I could not keep my eyes off of the doors that kept opening and closing for people who had cleared customs...two hours went by and then...we saw their attorney turn the corner with Etta in a stroller! My eyes darted back and forth looking for Elysee and finally a few seconds later, she came bouncing around the corner, eyes wide open at all the people waiting to greet passengers. I started waving like a crazy mom! I climbed under the rope that was supposed to keep us out of the walkway and got on my knees. Our eyes met and she ran to me and jumped in my arms!
This is an answer to prayer! I went three separate times to Africa to visit our girls and not once did she ever run into my arms!
A few minutes later she began to scream and run from me but it only lasted a little while and then all was well again.
When we got out to the car, I tried to put Elysee into the car seat and she clung to me so I just held her while Adam buckled Etta in and Eva and Eli buckled in and then she just got in on her own! She was grinning from ear to ear in the car! Etta still looked a little in shock and soon fell asleep. We picked up chick-fil-a and Elysee ate all of hers and part of Eva's! Then she fell asleep and both girls slept all the way home.
When we got to the house we were welcomed with balloons and "Welcome Home Stultz Family" signs! The girls love the helium balloons! It took them a few minutes to wake up but then they were happy the whole evening!
There were so many "firsts" last night that were incredible! When we took them up to their room, I showed Elysee which bed was hers and she had the biggest smile on her face! She jumped in her bed and was so happy!
We let the girls open their Christmas presents last night. When Elysee opened her doll and figured out what it was, she immediately stopped and there was an audible gasp! She covered her mouth in shock and sat there for a few seconds before she started jumping up and down. I will never forget that moment! Eli helped Etta open her presents...he adores her!
We gave everyone a bath and they were so happy! We all went to bed at 8:30. I slept in the girls room with them. Etta whimpered a little bit at bed time but fell asleep quickly. Elysee woke up at 3:00 and got into my bed and then got up at 5:30 to go to the bathroom but quickly went back to sleep. We all slept until 8:30 this morning! I never would have imagined this is how our first night would go.
This morning, Eva, Eli and Elysee held hands walking down the steps to have breakfast while I carried Etta. My heart is exploding with joy!
I am so thankful for all of your prayers!
I will post more pictures soon! 4 kiddos are busy!!!
Lynsey
I looked just like Grandma Susan when I saw that first picture and started crying! Then I noticed Susan in the picture and that made me smile. This journey with you through this blog and through family has been simply amazing! My heart too, is exploding right now for you and Adam and all the family! Your patience, desires, joy, sacrifices, prayers, disappointments, expectancy, but especially your faith and willingness to follow God's call to adopt has been a good lesson in life for many! Can't wait to meet them!
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing via your blog. I stalked Adam's facebook all day yesterday looking for photos. I am so glad you included a photo of your attorney. I just couldn't imagine the fella traveling half way around the world with 5 children in tow! I look forward to reading about the days to come and seeing how God is continuing to work in your lives. Congratulations!
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