The Return

I am back in Jacksonville now, and have been for 26 days. Things have been non-stop busy and I am just now getting a chance to write. 

The trip back with 3 little ones by myself went really well. 

We left our house around 2:00 in the afternoon on the 23rd. Goodbyes were sad. It was hard to say goodbye to the ladies that have become such close friends. It was sad to leave the kids that my kids loved. It was sad to say goodbye to the Ugandans that we had seen every day for over a month and developed relationships with. It was sad to be leaving the country my son is from, and my heart has fallen in love with. It was just plain sad. (Don't let the smiles in the pictures fool you- haha)

Our WONDERFUL driver. Andrew preferred him to me. He would pick us up whenever we needed and went above and beyond to help us. He loved us well. We all miss him a lot.

This is the lady that took care of the guest houses we were in. She was SO sweet and did way more than I'm sure her job description required. Andrew loved her too! Apparently not here though...haha

Our next stop was the US Embassy. The boys waited in the car with our driver and I went in to pick up Jonathan's passport, visa, and packet of paperwork for customs in America. It all went smoothly and then we drove to the airport. The airport is a while outside of the city we stayed in. The boys did good even though it was right in the middle of nap time that we started our whole adventure! Andrew fell asleep standing up on the seat and laying on my arm. Crazy kid. 

Matthew was my helper. He did SO great. We started with him trying to pull our carry on. That didn't work so well so eventually he ended up pushing Andrew in the stroller. 

We got to the airport really early. We needed to make sure we didn't get stuck in holiday traffic, or random Ugandan traffic jams. We made it in PLENTY of time and had to wait in a waiting room for a while. Our driver left to go home and be with his family for Christmas and I was going to have to find a way to make the transition with all of our stuff from waiting room to check in. 

We made a friend in the airport that helped me with our big cart of luggage which was much needed. I don't think there would've been any way for me to push a cart filled with suitcases, pull a suitcase that didn't fit on the cart, and wrangle Matthew while he pushed Andrew in a third world umbrella stroller. The girl was from Denmark and very sweet. We made it through customs to leave easily. We had heard that we could be given some trouble at this point, but we had very nice people and made it through without any problems, ugly comments, or smirks (by them :)) We got a little snack (since we hadn't eaten since lunch and it was now around 7 at night. After our snack and diaper changes we packed back up and headed to the bathroom for Matthew and I. The bathroom trip went pretty smooth with everyone, and I only saw the cockroach of my trip there. After that we went through security (AGAIN for some reason...)and were waiting for our plane. While we were waiting I changed everyone into their pjs so that hopefully we could all fall asleep right away. Our flight took off at 12:30 so we were all REALLY tired. The flight attendants moved us to a row with an extra seat which was AMAZING because then everyone had room to lay down next to me. The boys slept A LOT this flight which was really good because they needed it, and it was a long flight. I'm not sure how I would've entertained them that long on my own. There was some turbulence at the end of the flight that got both Matthew and I sick, but as soon as we used our handy little paper bags we were good to go!

When we got to Brussells we went through security AGAIN! We had a little situation of Matthew and Andrew falling down on an escalator because there was NO elevator to be found for us and our stroller, suitcase, and three children. A man ran DOWN the escalator to help scoop them up which was a GOD send.

We made it to our gate again and waited a while. The boys had a chance to run around and we got some more snacks and did diaper changes. We boarded our plane finally and they had a bassinet for the floor for Jonathan which was really helpful because we didn't have the extra seat this time. The boys played a little, watched more movies, and slept again. It was another good flight. I cried as our wheels touched down in Newark. I whispered to Jonathan, "welcome to America." It overwhelmed me that my son was now on American soil. We got off the airplane quickly in Newark because I knew I was going to have to do customs which would take a while. We had 3 hours in Newark. When we went through customs we had to give our packet of papers from the embassy to the agent. He handed them to a police officer who took us to another room where we waited. I saw a man looking through the papers and then he called my name. I had no idea what I was supposed to do, but when I got to the counter he handed me Jonathan's passport and told me I could go. I was in shock that I didn't need to do anything, and just like the embassy...that was it. No confetti...nothing. :) We headed to baggage claim to get our bags and recheck them. I found a guy that worked there to help me, because if not I still would've been in Newark at baggage claim trying to figure out how to get my children and my bags where they needed to be. After that was done we had to catch a train to another terminal. Worst idea ever for someone traveling with 3 little ones. It went pretty well. As we walked around the corner I saw that we got to go through security AGAIN! I mean seriously... the amount of times I went through security for NEVER once having left the airport was RIDICULOUS! Each time I had to take the boys tennis shoes off and put them back on with Jonathan in the carrier. I also had to get out our liquids and my laptop and fold up the stroller. Absurd. The guy at the LAST security point I went through told me that the boys didn't have to take off their shoes... after they were off and I had done it a million times. I just laughed to keep from crying and moved on. We made it to our gate 12 minutes before they boarded. I had promised Matthew chicken nuggets, but we didn't have time. I felt bad, and he had a melt down, but I was not about to miss our flight to Jacksonville for some chicken nuggets. :)

The plane to Jacksonville was a little one. Matthew sat on one side of the isle with a stranger who was very kind to him, and Andrew, Jonathan and I were on the other side. Everyone was exhausted and fell asleep (except me). When we landed I could hardly wake up the boys. They were GONE! We had to gate check all of our stuff so the airline just sent it to baggage claim since it was our last stop which was really nice. 

As we walked SLOWLY (sleepy kids don't move fast) through the airport in Jacksonville my mind was racing. We had made it!! Traveling from Africa to America with 3 little ones had happened! We were all alive and not too bad actually. I was excited to see Adam. I was wondering if anyone would have ventured out on Christmas Eve to welcome us home at the airport. I was in awe of the fact that God had written THIS story for us from before time began...and how I think He's a little crazy and A LOT faithful. 

As we rounded the corner and I saw Adam I started to cry. I cried because I knew I was finally not on my own anymore, and crying was okay because there was someone there to step in for me. I also cried because behind Adam was a big group of people that had come to welcome us home and to meet our little boy! Some of my favorite faces were there and ones that have walked different aspects of this journey with me. People I needed to see as encouragement to my worn out body and mind! They had balloons, signs, smiles, hugs, sweet words, and even a dozen chocolate frosted Dunkin Donuts. This may come as no surprise to you, but I'm crying writing this. What you all did that came to the airport on a night that is usually spent in tradition with families will never be forgotten by this mamas heart. Thank you. My sweet friend Carrie took pictures...here are some of them.

Sweet friends.

Waiting for us...

This little boy missed his daddy!

Truth.

 Meeting Pops

 Enjoying his donut. :)

 Some of Matthew's friends that were there.

 When we finally made it home that night, my house was decorated for Christmas thanks to some friends.

 Cutest little tree ever.

From friends who couldn't be at the airport. By the way this has not moved since we've been home. I love it and have no idea what else to do with it. :)

Our sweet boy's first night at home.

Adam had cleaned. Amy made us a DELICIOUS Christmas Eve dinner. My house seemed like it was fit for a queen after living in Africa. I couldn't get over how nice it was. :) After the boys went to bed Adam's family helped wrap Christmas presents that had traveled to Africa and back for the boys. I finally got a shower and collapsed into bed. It was so soft. The mattress in Uganda was...well...not so soft. I was out before I knew it...Adam said I was saying some funny things but I hardly even remember laying down. The boys slept to a decent time the next morning and we got up to celebrate Christmas!! Talk about a crazy return, but I think it was just what I needed. If the day after getting home had been normal I think I would've had a hard time. My heart was sad to leave Africa, so celebration was a good thing to come home to. One of my FAVORITE Christmas traditions is reading the Christmas story. After Matthew's first year Adam and I talked about how it needed to be more kid-like so it wasn't above their heads. Adam came up with something wonderful we have done for a few years now that I LOVE. He reads the story and we all play different parts. The kids love it and it helps them interact and pay attention instead of only staring at the presents waiting for them. :)

 Christmas day was great. It was fun to just be with family again. I also spent part of the day packing because the day after Christmas we drove to my parents house in North Carolina. This really helped with my jet-lag because every day around 3 in the afternoon I wanted to crawl into bed, but because there was family and fun things to do it kept me going! Not one single nap! :) It was so good to be with my family. Aunts, Uncles, Cousins, Grandparents...everyone came. It was fun to have them meet Jonathan and to have some excitement to return home to...not just normal days. My brother who graduated this December with a degree in photography was there so...why not get a picture of all 5 of us together?! Thanks Max!

When we got home my sweet small group leader had cleaned the house again and stocked us up with groceries...and gotten me flowers. :) It was another wonderful surprise that helped my heart! Thanks Janet! I have been trying to get settled since being home. I'm not sure laundry has been caught up on yet fully. We seemed to have lots of doctors appointments, figuring out how to finalize the adoption here, home study visits etc. since being back. One thing I don't like about America is the pace of life and I feel like despite my plan ahead efforts to not get sucked up into it...we are right in the midst of it. I'm trying to figure out the balance. One of my favorite things about Africa was my NEED to abide in the Lord...and the opportunities to do that. I feel like in America I can have a comfortable enough life without NEEDING God moment by moment (false...but how I feel sometimes) and a busy enough schedule to not be able to have that time even when I want it. I am trying not to get frustrated...instead trying to figure out how to make my desires a reality. Part of the reason I felt like my heart was most at home in Africa was because I abided in the Lord...and that is how it should be...so no surprise I felt FULL! I'm thankful for that time away to make me realize that, and I'm thankful that God will teach me how to do that here in America as well. 

Today is the day that we should've been returning home with the original tickets we had purchased. I have thought every day since being home that I was still supposed to be in Africa...and I have missed it. Today has been pretty hard knowing that from now on I won't be able to think that...and accepting that I am home now and Africa is a LONG way away. I am thankful to be reunited with friends and family here. I am also grateful for a husband who is understanding of me even when he doesn't understand me sometimes. Third culture kids are complicated...and me getting to live in Africa a while opened that up a little again. Here are a few pictures of Jonathan. It's crazy that I can post as many as I want now...watch out world. :)

Just a quick note that I don't have time to go into right now...WOW- this kid is growing and developing SO rapidly!! He can sit up, eat food, want mommy over other people, enjoy bath time, cry when he wakes up...all of these are miracles I celebrate daily!! 

 Grandma Great

 Grandma

 With my cousin...

 These boys have my heart...I'm nervous for their teenage years.

 Granny-great

 Getting used to a car seat pretty well I'd say...

Thank you for all of your prayers while we traveled. God heard and answered. I'm thankful for you and your support of our family. We feel so loved!

Whirlwind to Christmas

So we got our passport on Monday. Tuesday morning I called IOM to see if we could drop of the papers for Jonathan and get an appointment for him to get his medical done. They said to come in at 10 to drop of papers AND do the medical. I only had about 30 minutes to get everyone ready! We went to IOM and it went well. He passed and the file was going to be sent to the US Embassy the next morning. As soon as I got home from IOM I emailed the embassy to see if I could get an appointment for Wednesday to drop of my paperwork to them. You have to be paperwork ready before they schedule a visa interview for you. They told me that I could come in Wednesday at 11:30 for my paperwork! They said that if my paperwork was ready I would probably be able to get an interview that afternoon. AMAZING! When you have a visa interview- if you are granted a visa then it takes two days to process. Once you have the visa you can leave the country. It is the final step. That means if it works out- my visa would be ready on the Friday the 20th! They only do interviews on Monday and Wednesday so Wednesday was my last chance to get a visa in time for being home for Christmas!



Tuesday night I was a ball of nerves. I had already been running like crazy for 2 days straight with passport and IOM. Now I had to make sure my paperwork was in order- and my mind started to drift to all sorts of what-ifs about being home for Christmas no matter how hard I tried not to! I talked with Adam about it and called my parents to let them know. When I was talking to them I got really excited. As soon as I hung up I got an email from the embassy saying that all appointments for Wednesday were cancelled because of the unrest in Sudan. They would let us know when they were rescheduled. I instantly felt like I was going to throw up. SO close to being home for Christmas. I cried and went to bed. Each night before I go to sleep I've been reading my Bible and a devotional book I've brought. The book has been so perfect each day for what I need. That night the verse for the day was 1 Thessalonians 5:24, "Faith is He who calls you, and He also will bring it to pass." The devotion part made no sense to me, but God's word was all I needed. I laid in bed and said that verse over and over in my mind. I had to tell myself that God's will was going to be done, and I needed to get myself to a place to accept whatever that may be. I needed to choose then to be joyful no matter what the outcome. I want God's will over my own. I didn't sleep much. I kept waking up to check my email to see if somehow they had changed their minds. All I got was junk mail. I woke up early and just laid in bed with my mind racing. When I heard the boys awake I decided to check my email one last time. The embassy had sent an email saying they weren't needed to help with Sudan anymore so please still come in for my appointment! PANIC AGAIN! I scrambled to get the driver here and kids taken care of. Thankfully I got to the appointment on time and my friend watched the kids. I spent all day at the office making sure the paperwork was ready and filling things out exactly how they needed them. My paperwork was NOT ready though. By the time we were done looking through all of it they realized they had never sent me a code for one of the forms that is supposed to be filled out online. It was too late in the day to get it done. I was so deflated. I knew this was the last day for me to get a visa in time to be home for Christmas. If I wasn't going to be home for Christmas I didn't really care about the rush at all. The lady told me that they would be willing- if I could get the form filled out to have an interview for me on Thursday at 2:00. A non-interview day! MIRACLE! Off I sped out of the embassy to fill out the form and make sure one more time that everything was accounted for in my paperwork. They said that if I had the interview then the visa would be ready on the 23rd. YIKES! Christmas was still a possibility. You guys- my emotions and nerves have been out of control in a way I have NEVER experienced before.



As I looked through my papers last night over and over I realized that I had a copy of Adam's passport, but not a notarized one which is what I needed for embassy. We didn't plan on any of this happening this fast at all so we figured he would be back here with the original passport with him. Panic set in again. It would be so sad to be so close and miss out on all of this because I didn't have a notarized copy of the passport! I went to bed planning to call our lawyer in the morning to see if he had one on file. I slept for probably 15 minutes last night. And as soon as I feel asleep I got a nose bleed. Seriously...so annoying! This stress is doing all sorts of strange things to my body. I knew the office didn't open until 8 so when I felt like it wasn't too ridiculously early I got out of bed. I checked the clock about every 30 seconds until 7:45. Then I called the lawyer's secretary and asked if they had what I needed on file. THEY DID! I called our social worker and asked her to bring it to me ASAP! So now all the paperwork was in order! It would just be up to the interview. I thought that when I reached that point my nerves would die down. WRONG! I constantly felt like I was going to throw up and just fall over. The level of nervousness is something I can't even explain. The morning crawled by and I did a HUGE load of laundry and hoped it would take my mind off of things a bit...nope...not at all. But I did get laundry done. :)



The driver finally showed up and Jonathan and I were off. SUPER FRIENDS watched the boys AGAIN! The traffic on the way to the embassy was insane. Each passing second my nerves got worse. When I arrived at the embassy I went through the security process, which I am very familiar with now after being there so many times and going in and out (you can't take electronics in so any time I needed to make a call etc I had to go out and go through the whole process again). As I walked up the path to the office I said out loud, "Thank you Jesus for all you have already done." Then I started crying and couldn't go on. The amount of blessings that flooded my mind from this whole journey overwhelmed me and I knew that I have reason to worship Him, even if this situation doesn't turn out how I would hope. I got up to the room and waited. There are 4 telephone booth type rooms connected to the waiting room with standing only room and a high shelf that you stand at. I have memorized everything about that room after the hours I've spent in it the past 2 days. They finally called me to make sure my paperwork was in order. IT WAS! PRAISE GOD! Then they called me to pay after waiting a while longer. Then I had to sit some more. No one else was in the room other than the guard, because it wasn't a normal interview day. I was singing Great Is Thy Faithfulness to Jonathan over and over because it is the only thing that seems to calm my nerves through out this whole thing. My interview was supposed to be at 2...I don't think I had to wait that long in real time but according to my stomach it felt like 5 hours! I finally went into my little booth for my interview. I was asked about Jonathan's story- about our process a little- and then I was told that he would be granted a visa! The lady said it in such casual passing conversation that I was caught off guard. I said, "wait...so that's it?! We are ALL DONE with this process?!" She said yes. I asked her how many people she had seen cry and she said all of them and gave me permission. :) As I walked out of the embassy I couldn't stop smiling. I called Adam right away and said,  "I WILL BE HOME FOR CHRISTMAS!"

WE CAN LEAVE THE COUNTRY WITH JONATHAN! EVERYTHING I'VE WORKED HARD ON FOR A YEAR ON IS DONE! There is absolutely no way to make this post eloquent, or remember every single detail of the last 3 most stressful days of my life. We get to pick up the visa on Monday afternoon and we will fly out and return home Christmas Eve around 6:30 at night. I will have been in country for 5 weeks total. SO MUCH FASTER than it usually ever goes. I have no idea why this is the timeline that God chose for us. I have friends here who have much different stories. I wish every story could be like ours, but God chooses to bring glory to His name in all sorts of different ways. I'm excited to get home to start what our "normal" life will look like as a family of 5 all together, but I am also sad to not have been able to experience so many things about Uganda that I wanted to because the process has been so fast and busy. I have ABSOLUTELY loved this past month. I love this culture, and pace of life.



Please pray for me as I pack up quickly and prepare myself to travel home three little boys. I'm scared out of my mind to do this! This whole thing is so crazy. :) There is your update in whatever sloppy form I just threw together. Thank you for praying even when you didn't have details and being encouraging when you knew I needed to be. Looking forward to seeing you when I get home...and for you to meet my sweet little Jonathan.

Christmas Miracle

Today another lady here and I decided to go last minute grocery shopping before the Christmas crazies are out on the streets. Hard to believe the traffic could get crazier- but I think it is true. When our driver showed up he told us that we were supposed to be at the passport office at 2. They didn't know if our passports were there- but we were to show up. Our other friend here was super mom today and kept ALL the kids. A mistake I'm sure she will never make again :) but off the other two of us went! We showed up to the tent office that we applied at. In the afternoon it is the pick up office instead of the application office. There were SO many people. Hundreds. A man stands in the front and whispers reads the names off of passports that are ready. Somehow people understand him and stand up and head to the other part of the office- aka another tent. Thankfully we had a helper with us who kept telling us where to go etc. We arrived around 1:15. Things get started around 2. My friend eventually got her passport. The man informed me that they were looking for Jonathan's. I was so surprised that they even called for me to go to the office today that I wasn't sure I would be going home with one. It has only been a week since I applied. Around 4:30 he told me that they should be calling our name anytime and I had to go inside this little room and sign for the passport. They close at 5. Around 4:55 they motioned me into the room. Jonathan was in the carrier on my front and I was carrying our diaper backpack on my back. My shirt was SOAKED! I looked like I had run a marathon- but in fact I had just held a baby against my body for almost 4 hours in the hot Ugandan sun. I pushed my way into the room. Seriously... jammed my way in. I finally reached close enough to the counter to sign a piece of paper for the man who took our file. He casually handed our passport behind the counter to another man further down. He motioned for me to go down there and sign. I CRAMMED my way through people to get there. The man actually had to finally push 2 people out of the way so I could stand close enough to sign the book to release the passport. VICTORY!! Just before closing I walked out the office with both hands raised in the air grinning so big! Obnoxious white person...you 'betcha. If people are staring at me anyways- I might as well have fun. I'm so thankful for this Christmas surprise and miracle! I'm VERY thankful that I didn't have to go back and wait another day because the office closed. I'm so very thankful for my friend who watched Matthew and Andrew. The "office" would have been an absolute NIGHTMARE with them.

I got home and facetimed Adam and held the passport in front of the camera. I wanted him to be as surprised as me! We did not expect to get it this soon! Now that we have it before Christmas we should FOR SURE be able to make it home by the time we planned. PRAISE the LORD! Next is our medical appointment for Jonathan that is required by the US Embassy. I am calling tomorrow to hopefully get in this week and have it done before they close for Christmas so that when everyone opens back up after the holiday's we can do the Embassy and be DONE! Everything seems so close all of a sudden- of course it will take time with holiday closings- but having our passport is so unexpected and really the only "unknown amount of time" thing that we were waiting on. The rest is pretty predictable and scheduled. AMAZING!!! (Brandon- I am actually yelling that :))

Blurry but in my possession!!

Tonight we bagged up some special Christmas candy we had planned ahead for and brought to share with our friends. After bath we went and delivered it. So much fun. The boys were SO excited to tell the neighbor's Merry Christmas!! I'm so thankful we have other families to celebrate with. It is making the season still really fun while being away from home. 

Please pray that tomorrow the medical place will take us for an appointment. I fully trust God's timing in this- but I know prayer moves the hand of God and I see that very clearly in the provision of our passport. I know a lot of you were praying for that with us. THANK YOU! I get so giddy every time a new step happens towards getting our son home with us! I'm so amazed every time I re-realize that he is my SON! Now I have a passport with the CUTEST little face in it from an amazing other country that will get my boy back home with us. I will keep this treasure forever. As I continue to ask God to give me more faith- something I learned at the VERY beginning of this journey- He continues to prove Himself EVER-FAITHFUL.

1 month

Well... we have survived 13 days without daddy so far. Only 10 more to go! The past few days have been hard. Probably just because things are just the same every day...and I'm on my own. Nothing unbearable- just exhausting.

The other morning at breakfast Jonathan was crying, Andrew was whining mommy over and over (literally like a broken record) and Matthew was sassing me. I said, "crying and whiney children make me want to pull my hair out!" A few minutes after breakfast was over I heard Matthew playing in the living room say, "Crying and whiney children make my hair fall out." That may be true too...not sure. Made me giggle.

Yesterday I had to take Jonathan back to the doctor for his recheck and I went to the grocery store afterwards. I had only Jonathan and Andrew because Matthew always chooses to stay behind and play with his friends. :) I can't say I'm upset that he would rather have this option. I was SO hungry at the grocery store- they say you aren't supposed to grocery shop when you're hungry because you will over-buy. Not in Africa. YOU GUYS! I wanted a good meal! I looked so hard for something that sounded yummy, that wouldn't give us some disease, and that would not be too much work since the lights in my kitchen don't work and I would be cooking in the dark. I found nothing... except donuts. Haha. Everyone knows my love for Dunkin Donuts. If the one on Sunbeam is closed it is because I have been gone too long! I decided I didn't have the energy or desire to figure something else out for dinner. Our electricity has been out for a few days so keeping food in the fridge is impossible and I had already eaten as many throw together things as I could handle. Eggs and donuts it was. Yes...Matthew drank a Fanta with it. I deserve an award...or a report written up on me. Not sure which one. Everyone seemed pleased with my choice though. :)

I did find a special treat for myself though! I was so excited!! They weren't the tastiest, but they were a lift to my spirit. They were so small that from a distance I thought they were cherry tomatoes.

Yes...that is the condition of my "non-stick" pans here. I have to scrub dishes for a while. Haha

So we have survived a month being gone from Florida. Some parts of me feel like it's been no time at all- and other moments in the day I feel like it's been forever. :) The other families here have been here much longer and I know I have nothing to complain about. Crazy that I've lived in Africa for a month. It's truly a dream come true! I always hoped to be able to travel to this continent. I had no idea it would be to do life! I'm so blessed. 

 The boys returning from their many adventures outside. Andrew somehow slipped his arm out of his shirt and this was his reaction. Haha.

 Matthew LOVES hiding himself in all the pillows. He also loves the water bottles here. Easy toys. We have enjoyed a few chilly days here due to rain. It's so nice!

 This is bath time here. There is a sliding shower door and after I'm done washing the boys they like to slide it closed and splash and scream and have a grand time. I'm thankful it contains the mess. :)

 We made a chain to count down to Christmas/daddy's return

These boys can't wait for Jonathan to wake up each morning. As soon as they heard him they came bounding in and peeked over the edge of the bed at him. Look at Jonathan's sweet face between Matthew's legs. He is taken with them too! It is so hard for me to not be able to post sweet pictures of them all together on here! Ugh. SOON!

Today we went to Watoto Church to see their children's Christmas cantata. I was a little nervous about it because it is me vs. 3 kids 3 years old and under. For an African church service...aka LONG! It went pretty well. :) The kids were so cute. They did an AMAZING job of telling the story of Jesus' birth. Next week we are going to brave going to see the adult cantata. I'm excited about it. Christmas gets more amazing to me each year. JESUS came to earth! God WITH us. AMAZING! I hope that you all are getting to take time to think about the reason for celebration this time of year. Listen to the words of all the Christmas songs playing- they are POWERFUL! We went to dinner afterwards at a little restaurant here that was so yummy. I got chicken tenders and mozzarella sticks. Both big treats. :) There was room for the kids to play again. This swing was so fun. It was in the shade under the coolest looking tree that-oops- I didn't get a picture of. Hopefully these cute boys will be enough though! 

 This was one SLEEPY boy! We left for church at 11 and didn't get home until 5. Jonathan was in the carrier that whole time by the way. 6 good hours of bonding and SWEATING!

 The only moment besides when the food came out that these ones were sitting still. :) I'm so thankful for friends for the boys to play with. I can't imagine entertaining them by my boring self this long!

So one month in and we are doing great. We can't wait for daddy to be back with us. I forgot to tell you that after church today a lady came up and introduced herself to me because we have boys the same age. Her in laws know my family and work for the same organization and they are from the same town as my parents live. I LOVE how God provides connections everywhere I go. I always get excited to see what ways He is going to use each time. I hope you had a wonderful Sunday and got to focus on Jesus. I know it was encouraging for my heart to be able to worship with a church family here in Africa. God's truth rings out even across the ocean. And honestly it rings REALLY loud. :)