What a blessing it is to be back home! Thanks so much for your continued prayers, encouragement and gifts! We arrived back in Mississippi Saturday evening following a LONG & Challenging day of travel... We were greeted by sweet friends and family at the airport. It was extra special to have my parents there to welcome us home, not to mention provide extra arms - ha ha... Here are just a couple pictures thus far. I hope to post more later as I'm able. Things are pretty busy around the Merida household these days...
These first couple pictures were taken back in our flat in Kiev. The girls wanted to wash their underwear in the bathroom sink (a regular orphanage chore)...
Play dough was a big hit...
Jana loves to try on all her new clothes multiple times...
When we made it home (FINALLY) on Saturday evening, our dog Titus was the greatest hit! They could care less about the house or items (at least for a little while)...
Then it was like Christmas...
Grandpa and Grandma were (and are) a big hit! They will much spoiling between my parents and Tony's parents... I can see it now...
The girls love the bunk beds with trundle but nobody sleeps on the top bunk yet... it's the funniest thing. Victoria sleeps on the bottom, while Angela and Jana have been sleeping on the trundle bed OR on the floor... too funny...
James loved his new bedroom and remote control car (which we can't seem to get to work yet) from grandparents...
These past few days have been busy attempting to begin the settling in part... All in all, the kids are doing well. Please pray for the following specific requests...
* Understanding and peace for each child... dealing with grief, frustration, etc...
* Wisdom and patience as parents to love them and guide them through this major transition in their precious lives
* Opportunities for some parent child dates... we need one on one time
Praise God for His gracious gifts! He is good!
7 comments:
So glad to see your update!
We will continue to pray.
The transition has so many emotions all rolled into one at the same time.
Keep their world as small as possible right now. I know you have probably heard that a hundred times from other adoptive parents, but there is MUCH wisdom in it.
Small world and definite established boundaries with "things" and other people. You and Tony have to establish yourselves as their providers as mom and dad in order to facilitate a secure attachment. Lots of love,fun and boundaries.......
Welcome to America, little ones!! Can you even begin to imagine how their worlds have changed? Now the real fun stuff starts. The kids will be amazed at everything! It's fun to stand back and watch and they explore.
Love the pictures and LOVE that you are home and can settle in to being a family. I know your time to spend blogging will be limited, but I will always be here to read when you find the time [grin].
Love you,
Julie
I´m happy you´re back home safely...I keep praying for you :)
have a vonderful time :)
So glad you're home...I love the picture of your tall dad hanging out on the floor with the girls! I can't imagine a better family to be adopted into!
I'm glad that you all have made it home safely. I've been following you guys through your blog. It is a blessing to see how God is blessing you and Tony. You guys are going to be wonderful parents.
I love the picture of your dad with the kids. Those outstretched arms say it all. And the kids look like they have been with him forever. Thank you and Tony for sharing your life with us thru this. I realize you are probably much more private than this has allowed- but it has blessed me so much.
Debbie Kennedy and family
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