Our First 3 Weeks Home

If I had to choose one word to describe these past three weeks home, it would be "joy." A close second would be "gratitude."

I am so grateful to be home with my husband again. My heart overflows as I watch my sons enjoying their father and LOVING getting to play with him again. They truly couldn't have a better Daddy, and I think they know it.

Tears fill my eyes multiple times a day as I watch Malachi transform a little bit more each hour, slowly but steadily gaining confidence that we are his family and that he is here to stay.

What pure joy it is seeing the light in the eyes that a few short months ago were dull and lifeless. . .

hearing the sweet belly laughter from a child who 14 weeks ago did not know how to smile . . .

hearing "Mama" and "Daddy" for the first time come from the lips of this child who was an orphan just weeks ago . . .

seeing Javen's love and protectiveness for his new brother when we were so prepared for jealousy and squabbling . . .

I could go on and on. The days have been filled with sweetness and precious moments.

I am humbled and grateful and completely undeserving of this sweet blessing, of this precious life entrusted to our family, of this ever-present reminder of our own transformation and redemption in Christ. I'm in awe of the God who is allowing us to be a part of Malachi's story and who brought us together from opposite sides of the earth. Adoption is no less a miracle than pregnancy and childbirth, and even more so in so many ways. We are blessed. Pictures to follow . . .

Favorite Family Pictures From Uganda

Very first family-of-four picture

First Court Hearing

On the Shores of Lake Victoria

Boat ride on Lake Victoria

At the Source of the Nile River

Boat Ride on the Nile

Visiting Bujagali Falls on the Nile River in Jinja

Where Nile River begins out of Lake Victoria