I am so proud of my boys. For eleven years, they have had my full attention. I have always been at the ready with a snack, a band aid, listening ear, a hug, whatever the situation called for. Since Leticia arrived on the scene she has been stuck to me like glue and most of my attention has been fixed on her. Have they been jealous? Sure. Of course. We talked about this many times before she came home and it was decided that when they had these feelings, they would let me know. And they have. Is it perfect? No. Far from it. But it is our family and we are a work in progress I am just so proud I could bust.
The fact that God has entrusted us with these three (not so) little people to guide and walk through life with- it blows my mind. Stephen and Daniel have upped their game not only with sharing and learning how to play "girl stuff," their signing has also improved. What a joy it is to watch the three of them laughing and chatting. Seriously. I almost can't stand it!
Also, the small private school that our boys attend has allowed Leticia to be home schooled by me in their classroom. Being raised in an institutional setting, this is most comfortable for her, and for now it's working just fine. The best thing is that I have been teaching basic Sign Language to several of the classes. The kids are so excited to learn how to talk to Leticia and enter her world. I was so worried that she would be isolated and lonely. More proof that worry is a complete waste of time! Watching her run and play with her friends at recess is such a blessing!
When I add up how much it has cost to not only obtain guardianship but to fight the USCIS for her visa, there is no way that a mailman and stay-at-home-mom could have made this happen. No way. How did we do it? Between six visits to Uganda, five lawyers and four appeals... It is seriously a loaves and fishes type of deal. Thank you. Thank you for believing that Leticia would come home. Thank you for not giving up on her. As I watch her sleep, it is still hard to believe that she is actually here. God is so good. He answers prayers. <3
This is what Leticia calls "Our Family Story" Basically, Leticia, Kris, John, Stephen, Daniel, Love, waiting for a long, long time, family, it's true, it's true, FINISHED!
