They are home!

Yes, you heard it right. Dominic and Malachi are home. We are so thankful to everyone who played a part in their homecoming, especially the ones who signed their exit letters.

This is what we looked like for 3 hours waiting for their beautiful faces to come into view.

They were escorted by the most amazing staff. We decided not to travel knowing we will be back very soon for our Rosalie. When I saw their sweet faces in their Congolese clothing, I nearly fainted. I could not believe how much I needed them. They were overwhelmed. Once home they smiled and laughed until it was time for bed. They may have gone down the slide 100 times. Dominic giggled on the swing. Malachi became instantly attached to Cecilia, asking where she was anytime she walked away."Say Seal ya?"

We are so happy. We laugh, run around, eat, run errands, eat, play a game, eat, play tag, eat, play cars, eat, and then start our day again. They are sleeping very well. All our kiddos are in the same room. That is the way our Cecilia wanted it. She wanted to sleep with her brothers. I slept with them the first night and then put a video monitor in there to keep an eye on my little boys.

Many times, I wondered how I was going to get through the heartache of them not being home. I wanted to give up. I didn't want to think about it anymore. Then I would take a deep breath, ask God for help, and try again. There was also so many amazing people God put into my life to keep me faithful and encouraged. You know who you are. A simple message one day would completely change my outlook. Thank you.

An hour after meeting for the first time. I was up front and Dan said, "Amanda look back." Oh my heart. Are you serious? That is Jesus right there in the middle.

They are doing wonderfully. We spent a week with them in Congo, which was amazing and so worth it. We were able to see how amazing, resilient, and loving their culture (now ours) is, and how important it is to celebrate the DRC. They eat everything. Their favorite is hot dogs and macaroni and cheese. They L.O.V.E. ketchup. They will lick their plates clean with some ketchup. We gave them a popsicle yesterday and Malachi was pretty perplexed. Cealy tried to show him the way to eat it, but something that cold made absolutely no sense to him. I love it!! They also love syrup. I gave them pancakes with syrup on a different plate, thinking they would not like the taste. Um no, they licked those plates too. They love to give hugs and kisses. And anytime Dan says Usuba (pee) or Usumba (poop) they laugh hysterically. Typical boys. My heart is so full.

Dominic and Malachi are overwhelmed, but I had to show you their Congolese clothing. I must get Sebastian one and Cealy a dress.