Home 1 month!

Emmi has been home one month, yet it seems like she has been here alot longer. So much has happened in her world in the last month. Could you imagine? Going from a confined area where you eat the same thing almost everyday, share a crib, and are so limited to the huge world outside. There is so much, her world just became so BIG! I have to constantly remind myself she has only been here a month when I am frustrated. Every day she is experiencing something new from playing in water, eating pizza, riding a jet ski, watching a baseball game, riding in a stroller, learning pets are nice....the list goes on. So many of the things that are normal to us, are new to her and she doesn't have a clue. She is starting to use some English instead of Creole. That is probably the biggest challange right now is the communication factor. I have learned alot of Creole, but am always wishing I knew more or just had a brain to remember everything I have learned.
Emmi loves her brothers and sister. They are so good with her and such a help. It is so cool to see them love on her and her love them back. She has bonded so well with us, which is the main goal right now, I am constantly reminding myself when laying in bed with her and she is having a tantrum because she didn't get her way. Parenting has taken on a new meaning to us. She has so many little issues with food and leaving that we have to remember it is so different for her than it was for our kids, at least for now. I can't believe how much joy and laughter she brings us. What a joy to have her around. We are truely blessed. As hard as it gets some days, I have such a peace having her home with us. I am so glad it is summer, the kids are around more and we don't have the pressure of school. Emmi loves a schedule and to be at home. There is a comfort to her at home.
I so appreciate all your support through our adventure. We are so blessed to have so many friends and family that have showered us with love, listening ears and gifts. Emmi has learned to love presents, especially her new clothes. Thanks to all of you!

We made it home! God is Good!

After two long days of travel we made it to cold Washington. We were told on Friday that we would leave around 10:00. So we were ready, dressed in our fancy clothes ready to meet Emmi's mom and fly to Miami, and they didn't come until 12:30. We had our bags packed and Emmi knew she was leaving and was ready. So it was a long 3 hours, not knowing if they would show up or when, once again trusting. Emmi went to school for a little bit and I went outside to cool off and she got really upset, she thought we were leaving without her. When we got to the office in Port-au-Prince we met Emmi's mom. She is so beautiful. It was ....I don't even know what to call it. I am so glad we got to meet her. After waiting at the airport, flying, immigration and shuttle to the hotel, it was a long day. Emmi did great. Momma's arms and back were sore, but we made it! We got up Saturday and flew into Seattle where my brother, sister-in-law and mom met us with a ride. Deiby, my sister-in-law, is from Costa Rica and made some beans and rice for Emmi, she loved it. There are so many emotions, one minute she is very happy the next sad.
We are having a few days at home getting adjusted to a schedule and her new home. She doesn't like the animals at all, actually is very scared of them. She had a great time with the boys last night. JJ is such a fun name to say, all the kids love his name. She went to bed great slept in her own bed all night. She did wake up with a fever again. But praise God, she didn't have one the whole time we traveled, thanks for your prayers. I have a bad cold with a sore throat that I got at the Creche and have pretty much lost my voice. So I would love your prayers to feel better and protect the rest of the family.
I will post more when I can and tell stories, we have so many. She is so fun to have around and we laugh so much. On the plane we laughed so hard Sierra and I were crying.

Heading home

Tomorrow we will be leaving the Creche(orphanage) and heading to Miami for the night, and then home on saturday. We will be meeting Emmi's mom, so pray for the words. What do you say to a mom that is giving up her child and you are taking her? When you know she loves her and just can't provide for her.......Jesus shine your light through Billy, Sierra and I. Reassure Emmi's mom that we will love and care for her.
Last night and today I haven't been feeling well, achey body and sore throat. Emmi had a fever tonight, so pray for health. We have a long couple of days, we will need grace. Thanks for all your prayers. There have been bumps along the way but they have all worked out. I know it is all in God's hands. I am anxious to be home with my whole family.
Please have patience with us with introducing Emmi to our friends and family. We don't want to overwelm her too much. We will take one day at a time. I know you all have been praying for her so long and have a connection with her, we just need to be careful she doesn't shut down on us. Until later, jen

Sierra's Back

so today was fun because it was clean all the rooms day so that meant all the kids were in one room(crazy) so that means that there was no school. but i can tell you that there are some babys that are the cutest thing you've ever saw. i saw some really sad faces today and it is to precious. you can't not want to love on them. but you'll have to see the pictures when we get home. plus i saw a little girl wearing the dress we had brought for emmi last june.
sierra

A day at the Creche

Today we spent the day hanging out at the Creche getting to know Emmi and her getting to know us. She went to school and did so good. Her verbal and dexterity has improved so much in the last 6 months. While Emmi was in school. I had some quiet time, listening to worship music and just taking time to praise God and pray for grace and mercy. He has opened my eyes to see through Emmi's eyes. Little things can set her off and I am starting to understand it. Today she was having some Teddy Grahams. She dropped one on the cement and then picked it up and gave it to me. I threw it away. She was so upset. She couldn't believe I would throw away precious food she shared with me. Then I got her a new snack and she was happy again. But a simple act of throwing away food that dropped on the ground was a BIG deal. Then she proceeded to throw her snack like I did. So much learning for all.
Billy and Sierra got to go up the road to the river where they have the market, like a farmers market. Billy calls it the Haitian Walmart. Billy has done a great job connecting with the men who work at the Creche. He is amazing, picking weeds, filling the generator with diesel, and just talking with them. He walked around with the maintenance guy and he told him about all the plants. They are growing so much here.....lemons, oranges, avocado, lemongrass, teas, mango, papaya and much more. It is so cool. I have watched it change over the last year and a half.

me and Emmi are matching today, with our bright lime green shirts. we will get pictures of it on here later. but thanks to all you guys who are supporting:)

My Turn

okay, now it's my turn to write. yesterday we an appt. and it ended up being a six hour trip. then, later there was another thunderstorm. which i love. but one thing for sure is that i am sweaty all the time. but it is all worth it for bringing my little sis home.

Sierra*