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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May God bless you all through your new daughter.
Astor is so precious! Congratulations and thank you for allowing us the chance to follow your journey.
Love the playpen – really, it's great!
Awesome!
Thank you for sharing your journey! What a joy to see your new little blessing meeting you and coming home with you! God is good…all of the time!!!! Godspeed!
What a blessing and joy she will bring to your family and you all to her life! God's love is so amazing!
Oh, and I meant to comment on the bassinet! I never knew they had those on planes. I figured she'd be a lap baby the whole way! That's amazing!
Oh Renee,
These pictures brought tears to my eyes and chills to my legs. What sweet moments. I just love seeing the love and joy shining on all your faces!
You've been on my heart so much these past days. I'm so glad she's finally here!
My heart is just jumping around. What a precious (tiring) trip!
God we love you…..you are amazing!
Oh Renee! It's positively exciting to see your whole family home again! The pictures paint such a vivid story of your trip home. From the pictures, I would say that Joshua is absolutely smitten over his little sis! How sweet!
Y'all rest and relax as much as you can. Praying God's healing mercy and grace upon you as you adjust to being home AND being a family of five!
Prayers and blessings!
Rebecca
Congratulations Swope family. So glad you ALL are home. What a sweet, sweet baby girl. As a mother of 3 boys and a grandmother of 4 boys I must say ENJOY that little GIRL.(you lucky dog)!!
Renee,
I am commenting because of Lysa's blog, but I've been following your blog for awhile now. Love getting to see your new daughter. 🙂
So rejoicing with you!
Welcome Home, Aster!
"He tends His flock like a shepherd: He gathers the lambs in His arms and carries them close to His heart; He gently leads those that have young."
Isaiah 40:11
Renee: He is gently leading you adn JJ! 🙂
Congratulations again! She is gorgeous! I've been praying and following your story, and praising God that all went fairly smooth and you are back home. Can't wait to see what else God has in store for your amazing family.
Thank you so much for sharing your journey with us. Through reading your blog, I feel as if we are all part of the same family!
Can't wait to hear more of Astor Swope's journeys!
Congratulations! This is an awesome thing you and your family are doing. I'm so happy for you and your family that this has all worked out and you returned safely. She looks so precious. I pray God continues to bless you and your family and little Aster.
I loved reading your story of bringing Aster into your family. What an inspiration! And it's wonderful to see how the Lord is already brightening her heart!
Glad you are all feeling better!
Suzy
Like, others, I am here because Lysa said so but would have been here anyway. Thanks for all of the pictures and updates. What a blessing! I also thought the bassinet on the plane was cool. I have never seen anything like that. Also saw your FB post that Aster slept through the night. Awesome.
Robin
[email protected]
Renee,
Sorry forgot to add this. Lysa told us to visit some of her Proverbs 31 ladies. She didn't have to tell me, I would have visited your site anyway. I've been following your story for months.
Josey
Renee,
So Happy for you and your family! The pictures are wonderful to see. I'm praying that everything from here on out goes well. Praying that Aster will adjust to her new family and surroundings easily. Thank you for sharing all along the way of your journey. I look forward to following the rest of your journey with her. She is beautiful and you all look so happy with her!
Josey
Renee,
Lysa told me I should visit you this morning, but I was already here once…
I have been keeping up with this incredible journey of yours for some time now and praise God for how smoothly things went for you on your trip. Aster is precious and one lucky little girl! From one adoptive mom to another, I'm sure you'll testify right alongside me that it's a blessing to adopt and be able to tell the amazing story and give all the glory to God.
Thank you for sharing!
In His Great Love,
Pam Owens
[email protected]