We boarded the plane in Port-Au-Prince on Saturday (July 29) to fly to Miami. In Miami, we turned in the final paper work to immigration and let me just say I was happy to have it out of my hands! We were so blessed to have gracious people at every stage of our homecoming.
It is important for us to remember that while our trip to Haiti ended when we landed in Miami, the boys journey to their new home was just beginning. So while I was thrilled to see American restaurants and hear lots of conversations I could understand...they were entering a world of firsts. I can't say enough how they handled themselves like champions. They took in everything they could. We learned a lot about them by watching them see so many firsts. We learned what their true excitement looks like. We learned what "I'm going to try to smile, but I'm really scared" looks like.
We saw them be sad and reflective.
We stayed in Miami on Saturday night and got up really early on Sunday morning to board our final plane for Jacksonville where we would meet up with some of our precious family and friends.There are not enough words for how much we appreciate them and their support of our family. After we were given such a warm reception at the airport we started our trip home as a family of 6!
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| YES! My mom and I are dressed alike. No...we didn't plan it :-) |
Thank you Theresa for being there to capture these moments and for making this awesome video!!!
Thank you Becky for being there to video! We LOVE you guys!!!
Reflections from the first week home:
- 4 kids eat a lot and make a lot of noise (mostly good) :-)
-Molly and Lincoln have made an amazing adjustment to their brothers
-Everyone is eating and sleeping great! (with the exception of one night)
-In the week they have been home, Agendo and Chancely have made excellent progress.
-The creche in Haiti gave Agendo and Chancely a great foundation.
-Agendo is ready to be at school with Molly and Lincoln (we plan for him to start this week!!)
-God has shown me much grace in my lifetime and I should be so gracious to my children.
-My kids have an awesome dad and I have a pretty great husband!
-I have to work out side of my home soon and do everything I have done for 4 kids this week. :-/
-We couldn't ask for better friends and family who have shown so much love and support for our family.
I could not begin to share all of the blessings we have received from friends and family and (in some cases) complete strangers. Many have given time, finances, words of encouragement, etc. to our family and for that we will forever be thankful.
God gave us a task and He has been faithful to see us complete the first part of this process. I have no doubt that He will continue to be faithful to our family as we seek to serve Him with our lives. Our greatest desire is that all 4 of our children know Jesus personally and have a desire to serve Him with their lives.
Please pray for what I'm sure will be some difficult times of growth in our family's future. Pray that as parents we can focus on the gifts of our children as individuals and help them overcome their struggles. Pray that Joey and I will continue to grow in our relationship so that we can exemplify a godly marriage to our children. Pray that we disciple our children to be true followers of Christ.
I hope this is not my last post in what has been a 3.5 year journey. It is my desire to continue to share what God is doing in the life of our family, so that He can receive the glory that is due.
