Though the day we returned home was long and grueling, we were very excited to finally be home. It already seems like it was a long time ago that we were in the Ukraine. The kids are such a joy — and a challenge. The kids were so good on the return flight…I know it was God’s grace. I was so worried about that but I really couldn’t have asked for more well behaved kids.
There was a contigent of friends with flowers, balloons and american flags that greeted us at the airport as soon as we passed through customs..What an incredible blessing! The kids loved it! So did we.
The day was filled with so many INCREDIBLE blessings.. like the one I just mentioned. But I will mention a couple more. The Elliotts let us swap cars with them because my car cannot fit 3 car seats in the back seat(what a bummer!!). John drove it to the airport complete with car seats that friends had bought for us as an early shower gift. My womens group and other friends did so much in making our transition smooth. They cleaned the house and bought food, set up the kids room and stocked it with clothes, diapers, etc — everything we needed. When we got home, there were signs in the windows and on the front door. My neighbor, Nellie, was home and greeted us with her daughters that were so excited to meet the kids. Nellie said something like ‘there is something in your back yard too.’ OMG!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I felt like someone who was on the ‘Extreme Makeover’ show-the surprises kept coming! We were so shocked to see a big wooden play set complete with swings, slide, climbing wall, glider and rope! It was all set up and ready for the kids to use! Thank you to my friends at Merrifield Garden Center who all chipped in to get it. We are overwhelmed at your generosity!!! It is beautiful and so perfect!! The kids absolutely love it! When they see it through the window, they ask to go out and play!
We hope to post more pictures before the weeks’ end of the kids in their new home. Stay tuned!
Thank you to all of you who kept up with our progress, prayed for us, encouraged us and spent so much time serving us. We are truly grateful.
Polly (and Nick)
June 24, 2008 at 6:18 pm
Aunt Polly and Uncle Nick,
So glad to see that you all have been so blessed. Can’t wait to see the kids! (and since they aren’t babies, I’ll play with them all day as long as you guys change any diapers)
With love and prayers,
Katie Hanzalik
June 25, 2008 at 12:51 am
I can’t believe that you’re home!!!!!!!!!!!! Keep us posted. It was so wonderful to see the miracles unfolding along the way, but the biggest miracle is that they are actually home on American soil. (Go ahead and kiss that flag, Nick!)
Love,
amy
June 25, 2008 at 3:35 pm
THE LORD REIGNS – LET THE EARTH REJOICE – LET THE PEOPLE BE GLAD – THAT OUR GOD REIGNS!
You are back and we couldn’t be happier! Today is the first day of the rest of all of your lives as a family!! Thank God our Father for His great gifts!
Love and prayers,
Maria
July 8, 2008 at 2:07 am
We are so glad you have arrived home safely. Thank you for blogging about your trip, we really enjoyed following your story. Your kiddos are too cute for words! I am sure you have your days completely full but we’d love to see pics and hear of their progress at home. Take care! Monica