like coming home...

So amazing to be back. Airport pick up went sooo smoothly I can't believe I was ever even concerned over it. Mama was standing right outside the customs check point after we exited (she had made it past the security point so we didn't even have to leave the airport grounds before finding her).

The changes from 6 months ago were obvious from the moment we stepped off the plane and into the airport - now there is a separate area to fill out customs forms, the baggage claim areas were now separated (instead of one location for all incoming flights and total chaos trying to get bags).

We were in the truck within maybe 20 minutes of exiting and on our way to RENMEN. The streets seemed noticeably more orderly, less rubble, more people seemed to be going about the business of living life....

When we got to RENMEN the kids were in the yard trying to see who was in the truck as soon as the gates opened. Soooo much excitement and energy when they saw who was inside everyone began jumping and clapping. All of us in the truck were on the same energy/happiness high (obviously) and I (of course) began tearing up before I could even get out of the truck. Any and all thoughts/feelings of not wanting to come if there weas a chance of not being able to get back into the U.S. were completely gone. Of course this is worth it!!!!! This exact moment would be reason enough to take that risk. We fell over each other, the three of us, trying to get out of the truck and were absolutely mobbed with love.

Oliver is walking!!!!!

A few new faces are here but also a lot of saddness hit when we realized that a few faces were also gone - Marie-Danielle, Samantha, Magdala... :(

We spent the afternoon playing, had dinner and caught up with Burke and Sammy Jo who had gotten there a couple of days ahead of Amy, Emily, and I.

It feels like a complete time distortion right now - as if we hadn't left we are so comfortable and at ease here, feels like coming home in many ways... but also as if it has been ages ago because of all the "life" that's happened for all of us in the past 6 months....

The weather is beautiful - warm but not exhausting heat the way it was last June. Mama insisted that the four of us take her bedroom (Burke has taken Father Michel's who won't make it because of a back injury). We tried to argue her out of it but you know Mama... I've never met a more generous giving woman in my life.

So many amazing GOOD changes here not to forget for - the kitchen is done! And apparently appliances are on the way, just waiting in the latest crate that was shipped from Florida (but has been held up in customs).

Of course there was a dance party that fight night outside in the courtyard under the starry Haitian sky AND on a stage!? Watch it here!Apparently a new addition for the new-years talent show RENMEN is putting on for the neighborhood.

We danced for who knows how long under the starry Haitian sky, Leah (the newest and latest addition) bounced along in my arms 100% in beat with the rhythms like no baby I've ever seen,

she is going to be a fiesty sty one.

The girls are back sleeping in their dorms and the relief tents are gone!!! Praise God!!!