Aram's 4th...no wait 3rd Birthday!

No one here really keeps track of their age. They usually know their birth year, but not the month and day. Also they count it up funny from the birth year. So Aram was born in 2007...so they say...well he's 4 now! 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010....I'm thinking...wait...really? was he 1 when he was born? So tried to teach them to subtract 7 from 10...hence 3...but I only got blank stares. Whatever...they say he's 4...but between us he's 3! I knew he wouldn't get a party because they are still in the mourning stage and aren't allowed to do such things, nor do they really for most kids. But Zilan loves our parties, so if I planned the party it was okay. She helped me make most of the race car cake that she picked out though. She did such a great job and was so proud of herself.

We even had races on chalk race tracks.

Bevin and I got in on the action...but she cheated!

Passing out water balloons!

Nazila and Lavine looking on...Nazila isn't allowed to look like she is enjoying herself. It's such an odd part of the culture to me. I think she was enjoying it. I know she is sad though and it reminds her of her loss at times like this, but the parents often don't think of their children first. They think of themselves first...I love Nazila, but this look on her face is so selfish to me. She can't even be happy for her little son. It's an unredeemed look though, so it hurts me for her. One day there will be true joy in her eyes.

Zilan lighting the cake and we all sang to him.

Mr. Josh bought the coolest toy for him and all the kids gathered around waiting for him to assemble it.

2 things about this picture: 1 is Lavine trying on Bevin's dangly earrings! She loves beautiful girly things. 2. I am looking straight at Zilan...i love this moment because she is telling me about her dream in this picture. I am so happy. i love that girl. i love both of these girls. I don't anticipate our time ending here any time soon, but I know that it will sooner or later and I am already dreading leaving behind these girls. I cannot bear the thought. It brings tears to my eyes even now. But I know they will be carrying the good news by then and have a purpose to carry it on!

a parting shot of the little model!