New Job, New Home, Early Christmas

Christmas arrived early this year for our family.

We had to make a special request to Santa to come early.

~~~~~~~~~~

Several months ago, like many of the other thousands before us, and after us, we lost our job due to the economy's cut backs. Despite the ill timing (as I think it always is for anyone to lose a job)

We were not scared - we trusted in God to lead and guide us.

Lead and guide us he did - all the way to the other side of the continent.

So we have but a few weeks before we need to be moved.

~~~~~~~~~~~

So, that led us to ask Santa to come early since we would be in transit when the rest of the country was celebrating Christmas.

It began with an early visit to sit on his lap and discuss the desires of childhood.

 Kofi, our ever wise and practical child,

asked for socks, shoes, and just a few little toy people to play with his cars. 

Sufi, our more impetuous and fanciful child asked Santa for candy canes and green hotdogs.

 Although, he did recieve a couple of  toys, the grin of satisfaction only came out when he saw the candy cane in his stocking.

 Kofi was thoroughly pleased with his little people...and candy canes.

The biggest candy cane there ever was.

It will take months for these two to eat it.

Pabbi and Mamma are glad to have this part of Christmas over and have the space to focus on packing. However, on Christmas day we can fully devote the day to our Lord and Saviour...even in transit.

But no matter what and where we are this holiday season,

WE WISH YOU A VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS

and a

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!

Forever Family

It is amazing at how fast time flies.

It is amazing how much our babies have grown.

It is amazing all the things we do and have done in such a short time.

But the following was one of the most amazing days we had.

We visited our

Temple in D.C.

 We are a Forever Family.

 A night shot of the D.C. Temple.

 The Christus Statue at the Vistor Center.



In the past year and a half we have struggled and blossomed as we have strengthened our family bonds.

It has not been easy to forge these bonds, but we are seeing many successes.

We are blessed in our
 faith
of
eternal
 and
forever families.

Happy 1st 'Gotcha" Anniversary

March 18th/19th is the celebration of our 1st 'Gotcha' Anniversary = the day we all arrived home in the U.S. All of us can hardly believe how fast time has flown.

It has been ONE year since our boys came home. A year ago four of us boarded a planie in Ghana and headed to the U.S. ONE year ago we put a screaming child into his first car seat, the other child realized he had never felt cold be so COLD. Both had their first American meal of W.endy's chicken nuggets and fries at 12:30 am MST. -they were hungry after flying for 17 hours, and being enroute for an exhausting 24 hours.

What a day of nerves, excitement, exhaustion, and a feeling of "Finally - at last."

The last year has been filled with ups and downs, lots of smiles and tears, tantrums and tickles.

Although, we have been a family for only a year, we feel like we have always been together.

At this time, we want to thank everyone who helped us build our family. We could not have made it without your help and support. Thank you for eveything!!!

The following posts are filled with pictures looking back over the year and our most recent shots.

• Our Family Then and Now
• Looking Back - March 18th 2009 - Flying Home
• Looking Back - First Week at Home
• Looking Back ... Kofi
• Looking Back ... Sufi
• Looking Back a Year of Togetherness
• Happy 1st Gotcha Day

ENJOY!!!!

We certainly have!

Our Family: Then and Now

March 19th, 2009

March 18th, 2010

Looking Back - March 18th 2009 - Flying Home

March 18th, 2009 we began our adventure home to the U.S. Waiting in the Ghana Airport.

Sufi was thrilled to see the planes. He squealed in delight. I still can't beleive those sores on his face. He was quite the little trooper to fly for so long while suffering.

Kofi waiting patiently, anxiously, nervously, and excitedly for his first plane ride.

Settling in for the long flight. Kofi couldn't believe how big the plane was. We had described and prepared him the best we could - but nothing can take the place of seeing something for yourself.

Sufi eyeing the camera - he wanted to play.

Kofi feeling tired but to excited to sleep. He later did fall asleep and slept for most of the flight home.

We are on a truck being transported from the plane to the concourse. Sufi can't get enough of the planes.

Kofi a little wary but curious about the whole process.

Our first meal at home consisted of french fries and chicken nuggets. What better way to indoctrinate children into an american style of childhood.

This year, for our 1st "Gotcha" Anniversary we celebrated
with chicken nuggets and french fries
to recall our first american meal together.

Looking Back - First week at home

Our first week home we were busy trying to find a routine and adjust to being a family of four.

Kofi LOVED his bed.
He didn't have to share a room or a bed anymore.

Sufi was quite discontented.
He ended up in our bed for several weeks - he refused to sleep alone.
Poor guy - his face sores did not help. Sufi found comfort being on our backs.
Especially when food was being prepared.

Kofi loved going to the store and trying on some suits for church.

We love this face.
Awww... food = comfort

Sufi loved to cuddle up to mamma.
He hated being let go.This is pre-haircut for Kofi.

Sufi was happy to stand in the kitchen - with hope food was coming his way.
He also enjoyed watching Kofi get a haircut.

Mid-haircut.
We could hardly believe all that was underneath that hair -
dirt and yes, a bug.

His hair in a bag for remembrance and a clean looking head.
He was happy for the cut.

Kofi's so glad when Pabbi comes home -
he jumps into his arms for joy!

While making dinner Sufi steals some food.Sufi after a bath.
He loves water and bathing.

Looking at these pictures sure bring back memories -
It also helps us to see how far we have come in a year.

There have been moments we weren't sure we could survive.
There were moments that brought tears to the boys' eyes and ours.
There were moments where we wept wishing things were better and more idyllic.
There were times we wondered what we should do.

But there were moments when we knew we couldn't survive without the boys.
There were moments where we all laughed until tears came flooding out.
There were times when little arms wrapped around our necks and we knew things couldn't get better than at that moment.
There were times we knew that we were doing exactly what we should.

We have healthy and happy children who are embracing life
and
we love embracing life with them.

Looking Back...Kofi

March 2009 - March 2010