Thrilled to be Home

Where do I start?

Friday and Saturday were a blur with all of our flights from Addis to London to Philadelphia to Dayton.  We traveled for 32 hours striaght and were totally spent by the time we made it home last night.

First and foremost, we cleared customs and immigration in a matter of minutes in Philadelphia yesterday afternoon.  Sofani was fingerprinted (you could tell this was a first), processed and welcomed to the US. 

During our travel day we enjoyed observing his reaction to everything.  London Heathrow airport is enough to overwhelm anyone.  Sofani had his first encounter with escalators and people mover walkways.  The shops at the airport had him in awe – Burberry, Ted Baker of London, new book stores, etc.  It’s a far cry from the markets on the streets of Addis or Mikelle.  He wanted ice cream for dinner (only the second time he’s had it in his life).  How could I say “no?”  We ordered two scoops. 

He got into Staci’s SUV at the airport and was amazed at the TV in the vehicle.  We were going down the interstate and he pointed out the sunroof.  He stood up and stuck his head out of the car at 70 mph.  It was fun listening to him laugh as the wind blew his eyes shut and forced him back into the car.  We were hungry and we had to welcome him to America we had to stop by McDonalds.  He laughed as we talked to a box to order food and promptly devastated a cheeseburger and large fry with no problem.  McDonalds is universal – everyone loves it.

As we turned onto our road he knew we were close because he was following Staci’s navigation system the entire way home.   The excitement was palpable.  He was about to jump out of his skin.  We pulled onto our lane to find that our house had been decorated by our friends.  Welcome signs everywhere.  I’ve never felt so welcome at my own house (if that makes any sense).  I’m sure he felt the love as it clearly showed him how many people were ready to welcome him to our extended family and community.

My grandma, Joan, and Staci’s father, Tom were at the house when we arrived.  They were making the handoff with our 5-year old bundle of blond curls that we missed so much over the past week – our dear Anna.  (By the way – a HUGE “thank you” to my sister Julie and our family in Marion for watching Anna for the entire time we were away.  We owe you!)  Tom and Grandma Joan welcomed him with big hugs and kisses and he was very happy to meet his new sister.  Anna’s job was to show Sofani around the house and that’s what happened next. 

When I say we were blown away by our friends I mean it.  Blown away.  We were so exhausted that the love from our dear group of friends and family who weren't physically here to greet us easily turned into tears.  We could feel your presence.

There were signs everywhere from friends from our community – the staff at church, friends of ours, etc.  Bright, colorful signs welcoming Sofani to his new home and community.  I don’t know how many there are to be exact but they’re everywhere.  The refrigerator was stocked, supplies bought and the pantry was full.  We are so very grateful.  I can’t express how much it means to us to have so many wonderful friends and such a supportive family and community.

Sofani was excited to see his bunk bed which had been meticulously constructed by Paw Paw Tom and decorated by his new loving mother.  He has pictures of himself as a baby, his parents, his aunt, etc. (thank you to Kim, mother to Sofani’s sister Liya in Texas).  He loved his new room and was shocked when he opened the closet door to see all of the clothes.  His name was painted on the driveway on the basketball court along with Jackson’s (thank you to Chris Willis). 

Anna toured him throughout the house and he couldn’t stop smiling.  He couldn’t believe the fresh fruit, the full fridge, the big screen television and the pool.  He made a quick change of clothes and we were swimming until midnight.  Sofani is determined to figure out how to swim.  I think it will be a matter of hours before this happens. 

We finally tucked everyone in and said prayers around 1 AM.  We were exhausted.  Wonder when he woke up?  4 AM.  That’s right.  It was just like Christmas morning at the Buck’s house today.  He showered, went outside to ride his new bike, chasing Anna and Jackson around the house with a toy rifle, playing pool, ate a bowl of Fruit Loops and went out to the pier.  He woke Staci and me up at 7 AM.  Any other day I would have rolled over and begged for a few more minutes of sleep but I couldn’t do it.  He wants to go swimming.  He wants to go fishing.  He is thrilled to be here.  He cannot stop smiling and laughing.  It is the most excited I have ever seen anyone – hands down.

Now we are going to soak it all up. 

I cannot adequately express my sincere thanks to our family, friends, church and community throughout this process.  Never in our lives have Staci and I felt so much love and support.  We have meals coming every evening for the next couple of weeks from members of our church.  It’s unbelievable.  We are truly blessed.

What’s next?  This kid has more energy and interest in learning new things than Staci and I will be able to keep up with in the days and weeks to come.  If you’ve ever been one of those people that have said, “Let me know what I can do to help” – your time has come.  We’re going to take all of you up on that offer.  We need people to teach him how to fish, swim, play instruments (he’s a music lover for sure), paint, school prep activities, chase him around the yard, work on his jump shot (he’s a lefty), etc.  We will be more than happy to take you up on any/all offers.  

I'm being summoned to the pool.  Gotta go!