Missing in Action

Okay, so I realize it's been about a MONTH since we've updated here.  But truly we have been missing in "ACTION".  What a crazy whirlwind of a month!  We're going through some major life changes and at times it left us with our heads spinning.  How Great our God is though and He has carried us through each step.  

We had the absolute privilege recently to go back HOME.  Our first stop was at some dear friends of ours in IA.  They have been such incredible long-distance friends to us.  We met them shortly after beginning our life together as a family back in our Louisiana days.  Boy do they ever know about hospitality.  After a very LONG day traveling, they welcomed us in and made the very most of our time together.  We kept them up horribly late and just treasured every moment.  The next morning we got up and finished the trip onto IL.  I did a very lousy job of taking photos on this trip.  Perhaps it was because we were in kind of a fog.  Thankfully, Lord willing, it won't be too much longer though and we'll be going back.  Then let the photo shoot begin!

It had been WAY too long since I'd seen my mom.  What a faithful friend she has been.  God has truly opened up her heart big and it was just such a joy to introduce her to our newest babe.  I sure hope I look as young as her when I'm a grandma of many!

On the way home, we stopped off for swimming to break up the trip a bit.  The "big pool" was too much for our little bathing beauties.  So Arsema found the wet tile the perfect spot to splash.  Then we decided the littles would be much happier up in the "pool tub", so Daddy was helpful to take them up for some tub time while I relaxed and let the two boys play.

No, we didn't lose a son on the trip!  He was just enroute with my dad who so graciously traveled ALL the way out to ND to load up many of our belongings and dog and safely transport them all back to IL.  Now if that isn't a dedicated Grandpa, I don't know what is!!  I'm just really sad I didn't think to take a photo of that!  Big bummer for sure.  Our things will be waiting for us in that trailer, so hopefully we can get a shot of it back in IL.

SO .... that kinda fills you in on what we were doing all month ... packing, sorting, throwing, packing, etc.  

We were a bit anxious about the trip and how Maleah would do.  She proved to be a great traveler and seemed to really enjoy it.  It was also fun bringing her back home and seeing her recognize where we were.  The absolute BEST news of the week is that she learned to give HUGS!!!!  I mean "REAL" hugs!  I guess it's official ..... she loves us.  I can't tell you how good this did my heart after two long months of working towards this.  Our sad and scared babe has truly transformed into a blossoming and joyful tot.  She's even trying to take a few steps.  

Wanna give a shout out to all our fellow Gladney families who have received WONDERFUL news this week!!!  Many referrals, many travel clearances.  We could not be happier for you all!  Several of these children we held and took things to when we met Arsema.  What joy it is to see them finally getting united with their families.  

Much more to share .... in the coming days.