There is so much that I need to catch you all up on, so much so that I could probably write three or four (or five) posts on it. I will try and summarize everything for you guys though :)
Let's start back in Congo...
My mom and I as we headed to the orphanage.
We got out of the car and were greeted by a familiar gate and dozens of familiar faces, but Sevi wasn't there with them. So we ventured further inside. We were not disappointed...
There were no words to describe this moment as mother and daughter reunited.
Sevi and I are now forever sisters.
When we got back to the hotel with Sevi we facetimed the family back home. Maida and Sevi were just tickled to see each other :)
We were able to go and visit a few other orphanages while we were there. It is so sobering to see where these children live and what their lives are like. It really makes me stop and give thanks for all I have.
One of Sevi's friends from the orphanage had to go and have some paperwork done so she stopped by to play for awhile. Sevi showed her how to play Bop-it.
This trip to Congo was so different from our last time there. My mom and I definitely saw more and learned more about Congo than we ever had before.
While we were there we met two boys in an orphanage that we severely malnourished. They were both about 12-15 months old but both were the size of a nine month old and only weighed about ten pounds :(
We couldn't leave them so our in country coordinator, my mom, and I took them back to our hotel and kept them for several days, trying to feed them, revive them, and give them lots of love. When we first got them they could barely keep their heads up, they didn't play or smile, they were totally lifeless. By the end of their stay they were sitting by themselves, laughing, playing, and looked so happy! We were so grateful for the opportunity to help these little ones.
We have gotten reports on both of them since and have seen their pictures, they are doing so much better (Thank The Lord!)
(Little N sleeping)
I really fell in love with little N in his short stay with us. He had such an additide but he really was a sweetie and boy was he cute!
Finally, after an eventful two weeks, it was time for us to leave and go home.
We went back to the orphanage for the last time the day before we left. Sevi said goodbye to all of her friends...
...and to all the workers and nannies. Sevi loved them all so much and many of them had tears in their eyes as they said goodbye. It was a very special moment for them all as they sent Sevi off to her new life with her family.
Right before we left the workers all prayed over Sevi
We are so thankful for all of those who took care of Sevi, watched over her, prayed for her, and told her about The Lord while we weren't there.
Finally it was time to head out! California here we come!
We had to wait several hours at the airport as our flight had been delayed. Another adoptive family we had befriended at our hotel was on the same flight so Sevi spent the time playing at the airport playing with them thankfully giving her something to do cause let me tell you we were all very bored, lol.
And then we were off! On our way home to reunite with the family and for Sevi to meet her new forever family.
We are home! (Photo credit goes to my sister in law, sorry if a couple are blurry)
Sevi meeting her sisters for the first time.
And her brother :)
She and Maida were finally able to reunite. They were both so happy to see each other! Once good friends, now forever sisters.
Because our plane came in at a reasonable hour this time lots of friends and family came.
Among them was our good friend, Magali, who helped us so much in Sevi's adoption and cheered us on :)
And also Sevi's best friend' (W) family who have become very good friends of ours and only live fifteen minutes away!
There were several someones who missed their mom/grandma
Bella made a sign of her own for her new big sister :)
These two absolutely love each other, they are best friends. I heard my sister in law say: "Instantly bonded, forever tied together by love".
Meeting her sister in law and niece.
Love
Sevi Katherine, forever HOME!
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