Reunion

Wow! What a day!

It was an emotional day, and I think this whole weekend will prove to be emotional.

I'll start first with Leslie arriving. She got in to the Ft. Wayne airport at about 3:00. It was such a special reunion! One of my biggest worries was that Leslie wouldn't feel the love and support from all of our family and friends. I wanted her to experience what we experience everyday. When she got off the plane I also noticed a woman get off the plane with a head-covering on, and I wanted to meet her and ask where she was from. As it turns out, she goes to our church in Latty and was visiting her sister in Atlanta (Leslie had a connecting flight from Ft. Lauderdale to Atlanta). She was so kind as we met and asked what, or I should say who, brought us to the airport-and I went on to give her the 2 minute wrapped up version of our story. As soon as Leslie and Michael came over (they were working on getting her luggage) this lady embraced Leslie with love and support and did everything she possibly could to make Leslie feel welcome, love, and support! I thanked God for giving us that, even before we left the airport. I later informed Leslie that that was actually the first time WE had ever met that lady! God is so GOOD!!

We came strait to our house and enjoyed a nice dinner together, and then my folks came over to visit over ice cream.

So far, we have not run out of things to talk about, and I don't think we will. There is still so much I want to know, and so much I want to share! God is so good!

Now for the reminiscing. . . .

A year ago today was the day we left for Ft. Lauderdale. Jessica (Nicks) came over that morning and brought me Chai (so thoughtful!) and we loaded 'the girls' up in her van to take them to Greg's because they would be dog sitting for us. Sarah and Amy Meyer ended up coming over as well. I did not really need help packing, it was just to help keep me relaxed-and it worked! Thanks gals! Before Dad R. picked me up, we all gathered in a circle and held hands, and Sarah had a prayer for us. Well, 3 pieces of luggage, a stroller, and a car seat later, and we were on our way! When we arrived in Ft. Lauderdale, Michael had to go pick up our rental car. I had to stay and gather our luggage (ALL of it) and pull it off the conveyor belt, but after I did that, I was stuck because I could not move with all of it, and I had no way of contacting Michael. He finally came, and by this time Ava (our caseworker) had called us because she was drawing up the papers and needed a name for OUR BABY! That's when I said it. . . . .

Deacon Michael!

There it was-we finally made a FINAL decision.

Well, when we arrived at our rental car, I began to worry about how we would all fit inside-it was a VW Rabbit. Very cute, but very small! There is truth to that name!

We got settled in at Holiday Isle Yacht Club, and then enjoyed a wonderful dinner at P.F. Changs-our last night as a couple without a child! We were filled with excitement and anticipation as we awaited what the next day would bring- when we would finally be able to meet our 'little one'!