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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How is little Aster doing? How is your family?
Renee, THANK YOU for "sharing" her with all of us – God's big family. I'll be praying for sleep (for everyone!)
Looks like she's attaching nicely to you and your family. We adopted our boys at 4 and 6 months and we found that after 2 weeks they were perfectly content with us and the change in surroundings, different smells and the time change difference. I was told that children at this age really only remember about 2 weeks back. After that, they really don't remember anything but you. Many blessings to you and your beautiful family!
Congrats. What a beautiful little girl and family! Your amazing story is a blessing to all of us.
God bless you,
Nancy
Oh Renee 🙂
Thanks for sharing your life with us! These pictures are amazing….that little girl is blessed to be your baby 🙂
So awesome.
Inspired,
Kate 🙂
Renee, thank you so much for letting us go on this journey with you. Today, my sister and I decided that even though we are all going through hard financial times, we are going to the Compassion In Jesus Name and sponsor a child. thank you again for all the encouragement you have given me in such a short time I have followed you and the entire Proverbs 31 crew. God Bless! Kelly Willie
Beautiful! Story and pictures! Thanks for sharing…
Congratulations Renee and family on the safe arrival ofd your darling daughter! A Habesha Lej is a precious gift! I know as I have twins habesha daughters who arrived home in 2002. Altitude sickness can be sooooo bad! I have taken the twins back twice now and everytime I have to allow a week to adjust.. the headaches nausea etc can be hard whilst trying to bond with your precious children. I wish you all every blessing as you enjoy the beginning of a wonderful journey. Hugs Jo x Australia
Soooo Coool!
Have fun mama!
pat
Renee…I know you're busy, but you need to update your "About Me" page on your blog Girlfriend!! Your "family" paragraph & picture is a little outdated. 🙂
Oh, Renee!! So thrilled for you and your family and your beautiful new daughter! LOVE the pic of her sleeping on your chest. Sigh.
Praising the Lord with you tonight!!
So precious! This post got me all teary-eyed. What a blessing this adorable little one will be in your life!
Congratulations on your newest family member!
Blessings,
Terri in AZ
I loved reading Aster's adoption story! Congratulations to you and your family on your new beautiful addition! Blessings!
Renee,
I am so happy to see that you are all safely home! Aster is beautiful and your happiness shines through the exhaustion. The Lord is indeed faithful and His hand has orchestrated this journey so perfectly. Welcome home, Aster!
Renee,
I can't wait to meet Aster!!!! I'm so thankful that y'all are home and she's doing so well. Love the pictures. Thanks for sharing your journey with all of us.
Love you,
Melissa
Renee, what a blessing to see that your family has grown by one and that you are safely home in the USA. Praising God for a safe trip and the addition of beautiful Aster. You will continue to be in my prayers as Aster gets settled in her home and grows and loves and is loved!
Blessings to you, Caroline
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She is beautiful, Renee! I loved all of these pictures! Especially the luggage playpen! Oh, and the one of her asleep on her mommy. Too sweet!
I am so glad you guys are back safe and sound!
Love and prayers,
K 🙂
Renee,
Thank you for sharing this amazing and beautiful journey to bring Aster home. It makes me feel like I'm your next door neighbor, sitting down with a cup of coffee to brouse through your pictures and hear your story!
Hugs,
Molly
Thank you so much for sharing this with us. I have loved following along and praying for you all. You are such an inspiration! Aster is so beautiful and so blessed to have such a wonderful family!