How can I ever thank you all enough for the advice you shared about bringing home Hailee and Harper? Thank you to every single one of you who took time to share your thoughts and experiences with me. I still have so many emails to get through. I am so glad that I posted about my little dilemma-you guys have shared things that I never even thought of. You have given me so much to consider. Thank you for all the wisdom you so openly shared. I appreciate it more than you can know.
A few of you asked whether Anthony could do the latter part of the trip so that he could come home with me and the girls. The answer is no. There is no way that can work. Unfortunately he has to be there for the first two and a half weeks so that he can go through the court process with me. Once that is done, he is free to leave. He absolutely has to get home so that he can go back to work.
I will have to stay for about a month. Heavens, I have no idea how I am going to manage being away from my family for that long. I have never been away from them for a long time. Ever. It definitely is one of the negatives about adopting from this country. The travel is l-o-n-g. I know the Lord will take care of all of our hearts. When He says GO, He takes care of all the little details and the things near and dear to our hearts, doesn’t He?
An entire month in country will give me lots of time to bond with Hailee and Harper. Though I cannot take them out of the orphanage, I can visit them in the orphanage. I’m sure the three of us will have lots of time to get to know each other before we journey home. My prayer is that by the time we get on the first train to head home, that they know I’m their mommy!
Some mentioned the possibility of taking our oldest son with us. Connor is only ten years old. Yes, it would be possible to take him. But, his Grandpa (my Dad) is coming from South Africa to take care of him, and the rest of his siblings while we are away. I think that would be way more appealing to him than spending a month overseas. It is so hard on all of us not having close family around-so when they do come and visit, it is a big deal for my children. They make the most of every minute they have with extended family. I am thrilled to leave him here just because I know he will have the best time with his grandpa (whom he misses something awful). My heart smiles at the thought of my son spending quality time with someone he loves and rarely gets to see. I just couldn’t take him away.
I am so deeply touched by how many of you said that you would gladly meet me there to fly home with me and the girls. Oh how I appreciate that you care. You guys are so sweet. Really. Though you cannot go with me, it is so comforting to know that many will be praying us all the way home. That’s good enough for me.
I really am okay with flying home alone with Hailee and Harper. There are far more difficult things in this life that God could call me to do. I honestly do consider it a privilege to be able to go and rescue these two girls from certain death. If it means doing the trip home alone-then so be it.
I did get some emails where some expressed concern about me traveling alone with my girls. I do appreciate your concern. But, the way I see it is that if all I ever did was look for the easy road in this life (the uncomplicated, smooth sailing path), I would rob God of opportunities to show Himself faithful in my life. This is one of those times. I don’t have a choice, friends. It’s do it this way-or not adopt Hailee and Harper at all. Those are my choices. Well, the latter is just not even an option.
If it means that I have to sacrifice, be a little uncomfortable, dig a little deeper in my faith, lean on my Savior a little more, go for an extended time without sleep…so be it! Every sacrifice will be so worth it. I know that the Father will enable me and equip me to accomplish the task He has laid out before me. And do it well. As far as I know, nobody ever died of sleep deprivation, or traveling alone with two children with Down syndrome. I think I’m gonna live to tell the story right here on my blog {grin}.
This is one of those times in my life where I know that, “I CAN do ALL things through Christ who strengthens me.”
Oh, before I forget, someone asked me about Hailee and Harper’s hearts. Both girls have heart conditions. From what we know, Hailee’s is worse than Harper’s. But we’re not positive. We just know that they both have heart conditions. We’ll only know the severity of it once we’re home.
Soon they’ll have sweet little bodies in them. And I can hardly wait.
I can see why you couldn’t resist those adorable outfits. They are just perfect!
I am thrilled to hear peace in your “voice”. You are right on all fronts. God is certainly going and staying with you in the Ukraine…we all know you are not alone.I suspect that your travel will be bathed in prayer. It will be exciting to see how the Lord makes the road rise up to meet you.
Lisa
ps-LOVE the outfits and that you will be dressing them alike. Enjoy it as long as you can. You know one day they will both look at you and say “Mom, we don’t want to match!!!”
You are an amazing, strong woman and I know that with God by your side, you will be just fine. LOVE those outfits!!!!
Such sweet outfits…I can’t wait to see the girls wearing them.
I love how you are so confident that God will take care of you and I am SURE that He will. It will be so exciting to see how He answers our prayers for you to get home with the girls! Hugs, sweet friend!!
I ADORE YOU. Thank you for not remaining comfortable. Thank you for being willing to do it all for HIM in HIS strength. I have learned so much from you.
Oooh, little girl clothes are irresistible for sure!! And you are right, YOU CAN DO ALL THINGS THROUGH HIM!! We mommas are a determined bunch, & I have no doubt that you will do whatever it takes to bring your girls home. I look forward to hearing the story. It may end up being crazy, it may be full of angels on earth, but one thing’s for sure, it’ll make for a great blog post! :o) Thanks for sharing your journey!!
You CAN do all things through Christ who gives you strength. You’ve flown to S. Africa with a bunch of kids, you can certainly do this and you will!!!
LOVE the outfits. I’ve actually bought a few matching outfits for Josi and Nadia (which isn’t easy considering the size/age difference) but of course my shopaholic friend helped me. We both know who that is!!!
Kristin
This post just makes me smile. Thank you for trusting God so much and living in His control. It’s so refreshing to see.
Love the outfits! Your girls will be adorable in them!
I know you can do it. It wil not be easy but you will look back and say it was so worth it! Do not be afraid to blog on you feelings as you go through all of these exciting BUt hugely challenging times.
It will help us all to see God in action!
Bless you!
Awesome outfits!! SO cute…I can’t wait to see them in them and in your arms. Your strength and conviction touches my heart. I will be praying for your journey and for your beautiful girls!
Melanie
Adeye, yet again your words are so true. God WILL enable you to make this journey home alone, because nothing is impossible for HIM.
Just imagine how many people will look (and make comments) at you traveling alone with 2 girls with down syndrome and how many opportunities you will have to share Christ as you explain to those who stare, why you are doing such a ‘crazy’ thing
God will use ALL situations for HIS GLORY. Can’t wait to see how!!
Our prayers continue to be with you all.
Michelle
what adorable outfits, they will lok so cute in them hanging tight to their mommy:)
Blessings,
Gayly
It is amazing to me that you have such peace through all of this. I just read your previous post and this one and I can not imagine having to make it home with your two new babies by yourself. But, you are right, God will enable you and you will make it and you will give Him all of the glory! I have no experiential advice for getting babies through the airport alone. I have only been on an airplane once with a baby and that was a few months ago when I had 5 other people in my family with me to be able to pass him around and take turns holding him and taking care of him.
I do not think it compares to what you will have to do. LOL And we used a stroller through the airport. I would say that would be your best bet. Walking period can be tiring in an airport let alone carrying a baby or two. 
I am so excited that it is getting so close. And, I loved the outfits that you bought. They are adorable.
Hello,
I just happpend to find your blog and I must tell you how your last post touched my heart. Your strength and faith in the Lord brought me to tears. Please know I will be praying for your pending journey.
Many blessings to you and yours,
Amy
myblessings
LOL… I have bought some stuff, and having seen them, I still have trouble deciding on their size! Cute clothes!
I found the stewardesses to be wonderfully helpful. And there always seems to be an “angel in disguise” willing to lend a helping hand. You will be just fine!
I was ready to go alone, but John really wants me to have someone along… and with both girls having big feeding issues… I felt that maybe that was the way to go!
I have no doubt, that by the time you actually fly home, you will know them well enough that you will do great!
Love the outfits A. I have been tempted myself to by Mia and Lily some matching outfits, but trying to wait until we get some sort of size update :).
I know you are going to do amazing and God is going to hold your hand and send many angels in your path.
Are you going to travel via Frankfurt ?
If so, you can book “passenger support service”. It should be free for “physically challenged passengers”.
You need to register 48 hours in advance.
You need to register through the airline (or your travel agent), as you cannot book PSS directly.
http://www.frankfurt-airport.com/cms/default/rubrik/25/25183.barrierfree_travel.html
Different airport ?
Let me know.
My daughter has the same outfit and is actually wearing it today!