Well, well, well…here I finally am.
Goodness gracious, I honestly feel like I have just lost an entire week of my life. While driving some ridiculous number of hours today I was counting on my fingers (because my math skills are totally pathetic) and reminding myself that we really did just get back from the Ukraine two and a half weeks ago. It feels like three months. Seriously. I feel like I have been living in fast forward. Where oh where have the last few weeks of my life gone?
Monday was insane trying to box up the last of our belongings. Tuesday was even more wild as we packed the moving truck. My word-we got three quaters of the way done and realized that there was no way on God’s green earth that we were going to fit the remaining bulky items in the truck. Absolutely no way. We frantically started making phone calls offering furniture to anyone who needed it. The Lord was good to us-He led us to the right people-those who really needed the things we were giving away. He’s just so good like that. It felt so wonderful to off-load things-it’s all just stuff.
One little angel fell asleep in an empty room-the hustle and bustle of everything around her was just too much.
Tuesday night we camped on the floor. We had such good intentions of getting an early start on the road on Wednesday morning. Of course that was next to impossible. So much still had to be done. We finally managed to roll out of Colorado after noon. To say that we were exhausted is an understatement. We made it to our first stop around ten that night.
It has taken us four days of traveling all day and late into the night to get to Lexington, Kentucky, where we are tonight. A moving truck, two other vehicles, four adults, seven children and two dogs means frequent stops. Tomorrow we have another full day of driving, and then Monday, just a couple of hours. I finally feel like we are getting there-closer to our home sweet home in Virginia.
The drive sure has been beautiful. It has been a blessing to be able to see so many states in this stunning country. I have lived here for six years now, and have seen very little of the country. So many things have made me smile along the way-God’s glorious creation, the crazy number of cows in Kansas; historic farm houses and delapidated barns that must have so many stories to tell; tiny churches in the middle of nowhere; lush green grass that I have not seen much of since living in Colorado; the temperature thingy in my car that told me it was 92 degrees today (I cannot remember when last I have had such a hot day); my need for those 5-hour kick-butt energy drinks-something I have never done before in my life, but extreme fatigue has definitely set in after months and months of nothing but craziness; I feel like I could sleep for a week; the amount of stares we get when we pile out of cars with kids and dogs in tow; the amount of money I could have earned by now if I got paid every time I heard “you really have your hands full.”
The kids have been great in the car. They have taken turns driving with either me or Anthony (in the moving truck). Harper is very content while driving. She does not mind being confined to the car seat at all. Hailee seems to be getting used to it. The first couple of days were hard. She hated it. One thing’s for sure, by the end of this marathon journey she will absolutely know what it means to have to sit in the car seat for extended periods.
For these little angels, who have only been home for a few short weeks, so much is brand new. I’m sure they must be wondering if all they are ever going to do is be confined to a car seat. Life sure has been anything but normal since they got home.
The joy of going barefoot (something that is absolutely necessary in our family) and feeling the grass on tiny toes.
The feel of soft grass on chubby fingers.
The joy of sitting outside and loving the warm sun on their sweet little faces.
Big sister has been incredible. How she adores her two baby sisters. She has been such a huge help to me on this trip. How blessed I am with my first adopted daughter-the one who showed me that adoption is worth it!
Along the road we’ve found times for family fun-the joy of just being together no matter where we are.
We have had some major breakthroughs with Hailee over the last few days. I tell you, this little girl, written off as a burden to society and locked away in a tiny room for the first five years of her life, is breaking out of her shell big time. She’s already learning at a rapid pace-things I thought would take months and months to overcome are happening before our very eyes. So amazing. I’ll share more tomorrow.
For now it’s off to bed-another long journey awaits in the morning.
Love and biggest hugs to all of you, dear friends.
Oh I just love this update….what a journey and the destination is just on the horizon…a lifetime of joy and happiness!!! Can’t wait to hear about Hailee!!!
I am SO happy to hear from you ~ to know that your journey east is going well and that the girls are hanging in with all of the changes in their lives. I am thrilled to hear about your breakthroughs with Hailee & to see some pictures of the girls. They look so cute together & with their big sister & brother.
We’ll be praying for safe travel for your family in the coming days. I can’t wait to read that you’re home and settled again!
Oh so happy to hear that Hailee is doing better in the car! I prayed a lot for that specifically on Friday.
…and that last bit of news about her is rejoicing my heart!! God of miracles, how we thank thee!
Praying for you all on the remainder of your journey.
It’s soooo good to hear from you again!
I can’t even IMAGINE the fatigue you must be experiencing. I hope you get that nice long rest after you are settled in Virgina. The photos of the girls are amazingly beautiful! It makes me smile to see photos of them-and I can’t wait to hear about Hailee’s breakthrough’s. Yay, God!! Big hugs!!
Oh my gracious, those pictures are glorious! And the news that Hailee is making breakthroughs is amazingly wonderful to hear! All glory to God!
Sounds like your life is nothing short of a whirlwind on wheels right now!! Yikes, you’ve got guts, girl!
Keep the updates coming as you can. I love hearing about your precious family!
Thanks for thinking of us while you are on the road! Can’t wait to hear the progress with Hailee.
You certainly have lived more in the last two months than some do in a lifetime!
Loving you!!
I have been thinking about you on your road trip! May you get to your new home quickly and safely! I can’t wait to hear about Hailee’s break throughs. The pictures of the girls in the grass are precious and they look like little girls (compared to the outfits they wore in the orphanage). Safe travels.
stay safe and keep up the flulids!!!
they are so gorgous!
I found your blog through another and I am loving the story of all your blessings! We have adopted four blessings from God and have one biological surprise from God. I look forward to reading more! Prayers for your road trip!
Love,
Jennifer
New Orleans, LA
Just to note something positive about all this happening in a short period…the girls are experiencing all their big changes at once, rather than settling in at one home and becoming used to it and then having to relocate. Yes, there is one big period of chaos, but then all of you can settle in and find a routine that will become familiar.
May God continue to give you his strength for each day as you complete this moving marathon.
What a joy to hear that Hailee is blossoming in the midst of everything!
God’s safety and protection as you continue on!
I am so excited to hear about Hailee-sounds just like my God. He turns beauty from ashes, strength from fear!
Love from the North,
Summer
Thank you so much for updating, I am so glad to hear that everything is going along well during your family’s trip across the states… I cannot help but think that the days in the car could be just what Hailee needs, for everyone to be very close to her for many hours, almost like joining her in a moving crib where she can become more used to everyone with her. I loved the photo of her reaching and petting your dog and can’t wait to hear more about her progression!!!
the pictures of your children are beautiful 
I’m amazed, Adeye. Sweet baby Harper is beautiful beyond belief - I love that photo where one of your boys is lifting her into the air and she’s giggling. I just adore her! I saw a boy her age with Ds at work today and I loved on him for a little bit, thinking of your precious girls and how blessed you are. How beautiful these children are - so beautiful, so amazing! The photo with Hannah-Claire is adorable as well. She’s turning into a little mommy herself!
And Hailee! I’m so glad she’s breaking out of her shell. Beautiful Hailee rocks my socks - you can tell how much more alert she is. And coming from the South - lol, we don’t wear shoes either, just like your African children! Bare feet is something they will learn to love! Down South we don’t wear shoes from the end of March on.
Oh Adeye, I am so glad you are home…have a safe rest of the journey!
Now I cry, Adéye. I know you must be so exhausted, but somehow I also feel like all this time tightly together in a car on a road trip might knit you even closer together as a family. Like a kick-start to your new life as a family of nine! The photos you’ve posted are adorable; I just love those toes and hands, and those smiles
I’m so happy too to hear that Hailee is opening up. I’m pretty sure she will surprise all of us with what she’ll achieve! Thank you so much for taking your time to share these moments of your journey! You remain in my prayers!
Thinking about you so much! Wow - you guys sure know what the word “adventure” means!!! Never a dull moment when it comes to the Salems
Love you guys so much. Travel safe - you’re almost home!!!
So glad to hear from you and that all is going as well as can be expected “with your hands full!” Actually, the first thing I thought when I saw that photo of Hailee sleeping was “Wow! If I fell asleep like that, I’d never be able to get myself out of that pretzel position…ever!!” I’ve lived in the US most of my life, and I’ve not seen as much as many states as I would like to have seen. This is one big country! Praying for another successful day of driving, and that you’ll soon have the opportunity for much, much needed rest. Oh, how I wish I was closer to help!!
So glad to hear from you! Blessings on the remainder of your trip and the whole family’s transition to VA. Welcome back to the East Coast!
Can’t wait until you arrive into the most beautiful state of them all!! VIRGINIA!
Wow, what an incredible journey you are taking across the country. You guys are so brave, and making it to my part of the world. I live in Southeastern Virginia just a couple hours from where you will be!! So excited to read about Hailee. I have been praying for your sweet girl and I can’t wait to hear more. In the long run, I bet this trip is going to be so good for her. Blessings!
So glad to know you are treking along safely. Thank you for posting in this busy time, you’re amazing. Thinking and praying for you and your family. Beautiful pictures!
Marie-Claude
Adeye, this post was so great to wake up to this morning!!! The photos of the kids brought a smile to my face!!! You are so close to being home now. Chug another emergy drink and come on!!!
Lisa
ps-praying for your safety on the road:)
Adeye,
I didn’t realize you guys were moving all the way across the country to Virginia. That’s where I am in VA, actually Williamsburg. If you ever get my way would love to say hello and love on all your precious children.
Anyways I was writing to say that I am so blessed to have found your blog. I have been wanting to adopt a DS child for some time now. Unfortunately my husbands heart isn’t where mine is. Thru you blog last night at 1 am I was able to get him to sit down with me and read about your to little blessings that you just brought home. I showed him pictures that you posted and I think that possibly his heart is starting to turn. So I wanted to let you know that if you ever think that the blog isn’t worth it any more that possibly this might be helping someone else make a decision to adopt.
I showed your blog to my daughter as well who welled up with tears watching the arrival of the girls as well as the posting of what an awesome husband you have. She asked me “where do you find guys like that?”
He’s a treasure for sure!
You really crack me up girl. I was reading your blog one day and went back thru too many posts to mention and came upon the video that you did with the kids and hubby regarding “what’s my name”. It had me in stitches. Your children ALL of them are adorable.
So just wanted to wish you happy trails to Virginia. Will be waiting to see how you progress thru the trip and see how the girls are doing.
Hailee has been on my mind since I first saw your post of bringing her home. Joyous to hear that LOVE can conquer all while she continues to emerge from the life she once had endured.
My granddaughter who is 23 months and lives with us tells us as soon as she gets into the car “I’m stuck” because she doesn’t want the seatbelt on her and then she proceeds to tell us it over and over and over again until we are finally out. We are headed for a week long trip to NY in two days. Somehow I am not looking forward to the 10 hours of “I’m stuck”. Glad to hear that the girls are doing so well traveling.
Travel safe!
Teri
I have chills sitting here this beautiful Sunday morning. I can SEE the changes underway in Hailee. And the feelings are beyond words at this point. She is a treasure, as lucky to have you as you are to have her. My heart soars for you all.
And that Miss Harper is just delightful! They both look so incredibly squeezeable.
I know you are exhausted. You’ll be settling in to your new home soon…you have almost made it! Look at what you’ve already made it through-you’ve got to be on the upswing now!
It is lovely to see your precious family all together, each playing a vital role in each other’s lives. What a journey you are all on…You are all so blessed.
xoxo from Ohio,
Lisa
I have been thinking about you and praying for you so much this week. My family, 5 little ones and a dog, just recently took a road trip from TX to NC and back. We got the same stares as we all piled out of our huge van, tired and road worn. I am like you, if I had a dime for every time I heard “you have your hands full”, I could have funded the entire trip! I am so excited to hear that little Hailee is making progress. I know that God is helping her in big ways through the love of your sweet family. When we are a channel of God’s love, He works in mighty ways! I look forward to hearing all about it. You and your family are simply amazing. It takes a huge heart and lots of love to be on the path you are on. I will pray that God will give you stamina for your remaining journey in every way!
Sincerely,
Tina in TX
I will tell you this….I saw that picture of hailee reaching out to touch the dog and my heart leapt. she is learning, she is experiencing, she is growing and changing. and she is without a doubt IN THERE and ready to explode with awareness. I am so rooting for these girls, but I cant help feel an extra soft spot for Hailee. she reminds me so of 2 other precious little girls…emma and ava. BOTH of thos =e girls, and now miss Hailee too, have a piece of my heart. Ukraine doesnt know what it lost.
Bonding time on the road seems to be teaching many lessons for the girls… and those pictures show how much you’re all in love!
Oh the joy of the journey! Thank the dear Lord for such sweet memories you are all making! When you said that you were told you had your hands full, I heard that forever- we have 5 girls. A friend from church told me she was told that often as well and the Lord gave her something positive to say. She would answer with, “well no, but my heart sure is full”. Isnt that wonderful?! Enjoy your hearts being full!
Prayers are being said for your safe journey. You know, what you are doing (just getting back from a very long adoption trip and now moving your family across the country) is rather SUPER-HUMAN! Obviously God is holding you in the palm of His hand. And yet, I appreciate how very difficult this must be. Prayers being said. Godspeed.
Lori
As always, I love your pics. Hope that you get some rest…..yiou seriously need it! Have a safe trip!
SO THRILLED for an update. I am BEHIND on my blogging but check yours daily to see your sweet ones
HUGS! Safe travels friend!
I am praying for you and your kiddos every day. I can not wait to hear of Hailee’s progress. How exciting!!!!
I am so glad the move is going well so far sending love and prayers your way!
So good to hear from you and that things are going okay.
Your lives have truly been crazy over the last few months and I’m sure you can’t wait to get ‘home’ and find a new routine.
We are praying that the Lord will continue to protect you on your journey and give you the strength you need.
Looking forward to hearing what has been going on with Hailee.
Drive safe
Michelle
Glad things are going well. Hope your travel is safe and ends soon- time to re-normalize! Happy to hear of Hailee’s changes - I see she is grabbing the grass and “petting” the dog.
You are AMAZING!!! I know… “It’s not me, it’s God.” BUT, you allow Him to work in and through you in amazing ways. He WILL give you the rest you need. Not sure how, but you will get it and soon. GOD IS AMAZING!!!
Thanks for updating! Glad you guys are almost done with your journey across the the US!
What an exciting time in your life my friend!!!!
That picture of Hailee sleeping just makes my mommy heart overflow with love!!! What a precious one!!!! I am overjoyed to hear you ate already seeing changes in little Hailee! It made my month!!!!!
Safe travels my friend! Glad you enjoyed out KS cattle :)!
I was so happy to pop by and see a post!!
I had a bit of a teary eyed moment reading about Hailee’s accomplishments. Things YOU thought would take longer…God KNEW once He helped you get those precious girls out of there, they would do. He never ceases to amaze me. I’m happy to worship such an amazing living God. I’m celebrating Hailee’s improvements!!
*Tammy (RR) Soon you’ll be on the east coast where we live!!
So happy to hear your good news… I hope the Lord continues to bless you and your wonderful family. I get goosebumps everytime I hear that the girls are doing so much better… Happy Trails my friend!
WOW-praying for you! How amazing that Hailee (Harper too) is not freaking out over being in the grass! I can’t believe she is touching the dog! (one of mine still has some lingering sensory issues after 3 years home). She really is opening up!
What a wonderful post! And as always, such beautiful photos!! I’m thrilled to hear that Hailee is doing so well - what a answer to prayer!! I’ll bet once you get settled finally you will crash and come down off of the adrenaline and will sleep and sleep and sleep. No doubt you desperately need it, bless your heart!! Hang in there, Adeye!! You can make it!
Missy
Adopted “Simon” on RR (now Erik)
http://ourfamilybouquet.blogspot.com
What an adventure you are on! I guess it’s one more sleep and you are home! If there is anything at all you need help with once you arrive please let me know- I’d love to help. Welcome back to VA!
~Kelly
Bless your heart, Adeye! I know you’ll be glad when life gets back to a new normal! Love the picture of Harper being raised up in the air by big brother! That is precious! I KNEW Hailee would make remarkable strides in your loving family! Can’t wait to hear all about it!
Praying for you guys!
Tammy
It is so good to hear from you and know that soon you will be home and can settle things down. Thinking of ya’ll and praying for you.
Oh, Adeye you have been in my prayers on your journey across country. I am crying seeing those sweet fingers & toes in the grass. Virginia, my birth state. Even though we love Tennessee… VA will forever be my love & home. I have not been home since Anna passed away. We are heading there for several weeks in June. My family is all in the Tidewater area…my sister in Chesapeake. I will email you regarding but I would love the opportunity to give you a big hug. Godspeed for the remainder of your journey & welcome home to 90+ degree days of May/June with 80+% humidity(LOL)!
In Him,
Jo Gooden
OK, please ask Hailee to make a spot for me right next to her on the floor-I’d LOVE to take a nap right about now too!
Of course I won’t be able to bend myself in half like she does (Josi still sleeps like that in the car!). I’m so thankful the trip is almost over and that you’ll be greeted by your friends in Richmond to unload and begin your new life on the EAST COAST-woo hooey!
Love ya! Kristin
Thanks for the amazing update on your family. Praying for this intense time of change and bonding. May you be protected each and every mile of the way with God’s presence and may your new location feel like home when you get there.
What an adventure to walk by faith, not sight and to know that God is always with you and He knows the way.
Love and hugs and prayers,
Debi
So glad to hear your move is going well. Thanks for sharing the beautiful photos of Harper and Hailee. They are such doll babies. Glad to hear they’re doing well on your journey.
Blessings,
Barbara
I cannot believe you are able to update, but I am so glad you did. Praying for you and thinking of you! What an adventure. Hang in there! Ps 121 Your help comes from the Lord the maker of Heaven and Earth!
WONDERFUL news to hear about Ms. Hailee! Answered prayers!
I was surprised to see your update. Didn’t expect one till you got to Virginia snd maybe settled a bit. But thank you for it and the beautiful pictures of your kids. Hailee looks like she is doing better (petting dog and sitting in grass and actually looks ok with it) Harper looks like she would just go with the flow. How very lucky these two are that you found them and rescued them. It’s hard to think what would have happened to Hailee if left in the crib and given medicine all the time.
Hope you will get settled and back on the road to normalicy soon.
Be sure and get some rest. You have the rest of your lives ahead of you.
May God bless you richly in all you do.
So pleased to hear Hailee is doing better, ohh my gosh you must all be so tired, sending you hugs from New Zealand and safe rest of your travels.
Sending prayers and love your way. Such amazing pictures. I can’t wait to hear about Hailee’s progress. Continued blessings to your sweet family.
I can’t wait to read more about sweet Hailee girl! Safe travels.
Oh my heavens! I am so glad you are making it closer and closer to VA.
I am so excited to hear more about Hailee’s breakthroughs!!
I love the pictures of the girls. They are just so beautiful! I hope you can get some good rest in the near future. I am so relieved that the kids are doing ok being in the car for so long at a time.
Still praying for you and your family! So wonderful to hear an update. Thanks so much for taking the time to post.
Melanie Wendler
Praying you there, friend!
Cannot wait to hear the updates too!
I wish I had known you were going to be in Lexington, would have offered you a nice dinner, or breakfast!
I love the new pictures. Hailee reaching to pet the dog just touched my heart.
The best thing though is that if you were in Lexington last night, you are getting so close to Virginia! - May even already be there tonight.
Wishing you continued good luck, can’t wait to hear how you get settled down in VA.
I just got home from my trip but had to see how you are all doing on the cross country drive!
PRAISE GOD for all that He is doing in sweet Hailee!
When you get settled in - we have to arrange a road trip for me to come see you and you to come here! We are not too far away now! LOVE it!
Hugs sweet friend! God is so good all of the time!
Love,
Jill
Hailee looks like she is really smiling…and she is touching the dog?! She is seeking out stimulation!!! Yeah!!! Of course, little Harper is smiley as always. Your family is truly amazing!!!!
So happy to hear that all is going well, if hectic
Love hearing that there are breakthroughs and can’t wait to read about it. Safe travelling the rest of the way. Love Janelle