Sunday, July 20, 2008

Upon Returning

Upon returning, the Oregon air greets us with it's sweetness...it is as fresh as the faces of our family who have driven to welcome us home (and the calls from the ones who wish they could).

Upon returning, the vastness and largeness of American life forces our eyes to adjust to their precious focus and leaves us praying that part of us will remain out of focus. The streets appear dead and quiet...no longer alive with the rhythm of African life but ridged. Rehearsed. Disjointed from those around.

Upon returning, I allow the water from the shower to fall on my face: not afraid of the drips which run into my mouth. We allow ourselves, also, the fresh salad prepared for us without the fear of what lives in it; waiting to wreak havoc on our weak American bodies.

Upon returning, my boys...together...our family. The best part of returning: to be a family, no longer separated by oceans and continents. Our whole family: together.

Upon returning, I sit back ans stare at my little boy who has just joined our family. I wish I knew what he was thinking and feeling. We just are beginning to know each other and yet I feel he is comfortable staring into our faces. He will learn to smile. Soon he will laugh. For now, we will hold him tight.

Upon returning, I do not know where to begin. Slowly, Perhaps indefinitely, our stories will be shared.
Our first day with Noah: This is what he did the entire visit

Out for a walk. The stroller is going to be nicer than I ever imagined.

Our boys: beginning to talk to each other...yes, their clothing was matched.

Our Noah.

11 comments:

Eyes_Wide_Open said...

We're here when you need us and can't wait to hear more about your trip. I'm sure that much is just overwhelming and hard to even describe as of yet.

We love you Yoders!

Mainely Me said...

Thanks, Jodi, for the pictures and the thoughts. Take time to ponder your experiences. You have been blessed by them and the blessings will continue.

The Singlers said...

Oh Jodi and Josh - he is so beautiful! I WISH that we could be there and meet him and see your family. Words can not express our joy for you guys....We can't wait to hear about your trip and meeting your wonderful son for the first time.ae

Unknown said...

Oh Jodi--just looking at him with everyone else, it's like a piece of the puzzle has been matched! Yay God!

JPB said...

I read this this morning sitting in church and thought of you:

from the book of the prophet Hosea

Assyria shall not save us; we will not ride on horses; and we will say no more, Our God, to the work of our hands. In you the orphan finds mercy.

See you soon!

Coraly said...

I have been checking you blog almost hourly to make sure you arrived back safe and sound! You have now 4 of the most darling boys that I have ever seen! Can't wait to hear more about your experience... in the mean time savor each moment with Jake, Max, Oliver and Noah!

Unknown said...

Noah's very cute!
Wow - it must be such a relief to finally have Noah and be back together in Oregon as a family. Praise the Lord for that!
We're so happy for you.

Our baby Zambia said...

Welcome home and congratulations. He is wonderful. Enjoy all these moments. They go so quickly.

Sheri said...

It's a beautiful thing to see how you have already become a family. The boys were so well prepared to have already made Noah their brother. Like Max says "we have two babies". He can't speak of one without mentioning the other! It's a joy to witness your family being "family". Welcome Noah. You're already a joy! Mom Y.

Anonymous said...

Noah is so beautiful! What a wonderful experience that you were able to go pick Noah up. I can still remember it like it was yesterday and it has been 1 year 4 months ago! Have a wonderful time getting to know Noah and bonding with all your beautiful boys!

The Hagner Family
Albany, Oregon

Anna said...

Your writing is beautiful, as is your new son. Thank you for sharing.