Saturday, February 7, 2009

Meet the kids (all in one photo!!)


Well, we're back. What a trip. I am very tired. I didn't sleep more than 2 hours at a time. Our hotel was very nice, but a large rooster lived right behind the hotel. He was very dedicated to his job and began crowing long before the sun was even a thought in the sky. Sometimes he crowed every 45 seconds without fail all day. One day there was an hours long dogfight right outside. Fortunately(?) I was under the weather that night and wasn't sleeping anyway.
Biruk and Hanna are so much fun. They have a go-for-it spirit that has made their transition so far smooth. They were happy to stay in the hotel with us from Sunday on. We spent hours at Hannah's Hope every day, but left for meals and bed. They were sad to leave their friends and vise versa, but most of the kids know that they have family coming soon. Each would point proudly to their chests and say what state they were going to live in. Twin girls to New York, another child to Texas, Michigan, they were proud to be all over the map. The younger kids would run to me with arms out stretched and say, "Auntie, Auntie." It was only natural to pick them up and enjoy kisses and hugs. It was much more difficult to put them down. Not only did they really not want to be put down, I didn't want to let them go.
There is such hope and joy amidst the waiting and wanting. With so little available, there was still so much to share. Hugs, laughs, a flatish soccer ball, gum out of Dad's backpack, it was amazing to see so little go so far.
In the coming days, this blog is going to have a guest writer. Scott is eager to share some of his thoughts and feelings about our trip and about adoption and God's will. I don't know much about what he wants to write, but I do know when he couldn't sleep he would light a candle ( so the kids wouldn't wake up) and write in a journal. It should be interesting to see what he has to say.
I will be sharing pictures and video in the upcoming days, but I am still rather sleep deprived and a bit dizzy. I am going to grab a quick nap.
TTFN- ta ta for now!
Traci

9 comments:

Matthew and Amanda said...

I'm not gonna lie. I've been checking your blog like CRAZY for this pic!! So glad your family is all together. I can't wait to hear more from Scott and see more pics.

Get some rest.

Amanda

Sue said...

So glad to hear from you! Catch up on your sleep!

We have been praying for your family!

Love,

Sue

Renee said...

Good to see you all home. When you more rested I would love to ask if you might have seen my boy. I know Autumn had his photo and info.

Melinda said...

So happy to hear you are home! The kids are beautiful. I wish we could have seen you at the airport, but I wanted to give you and your kids your private time. Call me when you can and I hope you can still come on Friday for our Valentine's party I would love to see the kids before I leave on Satuday.

Cindy said...

It is wonderful that you are home! Love the picture!

Renee said...

Thanks ..I know autumn had his picture and info so i'm hoping when she gets home she will have been able to see him. I know she did post from there that she has held some of the other babies.

Nancy said...

Welcome home! The week sure went fast. So glad you all are together and home at last.

Cock-a-doodle-do! (Sorry, that was funny to read.)

Look forward to hearing from your guest writer.

Babs said...

Wonderful picture! Next time you need to line them up by height :>)
Couldn't believe your luck... a Rooster! Mags and Connor have been asking me EVERY day... "check for our new cousins' pictures!". Now, the question is..."when do we get to meet them and play?". Our door is always open and the pool warm.

So glad everyone is home safe with big smiles. E or call when you grab a chance.

Luv, US

Babs said...
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