Thank you so much for praying for our family as we traveled to bring our adopted baby girl home from Ethiopia! It was a very long trip and we are completely exhausted, but we’re doing really well! It honestly could not have gone any better. Aster was an amazing little traveler!
The only bump along the way was that our flight from Frankfurt to Washington, DC was delayed so we missed our connecting flight to Charlotte, which meant an additional 4.5 hour layover. We ended not get home until after 12:30am Sunday morning. But Jesus was right there by our side keeping us company and helping us enjoy the incredible journey we had coming home. Here are are few fun memories:
Aster loved the airport with all the people, lights and sounds she’d never experienced. Here we are filling out customs paperwork and eating dinner at midnight before we get on the plane.
Getting ready to board Aster’s first plane ride! Can’t you tell she is so excited?
Playing with her big brothers on the plane.
She loves the sounds of plastic spoons beating on bowls, and the fact that Joshua’s face turns purple when he puts it on his nose.
Sleeping in the bassinet in front of our seat. Sweeeet!
We found a great restaurant with a shopping center all around it at the Frankfurt airport. Eating, shopping, changing diapers, walking around, changing diapers and eating again. What else could we do to pass time in the airport for 6 hours?
“Okay, I’m done! Thanks for trying but peek-a-boo isn’t even enough to entertain me anymore.”
“See even daddy is ready for a nap.”
“Me too! Thank you mommy for being my bed.”
“What are Joshua and Andrew doing? Writing books? Why aren’t they tired?”
“Oh now I see! When I wake up they go to sleep.”
“Why is Daddy smiling so big? We just missed our flight and I am pooped!”
“Okay, well if you play with me maybe I’ll smile, too.”
“Oooh, I like this play pen mommy made for me!”
“Oh, it’s not only a playpen but a baby bed, too. What’s mommy doing in here?”
“Who are all these smiling and huggy people with balloons and welcome home signs? Shouldn’t they be in bed? It’s so late! I guess they are really excited that I am here!”
“Hmmm. Who is this? He’s really snuggly! They say he’s our pastor but I think we could be related!”
God has done a beautiful work in Aster’s heart since we left Ethiopia and headed home. She is SO HAPPY and feeling so secure in our love. She is laughing and playing, making new sounds and being so cuddly! It has truly been a transformation before our very own eyes. She is already a display of HIS splendor, which is the promises God gave me for her life exactly two years ago today!
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Congratulations! What a plan God must have for Aster and your family. Thank you for sharing your journey in His grace & love.
Elaine
I'm loving following your story Renee. I bet it's wonderful to hold and cuddle and kiss that sweet little manifestation of your faith. God is so good!
WOW! That's so stinkin AWESOME!! I LOVE IT! I'm all smiles for you today. I know you are having so much fun!
Oh my goodness, Renee!!! I've been praying and praying along with all your other friends, and look at what God has done. He is completely amazing!
I'm all ready for CA (almost) and psyched about all that God will do. I covet your prayers.
Wow Renee, God has filled your heart with His promise. Aster is responding to the love flowing from you and your family. Simply beautiful! Many blessing! WOW! I pray for God's plans for ALL of your children. Thank you for sharing your pictures. B
Renee,
Welcome home!! What an incredible testimony to God's love and faithfulness. Thank you for being so open and sharing this expirience with us. Your story has touched my life in so many ways. You have no idea the impact for God's kingdom it has! It has given me an inquisitive soul that has my husband and I praying about adoption. Who knows where it will lead, God knows!!
Many blessings on you and your family!
Tricia in Ky
Oh yeah, airplanes have bassinets?!
smooches,
Larie
Oooooooh dear Swope family, many congrats!
The playpen idea is GENIUS! Love it!!!
smooches,
Larie
Renee, having a friend who is adopting a baby girl from China, I have been following literally hundreds of family adoptions over the past four years. I have never…never…read or seen a post like yours as the precious little one comes home. The child is always in tears. The videos are heartwrenching to view as the children are confused and sad, having been taken away from everything and everyone they have known. Aster looks so content and happy. The Lord has certainly answered many prayers in helping her make this adjustment so quickly. I am just in awe at what He has done.
Continuing in prayer for you all. Rejoicing in His goodness to you. Smiles, hugs and blessings,
Joy
She is so precious and beautiful! Congratulations and happy you made it home safely. Thank you for sharing your blessings with us.
Angie
Sweet, precious memories!! Loved all the pictures, especially the one of Aster with your pastor. 🙂
Thanks for sharing your journey to bring Aster home. Can't wait to hear updates.
Will continue to pray for you and your family.
Renee,
What a blessing it has been to come inside your lives and share in this miracle you have been blessed with. Every step of it has been so prayed about and as each plan has come to light they have been penned for later times to share. As Aster comes to know of God, what a wonderful tool to be able to pick up and show her. This will be about her very own life.
It will be so wonderful to see the plans He has for all of you involved in her lives. May the be blessed.
Prayers in settling in,
Diane
Thank you for taking me along on this journey! AMAZING! I am thankful for a precious transition. God is so good. I bet He smiles at how sweet this blessing is for all of you!
Thanks sooo much for taking the time to share your journey and your family with me (us). It has been my pleasure to pray for you and your family and to read about your journey. So glad you guys are home and she is sleeping. Can't wait to hear more about it.
Angela
Thank you again for taking us on your journey. The way you handled everything was amazing. Your new daughther is beautiful and so are your boys. They look like awesome big brothers. May God continue to keep you in His arms.
Blessings,
Nicole
Yes thank you for acting on your heartstrings….i follow the proverbs devos and your family blog i love how you write and God uses you to guide others! Love the pictures of your complete family! Aster is doll! You all look so very proud, as God is proud of you!, whitney terrell arl tx
Oh, sweet friendgirl! You are home! Whoohoo! Praise the Lord! Love the pictures–thanks so much for sharing this incredible journey of the heart with us. I want to meet this precious little girl!!! We need to meet for lunch!Continue to rest!!
Love you!
Susan
Hi Renee, i do consider you family we are all part of the family of God:) And i am very excited for you and your husband and children. What a beautiful family you have.
Your story is so inspiring, i cant wait to hear more as time goes on. God is faithful and no matter how long it takes he comes through for us, i really needed to know that at this time in my life, Thank you, i have hope for my expected end more now as well.
God bless
Lisa
Nova Scotia
Thank you so much for taking us on this journey with you. Ever since you spoke at our retreat 1 1/2 years ago I have been following along. I feel like a friend of mine just had a baby…congrats, Renee, to you and your whole family.
Renee,
She is absolutely beautiful. You made the trip home look like a breeze. Glad your home. Can't wait to read about the amazing path God is leading you down!
Paula G.