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Monday, October 24, 2011

Sunday, October 23, 2011

So grateful

This afternoon our church hosted a reception to welcome home Moriah and Silas. People dropped by to welcome the kids and some even gave precious gifts. As I was thinking about the blessing of these wonderful people, it reminded me of many more blessings and so much more we have to be thankful for.
We are thankful for all of the people who have loved and supported us through this journey. We know so many of you have prayed for us and continue to do so. We also know so many of you helped with the finances of bringing home our children. You donated to yard sales and purchased from those same sales. You ate Froyoz, Rita's, Chickfila and Salsarita's. You planned and played in a golf tournament. You donated through pay pal or to a matching grant. You prayed as we applied for grants and celebrated with us when we received them.
God used each of you in different ways to help bring this adoption to fruition.
We are so very grateful for each and everyone of you and the part you played in getting our children home!! We are also grateful to God for His provision and His work.
We continue to be blessed by so many of you who are checking on us, cooking for us and continuing to pray.
We know that the simple words thank you cannot not fully express our gratitude, but it is all that we have to offer. So, THANK YOU. To God be the glory, great things He has done!

Wednesday, October 19, 2011

Introduction to our precious ones

We realized tonight that we had not updated our blog in a bit. We would like to use this post to introduce you to our children.
Silas is 3 years old. He is super ticklish and has an amazing smile that lights up a room. We can already see that he is going to enjoy being a "ham." He loves his siblings and enjoys playing. He is learning English a bit at a time and loves to copy words we say. Our favorite things he says now are "ha-llo" and "bye-o" (his way of saying hi and bye). He is a great sleeper and eater. There is not much he won't eat. He has a bit of a stubborn side. He is not a fan of the word NO. He has taken many trips to the time-out chair. But each day he is making less trips there. I think he just wants to make sure Dave and I are serious:)He is slowly learning about family and routine. He especially loves his daddy.
Moriah is almost 19 months old. She is such a cutie. She is easy going- although she does have a talent for turning the tears on and off as needed. She is more of a mommy's girl. She likes to carry a purse or wear a bracelet. She loves having her siblings give her rides in the baby doll stroller! I think she would let them push her all day if we let them. She likes to be held. She too is a great sleeper and eater. She will try any food, but some of the faces she makes are quite humorous.
This post is mostly about our new additions, but I don't want to forget about our 3 oldest kiddos...
Micah has been a huge help. He loves to carry Moriah and help Silas. He enjoys being the biggest brother. I have been amazed to see how he is growing up especially during this time of transition.
Jackson is also enjoying being a big brother. He is our peacemaker and wants to make sure everyone is happy and included. He likes giving his new brother and sister hugs and love. He likes to copy what Silas says in French and act like he is having a conversation with him.
Karis has adjusted so well. I had worried about this being a huge change especially for her, but she has handled it so well. She is 4 now, as she frequently reminds us. She says this makes her braver and "able to put pepper on her own food." She is a good big sister! She is the "leader" when she plays with Moriah and Silas and likes to teach them how to play.
We are so thankful for each of theses precious personalities that make up our "crew." They have all transitioned beautifully. Each day improves as we settle into this new part of our journey.

Thursday, October 13, 2011

Life so far

All five children are in bed asleep, so I thought I would take a moment to update everyone...
We have been home since Tuesday evening. We came home to several wonderful meals, a decorated home and some friends and family to welcome us home. We have since been to the pediatrician and to the hospital for standard tests. So far everything looks good from a medical stand point.
The children- all five of them- seem to be adjusting well. We have had a few tough moments, but we know God is in control. Micah, Jackson and Karis are being great siblings and are each very helpful. Silas Kayembe is a giggle box. He laughs alot and is very ticklish. He has a bit of an issue with the word "no" but we are working on that. Moriah Makengo is a vacuum when it comes to food and is very easygoing. She does have a knack for turning the tears on and off as needed.
God has been so faithful on this journey. We are so thankful for the prayers. Please continue to pray for as as we transition and adjust. Pray that Silas and Moriah will attach well and will learn what it means to have a family.
I will update again... soon hopefully!

Monday, October 10, 2011

They are home!!

Tonight we welcome home and into our family...Silas Kayembe and Moriah Makengo. It is so hard to believe they are finally here. Headed to bed, we will post more soon.
Thank you for all the prayers... Keep them up!
You can see pictures on Facebook. We will try to get some on here too.

Not long now

We left yesterday to drive to Kentucky. The trip took four hours and went great. We had dinner with some dear friends. And then came back to the hotel for the kiddos to swim. Today we are going to Bass Pro and then heading on to Indiana. The flights arrive this evening. We cannot wait!, we will try to update tonight.
Please pray fro continued traveling mercies. Pray also for a smooth transition of the children to us.

Saturday, October 8, 2011

2 days

Well, Sunday is the beginning of the end of this adventure. Sunday after lunch we will leave to go get our children. We will have a full van-all 3 kiddos and both grandmothers will make the journey. We will drive to Louisville to spend the night and then Monday we will drive the rest of the way.
While we are driving to Louisville our children will board a plane. They will leave the country of their birth and make the long flight to us... To their mommy and daddy, brothers and sister, to their new family and new home!
Please pray for all of us as travel takes place. Pray for everyone to adjust well.
We will keep you updated!

Tuesday, October 4, 2011

6 days

It is so hard to believe that we are down to 6 days until we pick up our children! This time next week we should be back in Knoxville putting five kiddos to bed... Or at least trying to. This time next week we will begin settling into the new normal. I cannot wait! Many of you have asked if we are nervous, scared or overwhelmed. At this point we are mostly just excited. We do feel a tiny bit anxious, as this is huge. But we are trusting God to continue guiding our steps.
We are thankful that God is continuing to provide. The thermometer is getting more red! He is providing in wonderful and amazing ways- ways that can only be credited to Him!
Please continue to pray!!