Twenty seven days...

Where did the time go?  Didn't we pick them up yesterday?  I think this is the quickest hosting we've ever done.  Dec 11 to Jan 7.  Twenty seven days of getting to know them, of bonding, of hugging, of encouraging, of laughing, of listening, of loving. 

Right now, it all seems a blur.  There were countless late nights with my little night owls.  Sleeping until noon, shopping for presents, decorating the house.  Getting to know their personalities, both individually and as sisters.  Rita's responsibility and patience.  Lera's stubborness and sense of humor.  Together, they compliment each other and yet drive each other crazy!  Their fighting, which we imagined as yelling and hitting, turns out to be a few hurtful words, pouting, then silence.  I have never raised girls, never had a sister, never spent much time around other girls...this is a new experience for me!  But, just like with Michael, God gives me the ability to speak and somewhat diffuse the situation, change attitudes, or maybe they just do it on their own.  I know the He is working in their hearts, and in mine.  Before long, we are laughing together again...
Christmas was a flurry of activity.  Our Christmas traditions consist of Christmas Day with my family, followed by a few days with Marks family gathering in Vicksburg.  In the past few years, we've added quite a few family members to our gathering.  Cindy has reunited with the family, bringing Desiree, Donovan, Gus and Jesse; and this year, we were able to meet Tysa.  Hailey has joined us this year, adding the sweetness of a baby girl to our midst.  And we also connected with Cheryls daughter Kathy!  Seems like this family has been able to overcome obstacles that have kept us separated in the past.  We also celebrated Judy's 70th birthday!  In her battle to live, she has persevered to see this day!  What a special day to have almost all of her children and grandchildren by her side!  Why this year?  What has broken in the spirit rhelm that has allowed us to come together?  What does 2012 hold in store for our family?  Is this the year of RESTORATION of all that was lost?  Hope deferred becoming sight?...for us all!
In the midst of the hustle and bustle, I saw the girls connecting with several family members, and very important to me, saw my Dad trying to connect to his new granddaughters!  It will take time for them to feel comfortable, to trust; but we have time!
One thing I'm glad we were able to accomplish was getting Rita to record one of her songs with Michael.  We started the process last summer, but ran out of time.  And, Michael hasn't finished mixing it down, so I still haven't heard it in its final form, but it's recorded.  She shared that this was a song written about her mom.  I have a feeling I will listen to it over and over again to try to understand the relationship they had, yet didn't have; maybe get an insight into what she dreams of; what a Mom should be to her. 
Departure day came way too quick.  We made the 7 hour jouney to Atlanta to put our girls on a plane to New York.  In 48 hours, we probably only slept 6 hours, besides the cat naps in the car.  Departure day was supposed to start at 5 am so we could enjoy a leisurely breakfast at the hotel then a stop by Starbucks for a milkshake...however, my alarm did not go off on my phone and we just about missed our departure from Atlanta...well, at least getting to security on time.  So, we jumped into high gear and got the girls up and dressed in a record 15 minutes.  A 15 minute drive to the airport got us there with about 20 minutes left to check in and visit a little before they had to leave for security.  Not what I wanted, but maybe for the best.  They did not want to go, and maybe a prolonged goodby, or better yet, so long, would have made it harder.  This time, we each got a wonderful hug from Rita.  And our little Lera!  As they rode down the escalator, a piece of my heart went with them.  But knowing they will soon come back to us does help ease this absence a little.  There is a lot to do and hopefully, not a lot of time to do it in!!!  Till we see you in Latvia!  God's speed my girls.