"Happy birthday, dear Masley Happy birthday to you."

Friends and family cheered when the song ended, and Masley Pape smiled like he had won the lottery.

Dripping wet, he raised his fork and started to eat his cake.

Those attending the birthday celebration at Castaway Cove Saturday knew it was a different kind of party.

At 10 years old, it was Masley's first birthday party ever.

"He never even knew he had a birthday until he came to the United States," said his new mother, Rhonda Pape.

Masley used to live at an orphanage in strife-torn Haiti. His parents, Rhonda and Terry Pape, fought for two years to adopt Masley and give him a chance at a better life. Finally, in March, they were able to bring him home to Wichita Falls.

His transformation has been rapid, from a shy and quiet newcomer to a life-loving boy He's managed to soak in tons of American culture.

"At first he was so shocked, but now he can just have fun," Rhonda said. "When he really gets the language down, there will be nothing he can't do."

He ran wild at Castaway Cove, trying all the water slides and wrestling with friends in the wave pool. Masley had never seen a water park before, Rhonda said. "He liked it much better than Six Flags. He never wants to go on another roller coaster."

His birthday presents show how much he loves super heroes: Batman, The Incredible Hulk and especially Spider-Man. His cake was painted with Superman.

Most of all, he loves to eat.

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Photo Caption: Masley Pape plays in the wave pool at the new Castaway Cove Saturday during his 10th birthday party. Masley was adopted from a Haitian orphanage by Terry and Rhonda Pape. He has been enjoying life as an American since March.

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Reprinted from the Wichita Falls Times Record News. Article by Matt Terrell. Photo by Harry Tonemah.