Almost

We survivied the long flight!!!! Nancy, Jessica, Genuine, and I sat in a row with Tanner and Ricky about fifteen rows in front of us. This time both girls chose to stay awake for the take off and landing. Once we find the courage to face our fears, it's not so scary anymore. It was a little over a nine hour fliht and the girls slept about three and half hours. Genuine had her head in my lap and her feet stretched out across two seats with her legs facing inward. Jessica also had her head in her mom's lap with her feet stretched out toward us. The girls slept intertwined and were perfectly content. Nancy and I, at that moment, realized the extreme importance of keeping these girls in contact with one another. They have a very special bond and of course, a special BFF handshake! Ninetendo DS was a real time killer and I am thankful to Madison for lending it to Genuine and to Ricky for selflessly letting Jessica have his. It seems that on each of the long flights, I had a giggle attack. On this flight, toward the end, there was a sound made by the aircraft that sounded like someone passed gas. Both girls immediately looked at each other with a look of surprise and then all eyes were on me. I knew, without a word being said, what they thought. We all started dying laughing and within seconds, Nancy realized what they thought, too. Jessica then proceeds to use hand motions to show us what they thought, followed by more uncontrollable laughter. Yes, people were staring, but we didn't care. We were thanking God for the simple things in life and rejoicing in laughter.

Here in Salt Lake City, the girls discovered water fountains. Again, more squeals as they each placed their fingers on the finger marks and pressed. It took them a few tries to get the water just right without splashing themselves in the face!

We didn't have much time for lunch because it was here that we had to go through customs. Everything went well, it just took some time. We grabbed a quick slice of pizza or in the girl's case, chicken nuggets. We then made our way to the gate that would separate the girls and our two families. We certainly met a new sister in Christ in Nancy and would miss her warm, caring spirit and Jessica was just a doll. The girls stayed busy playing games, almost in denial. When it was time to board, we reassurred them that they could call and skype very soon. We all hugged and parted. Jessica fell apart, while Genuine only cried a little. Genuine described Jessica as angry and herself as sad. It was very hard to watch and there were more tears once we were seated. I think one of the saddest moments was when we arrived in New Orleans and walked into the airport, Genuine said, "Jessica?" It was then that I realized she thought Jessica was coming here, but on a different airplane. Again, I marvel at the courage and perseverance these children display. God, please help me not to whine or complain.

It's at this point that MY heart is pounding because I can't wait to see Austin and Madison and introduce them to their new sister. Genuine is holding on tight to me and remains very quiet through the introductions. However, her personality takes over an hour later when we drive into the driveway and she bounds out of the suburban with a huge smile on her face! She responds first to, you guessed it, Oddie! She was a little afraid of Sophie. It seems the dogs were the icebreaker we needed. She was given a tour of the house and really liked her room. She began to make herself at home by taking a bath and asking lots of questions. She was caught laughing at her brothers and sister and it was music to my ears! The journey has ended, yet only just begun! Genuine, genuinely His and now, genuinely ours for each day that He gives us.

Genuine, you are fearfully and wonderfully made by the Creator himself. You are loved. You matter.

Mom and Dad