Tatiana is home

We are home! Tatiana did relatively well on the long journey home. She asked throughout the trip if we were home...then when we landed in Grand Rapids I told her we were home. She climbed in my lap, hugged me and smiled while saying "dome" (home in russian). We were overwhelmed at the airport when we saw Kevin, Caleb and Jared and other friends and family.

Tatiana has done amazingly well since being home. Overall our initial adjustment is going well. I attribute much of this to the realtionship that we were able to establish while we were together in Irkutsk. Tatiana knows Kevin and I and knows that we are people she can trust.

The time that Kevin and I spent away from Caleb and Jared was difficult for us all and I am so thankful that I am home again with them. They have welcomed Tatiana with open hearts and we are impressed with their willingness to guide and share with their newest sister. Caleb and Jared are such amazing people. Without their strength, flexibliltiy, love, and patience the process of bringing Tatiana would have been much more difficult. They have already made a huge impact on Tatiana's life and I hope that someday they can realize the importance of what they have done.

I will continue to post on the blog so that I can document Tatiana's adjustment home and share the joys and struggles that are ahead! ---Melanie