Mama Lucy’s honor. Set up a birthday cause to benefit Epic Change on Facebook. Then, on your birthday this year, instead of gifts, just ask friends and family to contribute an amount equivalent to your age (i.e., 30 years=$30). It’s easy – and it really does feel better to give than to receive! Just:
   • Add the Causes application to your Facebook page and select Epic Change as your cause.
   • Visit the birthday cause page and follow the three simple steps.
3. Become a fan of Epic Change on Facebook.If you’re not already a fan, visit our Facebook fan page, then just click on the “Become a fan” link.

Not a Facebook user? Jot a “happy birthday” note in the comments below and, if you’d like, share the date of your birthday and pledge to celebrate it this year on behalf of Mama Lucy and the children of Shepherds Junior.  Or, become one of nearly 200 million Facebook users then follow the steps above – it’s easy and takes just a couple minutes.

I can imagine no more perfect gift for a woman who gives it all away to celebrate your own birthday in her honor by giving rather than receiving.

And from me, on a personal note…happy birthday, Mama Lucy. I wish I could be there to bake you a cake, give you a hug and sit with you over chai to reflect on what a truly beautiful year you’ve created. I love you, and am so very proud to call you my friend. I hope every birthday wish you make this year comes true…and, as we have this year, together we’ll pour our hearts out in hope and hard work to make sure that they do. Sit today. Rest. Get ready for an even brighter year ahead, and celebrate all that your life has made possible.