It's times like this that I wish I wrote more eloquently.This morning when we arrived at the Haven we got the news that one of the babies, Kelly, passed away last night. Kelly and her twin, Kelsey, were really tiny. A few days ago we all really noticed that Kelly's breathing was really labored and she was really fussy. Yesterday both girls went to the hospital for the second time in a few days and Kelly just didn't make it. Dr. Weaver talked with us before we even came to Africa that it was a possibility we might be there during the death of one of the babies, but we were all praying it wouldn't happen. It was tough, but we went on a did our morning therapy sessions. I think we all gave a little extra love to the other babies this morning. The babies were extra smiley and quickly cheered us up. Especially when we saw Bennett, who was dressed in a pink bear suit! We never know what crazy outfits these babies will be in.After lunch, we all loaded up in Red Fred (Khaki Jackie was in Lusaka picking up Carrie Tullos) and it was an experience. He was not all he's cracked up to be! He sure looks cool, but it took a few tries putting it in first gear just to get out of our driveway. Luckily we made it to the Haven safely! We had to wait for the family to get back from Kalomo for the burial, so we ended up having about an hour to just love on the babies. No therapy, just love. It was much needed! When everyone arrived, we walked out behind the Haven for the burial. The preacher from the church here on the mission spoke and said a few prayers (all in Tongan). While the men took turns shoveling the dirt back onto the grave, the women sang hymns. It was so hard and we all cried, even though we know Kelly is in Jesus' arms now. We are all praying that this is the only burial we have to have this summer. We love all of these babies so much.

When we made it back home, the Tulli had returned from Lusaka with Mrs. Carrie. We all greeted Ian with a "happy birthday!" because today is his 13th birthday! He was so excited. For his "party" we drove out to Jordan's Rock and roasted hot dogs and ate homemade guacamole! It was a lot of fun. This little rock is literally in the middle of the bush. We watched the sun go down and right at sunset, we surprised Ian. We had brought our speakers and played "Circle of Life" while Dr. Tullos held Ian up like Simba. It was hilarioussss and Ian couldn't stop laughing. Then we had cake and roasted marshmallows as the sun continued to set. It was beautiful! Perfect ending to a long day. We mourned death and celebrated life. It really is the circle of life.

On Jordan's Rock! Love you babe!

Simba... or Ian!

Gorgeous sunset to end the day... look closely- you can see the first star of the night!

This morning, I woke up (but still pretended to be sleeping) to a giggling Kaylee and Lacey decorating the house for my birthday. Pink streamers were everywhere along with a "happy birthday" banner and a note signed by everyone taped to my mosquito net. Everyone gave me a sweet birthday greeting, let me go first at breakfast, and thanked God for me in the prayer.

Then we went to the Haven. And I totally forgot it was even my birthday! This morning was a little rough. We were all tired and the toddlers could tell so they all seemed to see how far they could push us today. When it was finally time to change houses, we had a good little heart to heart with Marja. She prayed a really sweet prayer for us and the day just got better from then on.This picture is from a few days ago. This is one of the aunties at Haven 3... in a camp shirt! Love it!This is Bright. He is ridiculous. But he's one of the oldest kids at the Haven and he's trying to be a good helper during our language lessons.This is our beautiful supervisor, Marja- complete with chitange'd baby!

For lunch we had soft tacos with rice and they were FANTASTIC. We all decided we felt like we were at a really good Mexican restaurant and we were totally alright with that. We probably all ate a little too much. This afternoon went by so fast. At Haven 1, I was in the room with the "Lost Boys"- Peter, Jack, Ross Cochran, and Shawn Daggett. For those of you who don't know, Ross and Shawn were named after two men from Searcy who have previously been to Zambia for the HIZ program. Shawn Daggett has been one of my Bible teachers at Harding, and Ross Cochran has been my boss the past two summers! They are great men and it's no onder there are two precious boys here named after them. Those 4 boys are hilarious. They all have goofy little personalities and we all just love them! I had so much fun with them and the afternoon flew by.

When we moved to Haven three, we had a little scare. Sidney, a twin who was TB exposed and a big part of our feeding group, wasn't able to coordinate her breathing and swallowing. Every time the girls who are doing dysphagia this week tried to feed Sidney, she would cough and sputter and choke. Caroline was pretty shaken by it because she knew something was not right. Sidney coughs a lot, but she hasn't been having difficulty eating. Concerns were expressed to the aunties and Sidney was sent to the clinic. We found out at dinner time that Sidney has pneumonia right now and this afternoon during the feeding group she was having an asthma attack. So please keep little Sidney in your prayers this week!

For dinner tonight we had Ramen noodles. They were delish. It was really nice to have something really hot to eat with some broth since we've all had sore throats. Plus it was COLD outside today! Not freezing, but chilly. When dinner was winding down, DT was walking around with his camera being strange and making comments about some weird Zambian traditions. Then they brought a cake out and all sang Happy Birthday to me! Leonard labeled my cake "Happy Birthday cake for you"... so funny. But B Weave said it was the most decorated cake she has ever seen of Leonard's so I should be proud! After cake and ice cream, we came home for a quick round of Zumba. Now we have the rest of the night to relax! Overall, I'd say it's been a pretty decent birthday ;)