Home Sweet Home

We've now been home for almost a week and a half.  The trip to Minneapolis from Bogota went better than we ever imagined.  We had 2 connections, which prolonged our trip, but broke up the airtime nicely.  Emanuel managed to sleep almost entirely through 2 of the 3 flights!

Leaving El Refugio.  6am, tearful goodbye, but ready for the journey.

Loving the planes

We were greeted at the airport by some of the wonderful FANA families despite the late hour (nearly midnight when we landed).  Emanuel was a little glazed over after the long excursion, but was soon squealing in delight as we entered our home to find it decorated with flowers, banners and balloons (which of course are his favorite).  We even had a fully stocked fridge and pantry, courtesy of our amazing neighbors, friends and co-workers.  It has never felt so good to be home and the amount of love and support we received and continue to receive is priceless.  We find ourselves blessed every day to be surrounded by such a generous and caring community.

1 am arrival home, to of all else, balloons!!

Emanuel has been adjusting well to his new home.  He has met about a jillion people, including scores of the neighborhood kids, who have come out of the woodwork since the sun and warmth have returned.  He has met grandparents, aunts, cousins, friends, neighbors and our dog Westy, with more visits scheduled in the coming days.  He also survived his first snowstorm (8") that has mostly melted off.  It is safe to say that we are again exhausted at the end of every day, but are comfortably home.  Emanuel can now start forming relationships with all of the people we care deeply for, and will undoubtedly make many new friends.  We are looking forward to him no longer having to wave goodbye to people he may never see again, and instead give a "see you later" wave with full confidence that these people are in his life to stay, making full his "forever family".

Good times with his new buds Chelsea and Aubrey (not pictured)

Westy the gentle giant (camera has added incredible size and weight to our actual Westy).

Grandparents come bearing gifts and lots of hugs.

Badger pride pre Final 4 appearance

Digging out

We again thank everyone for their support, love and generosity!  This is the end of our Colombian adventure, and so of course our blog, but just the beginning of a new life together in MN.

Love,
Leah, Jeff & Emanuel