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| Our First Family Picture! |
Rachel, Sarah, Leia, and Natalia began the long journey home April 9. After a 16 hour flight to Dallas, a 13 hour overnight layover (which worked out great because they got to meet Mimi and sleep in my childhood home near Dallas)...and after missing their morning flight, learning all flights to Boston the rest of the day were overbooked, and after sweet talking their way onto a connecting flight through New York....the China Scotts united with the New England Scotts to become THE SCOTTS.
After flying solo with four kids for 16 days without my wife (which is about 14 days longer than needed for me to really, REALLY appreciate having her as my partner in this life)....well, after that length of time plus the anticipation of meeting our new daughters for the first time made this such a sweet moment....
With 9 people now in our family, we had no way to fit everyone into one car. Our Ford Expedition has served us well for a long time but only has room for 8. So, my surprise for Rachel was a 12 passenger van which we now call 'THE BUS'
We headed to a Bertucci's Restaurant near the Boston Airport and I snapped this picture as all these people were walking into the restaurant. It was the first time where I looked at this huge group of people (Isaiah isn't even visible in Rachel's arms) and thought "My goodness....all of these people are my family!" It was just one of those moments where reality set in (in a good way)
These are my people...
The past 10 days have been a blessing in watching our new children integrate into the family.
"The Littles" with Mommy the first morning. AJ climbed into the bed that morning and said to Natalia "Do you want to snuggle?"
Game time...
Outside time...
Celebrating Birthday 14 and 6.
Leia and AJ have the same birthday...
This beautiful girl has the toughest transition. Think back to being 14 years old and imagine being moved halfway around the world and adopted into a family where everything is new from the culture to the food and especially the language. We bought Leia Rosetta Stone English and she has been going through those lessons day by day, but English is really difficult for her. We are praying for a breakthrough on this front.
In the meantime, Google Translate is a wonderful tool and we have spent entire evenings just typing back and forth with her, learning about her life, her hopes, her dreams....
And "The Littles" are learning to live with one another. AJ has been an AMAZING big brother. Isaiah is new to that 'big brother' role and, well, let's just say he is learning. The horse pictures below were taken before the budding sibling rivalry began. Having said that, he was sweet to little sister today so we are praying that he has turned a corner (at least for a few days!).
Thank you for all of your thoughts and prayers over the past month. I will put together a post on Rachel and the girls' last days in China as I have finally waded through all 1500 pictures and about 50 videos they took. For now, I wanted to get this delayed 'Homecoming' post published.
God Bless,
Andrew and Rachel
Other Homecoming Photos
Landing in Dallas. Rachel sent this first picture to me while on the plane with the caption "America's two newest citizens!"
Mimi's home (nice place for a 13 hour layover in Dallas!)
And the wait after missing the morning flight....
The video below will find its permanent home on the post from earlier in April introducing Natalia. But for now I am posting it here.
This 4+ minute video shows Rachel and the girls meeting Natalia for the first time. Beautiful.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dNOjPBY5-uE&feature=youtu.be
Wonderful!
ReplyDeleteAmazing journey and speechless for Gods grace and mercy on all of these life changing events
ReplyDeleteWhat a smile Rachel...very. You sure have the international 'nack" of speaking settling a baby!
ReplyDeleteLove all of the videos! My favorite is the meeting of Natalia! A little drama queen in the making I think! Throwing that head back dramatically with each wail! But she knows here mama. Yes, she does. Congratulations all of you!
ReplyDeleteAwesome story and thank you for sharing. Sending love and hugs to the Scott family
ReplyDeleteYes, Mr. Rogers, “It’s a beautiful day in the neighborhood!” now that the Scotts are all home safely. Rachel and Andrew, you are doing a great job of populating our neighborhood with gorgeous kids.
ReplyDeleteGod is Good! We can’t wait to see you all out for a Sunday stroll. Joyce Janosky
What a lovely Homecoming Story as the end to this exciting journey for Sarah and Rachel as they bring Leia and Natalia into your loving family! As I prepare to celebrate Passover - our Festival of Freedom - tonight with my family, I will think of your two new girls and the freedoms that they now have to look forward to, thanks to your incredible generosity and willingness to open your hearts and home to include these children into your family!
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