But unfortunately (or fortunately, I'm not sure which) my heart just pumps blood and yet still seems to be fragile.
I don't know if coming home could have gone better. Three planes, four take offs and landings, one long trip. Thank goodness for gum and snacks. Remember when planes used to feed you? Me neither. There were moments that were awkward, sure, but we made it.
The uniting of brothers and sister started with great hesitancy and it if it weren't for escalators they may still be strangers. But an hour of tag on the multiple levels of escalators brushed away all hesitance and shyness.
The following days showed us that to a Haitian girl there is apparently no difference between humid 81 degrees and rainy 42. Barefoot and a t-shirt work in all types of weather and climates. At times I managed to get a coat on her and even shoes at one point too. I have not jumped on the trampoline so much in my life in lousy Washington weather. The first couple full days at home have proven to be busy busy busy. You'd think we were bees. Leïka came with bike riding skills so we have been peddling in circles as well. She has the riding part down but not the braking part, so there is still some work to be done there.
Lots of games of UNO and Love Letters have been played as well. We need to get some new games into the rotation but at least she loves games which works well for us.
It seems like loosing all the familiarities of Haiti has begun to draw Leïka to us (or me), if just a little bit. We have spent time chasing and tickling my feet (a rare treat for anyone). It is good to begin this bonding but I think this is a stretch of paved road we are on and are bound to come upon, "End Of Maintained Road" signs. Until then I will enjoy this stretch of the journey.
As for my heart, well... she is home.
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