Griff's Gossip: May 2009

Wow...I can't believe we've updated our blog twice in one week! That might not ever happen again. The Griffith family has had a VERY busy week. As many of you know, my parents have been in the process of adopting a little boy from Haiti for nearly two years. Well, after many answered prayers, road bumps, and tested patience, Samuel has come home! My parents flew to Port Au Prince last Tuesday to pick him up at the embassy and they returned home on Wednesday with our new brother! Mom, Dad, and Samuel were greeted at the airport by many anxious family and friends. I can only imagine what was going through Samuel's head...he has gone from the poorest country in the western hemisphere to the United States in a day. I think it's safe to say that his life has changed slightly!

For those of you who don't know, Samuel was found naked drinking water out of a ditch behind the orphanage in Haiti in 2006. He had been abandoned by his parents and left on the streets of Cap Haitian. We thank God that the Cap Haitian Children's Home decided to take him in. My dad met Samuel at the orphanage while on a mission trip with our church in 2006 and was immediately drawn to Samuel's contagious smile and energy. He knows little English, but understands the language much better than he speaks it. He has enjoyed many luxuries for the first time...air conditioning, a bubble bath, riding a bicycle, and chocolate chip cookies just to name a few. He even had his first soccer game on Tuesday...and he scored a goal! We are so excited to have Samuel as a part of our family and look forward to watching him grow up! Our family thanks everyone for their many, many prayers during the adopting process. We know that there will be bumps in the road during Samuel's transition into American life, so Mom and Dad continue to ask for your prayers.

Ward, Tilly, and Samuel on the plane back to Nashville

Samuel and his new family.
It was past Brittney and Logan's bedtime
since their plane didn't land until midnight!

Logan and Uncle Samuel

As if getting a new brother wasn't enough action for one week...we also have a new sister-in-law! Cole and Audra were married on Saturday at Audra's parent's farm in Franklin. We were very nervous because of all the rain, but somehow it held off! Uncle Cole looked so handsome and Aunt Audra looked absolutely beautiful! We are especially happy for Audra because she has always dreamed of getting married outside at her farm and I'm sure she didn't want to get married in the barn (that was the back-up plan if it rained). The ceremony was beautiful and we are very excited to have yet another member of our family! Cole and Audra were also elated that Samuel got to be a part of the wedding, and I must say they he looked pretty sharp in his little suit. It has been a very busy (but exciting) couple of months with the birth of Logan, Samuel's adoption, and the wedding...but we feel so blessed that God has added these special pieces to our family. We wouldn't trade it for the world!

Samuel and the Groom...don't they look sharp!

Samuel and Aunt Audra

Samuel and Brittney

Samuel and Tori were friends at first sight!

Samuel and Tori...what a cute picture!

The Wedding Party

The New (and Improved) Griffith Family

Logan had enough partying for one night!

Two weeks ago we made our first road trip since Logan was born. We went to see Gigi and Grumpy and Aunt Cayce and Uncle Jason and Aunt Lindsey and Crazy Uncle Brad. Aunt Caryn rode with us, so the WHOLE family was together. It was so nice to have everyone together since it doesn't happen very often! It was also a special trip because we took Logan to see her Great Great Uncle Wayne. Uncle Wayne just turned 95 years old! What he is lacking in hearing and seeing, he more than makes up for with a sharp mind and witty humor. He is truly a great example of the hard working American man that made this country great so many years ago. He gave Logan and Cousin Preston a piggy bank and gives them a dollar each time they visit him. Logan also made her first appearance at church. Gigi and Mom loved showing her (and her new outfit) off to everyone!