Home Home Home

We made it home this evening with no bumps, hiccups or travel delays.

Our pickup trip was just plain amazing. The orphanage had Joracin waiting for us in the guest house and we were greeted with lots of smiles and big hugs. He really warmed up to use right away.

All smiles, coloring for Mama

We spent our first day just hanging out. We brought a tennis ball and football and both were huge hits. We also had some cars to play with. And, as those of you with boys will understand, his favorite part was seeing them wreck. We also played with some bubbles. We also got to see his personality begin to come out as the day moved along. That night we also handled getting him ready for bed (bath and brushing teeth).

Look at that concentration.

The next day we had a chance to go to the new property where the orphanage is building new toddler house. It is further up the mountain and it has an amazing view of Port-Au-Prince and the ocean. When they get everything completed, it is going to be an incredible place for the kids to be and to play.

Each one of these house will hold 10 kids.

Look at that view

The next day was Joracin's Birthday. We got to celebrate with a big pancake with chocolate chips and a present that we brought from home. His two main foreign caregivers also came for the Birthday celebration and brought him a big bag of his favorite treats. This was also the day that he got to say goodbye to the kids and nannies at the orphanage. We expected him to be sad and maybe withdrawn after this event. But it was harder on us than it was on him. It was almost like a sendoff from his friends for a great adventure. He was a very happy and upbeat kid. All the kids did sing a very cool goodbye song to him.

Birthday pancake

Yes, those are cheese puffs after his pancake.

We flew the first leg of our home journey on Sunday night. He did great for his first plane ride and had a blast at the hotel. Yes, he was jumping on the bed within 10 minutes.

We didn't leave for Indy until mid afternoon, so that meant we landed around 6 PM tonight. We had a big gathering of family there to greet us. It was so great to have all of that love and support meeting us at the airport. Joracin had hugs for everyone.

Katie and Eli both so excited to have Joracin home.

When we finally got back to the house, the neighbors had made a huge welcome home sign. Plus there was a big Happy Birthday sign and another welcome home sign. It is just amazing home wonderful all of our friends and family have been throughout this journey.

It feels so good to have him home and for the five of us to begin many exciting chapters as a family. He has already filled our house full of laughter.

Thank you all for your love and support throughout this journey. As I mentioned in past blog posts, we really can feel your support and prayers.

God is Good!