Our guide told us that we would be going to the birth family's home for dinner. We were all tired, but excited to see our family once again. We also couldn't wait to see the changes in the home we saw last year, as it was in the middle of being constructed.
We parked outside the gates of the housing area and walked in. The land around the homes are still really muddy and full of rocks and some garbage. By then it was really dark and we walked towards the home carefully. When we got close to their front door, we saw that they were all in the entryway and greeted us with enthusiasm and confetti fireworks. Everyone hugged with complete joy and it was wonderful -- I would even say a relief -- to be together once again.
We were blown away by the inside of the home. It was beautiful!! Maelyn's father is in construction and he built the house himself and did an amazing job! The family gave the girls and I a bouquet of flowers each and it was really touching. We then saw that the family had created a large heart on the wall out of balloons for Maelyn -- so many ways to demonstrate how much they cared.
While we waited for dinner to be ready, Maelyn and her younger sister started playing a game of keep-up with the balloons and had a great time together! The dinner was a feast and we appreciated all the work they went to to get it all prepared. With the help of the translator, we were able to catch up with the family and tell them how happy we were to be there. Maelyn was able to reconnect with all of her sisters and it brought huge smiles to our faces to see them all together. It just felt right.
The night was full of laughter, catching up, celebrating, and many rounds of 'cheers!' A wonderful start to our time together.
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