Thank you - such inadequate words.

Families who adopt will be quick to admit that without a support system, it would be a nightmare. On the roller coaster ride of adoption, prayers carry you through when paperwork, court dates, passports and visas are added into the mix of emotions of longing to get your child(ren) home. The fact that your "at home" family is cared for and you are upheld in prayer whilst being away from home is such a blessing.

In Ghana:

With Samuel's adoption I was away for 3 weeks - our girls stayed at home in Zimbabwe with George and Lizzie (his sister) came to stay with them. In Ghana Samuel & I stayed with 2 precious families who covered us in love and prayer daily. God even sent Chris to travel back with me - his extra weight allocation, as well as help getting around the airport both in Ghana and Johannesburg was a blessing.

With Michael's adoption I fully intended for Samuel & me to stay in a guest house for the duration of the adoption - approx 1 month :) However I did not take into account that on day 3 in Ghana I would have a "mini breakdown" :( - being separated from his family was hard for Samuel, having to share Mommy with a new baby surrounded by other BH babies only added to his level of insecurity. Then there was Michael - I have never had to learn to "love & leave" a baby at the same time. My brain knew the importance of the transition period, my heart though was a different story.

One of the generous families last year, was Samuel's foster family and without hesitation the Paul family opened their arms and home to Samuel & me. They loved on Samuel and "mothered" me - it was amazing to be part of this family. Together with other families that we still know in Ghana, they prayed for the process and Mariette was in court with me. She and her family took care of Samuel when Michael's paperwork had to take priority. They will forever be part of our family and there is no words to say thank you for what they have done for us in both adoption processes. We can't wait for our "holiday coffee dates"!

George arrived in Ghana at the end of August in order to fly home with the boys and me. I had already booked us into a lodge, but again we were blessed by the generosity of friends. This family offered their home whilst they were away on business and holiday respectively - I know its an old photo, but it was the only one I had:) It was wonderful for Samuel and Michael to be with George in a home environment. It is amazing to think that we already know this family for almost 7 years -they were already in Ghana when we arrived - what a blessing they have been to us :) - then and now!

This photo was taken when we left Ghana in February 2009 and most of the people in it are still in Ghana and were there for us now. Their love & prayers; open arms & homes; countless cups of coffee; tissues to dry tears and lots of laughter carried us through this journey.

The evening we left Ghana, God brought one more person from last year across our path. Unfortunately he was camera shy :) As I was walking in around in the departure lounge with Samuel & Michael - Samuel was in fact running with me trying to catch up - a heard a familiar voice. It was Chris, yes same as last year ! He was again on a business trip, returning home on the same flight as us - of course we felt that this was God's way of just rounding off our trip.

To our "extended families" (which includes our prayer warriors around the world) - thank you will never be enough. Your unconditional love for our family is awezim!

In South Africa:

Back home in South Africa an amazing Oupa, Ouma & my sister, Gretch took in the 3 girls and completely changed their routine to accommodate the girls.

Oupa & Ouma tackled home schooling in their stride - they did "voice" certain concerns regarding Algebra that is not what is used to be; Chemistry being Greek and Spanish not necessarily a language to learn when you are more "mature" :)

Gretch spoilt the girls with proper girly things like shopping, shopping, more shopping and then some :) Many late night talks about our changing family setup and lots of hugs.

My brother, who stays in the Strand, near Cape Town, dropped in for a visit whilst we were away as well as the weekend we returned from Ghana. Our girls love him to bits and he seldom has a quiet moment when they are around :)

Adoption involves an entire family, without each member's unconditional love and support it would be pretty daunting. We are blessed with a family who have accepted and loved our 2 new sons from day one; a family who has been there for our girls when they felt insecure during each adjustment period; an Oupa & Ouma who is a phone call away and who can dry tears even over the phone :)

We love each of you so much. Thank you will never be enough.