The Fitzgerald Family: Abandoned to a Call: Day 15- Last day in Haiti and our return home

As I reflect on our last day in Haiti, my heart is flooded with many emotions. Yesterday, we spent the morning with the boys, enjoying our time together. About an hour before we were to leave, we sat down with the boys and a sweet new friend (who was kind enough to translate for us) to explain that we would be back as soon as possible to take them home. They agreed that they understood as they sat solemnly in our laps.

After a little walk with the boys and a sweet time of prayer with our friends at the creche, it was time to leave for the airport. It was a heart wrenching, tearful goodbye, but after the experience we had with the boys, there is no way to doubt that God has a perfect plan.

The business of the airport was a distraction from my sadness. I began to focus on seeing Molly and Lincoln, who we missed so much. On the first flight I settled in and felt ok, until I leaned my head over on Joey's shoulder and took a deep breath. With that deep breath I could smell our sweet boys, and my heart was so sad. Sad they weren't in our laps, sad that we had to leave them behind, but hopeful that our time apart will be short, and thankful that they are in such a wonderful creche. I haven't talked much about the staff of C4C, but they are wonderful. I can't express our appreciation for the care that they provide our children. A and C know what it means to love and care for others and that is because it is modeled for them. They respect the "Ma-mas" and "Pa-Pas" in their lives.

We had a significant layover in Fort Lauderdale, which made Joey very antsy. We were both very ready to see Molly and Linc. We found out that our layover was extended by an hour which put us arriving in Jacksonville close to midnight. I'm thankful for wonderful parents who cared for our kids and brought them to pick us up at that crazy hour of the night! It was so wonderful to see them. We arrived home around 2:30 to a spotless house (thank you Mom and Becca!!) and a sweet surprise from some friends. We are so blessed by the people God has placed in our lives.

It is nice to be home. It will be nicer when we are ALL home and our forever family is united. Until that page of our story is written, we will have faith in our good Father. The God, who created the world and has provided the means of salvation through Jesus Christ's death and resurrection is the author of this story, and with that knowledge, we are provided with hope. It was not easy to walk away. I wanted to bring them home and tuck them in tonight. I want them to be playing soccer with Molly and Linc this week. I want our family united now, but I know that God's plan is perfect, and it is our job to use this time to prepare to be exactly what they will need when they join us as a forever family. This trip allowed us to bond with our precious boys, gain some insight into what life will be like soon, and make connections that will last a lifetime with people who are walking the same path. God is good and faithful. We are able to love because He first loved us.