Uncle Isaac, Auntie Rose and driver Noah brought a group of the older kids to Mombasa Aiport so that their smiles were the first thing they would see as Mama and Papa came through the arrivals gate .
It was the best welcome home any Mama and Papa could have. So full of warmth and love.
There was chatter and singing much of the way home,until the early start and excitement caught up with the kids who nodded off to lala-land one by one.
An even bigger welcome was awaiting Mama and Papa (and Auntie Libby who was with them) when they drove into the gates of the Happy House, everyone had gathered to greet them - Uncle Billy, all the kids, housemums and aunties and all the staff, everyone singing and then wanting to to say hello and to tell them how much they have been missed in their few weeks away.
The kids are all shooting up, and each had their own news to tell Mama and Papa. Not-so-little two year old Linus strided through the throng to reclaim Mama as his own - wearing desert boots he found in a box whilst Uncle Billy was looking for football boots for the kids and which he now won't take off.
Oscar, a gappy grin from ear-to-ear, was eager the show his Mama that elusive second missing tooth still hasn't popped through!
Mama and Papa, in daily contact with the Happy House while away, listened intently as the kids chattered away about what they'd been doing, every one telling them how much they had been missed.
A special lunch of pilau, vegetables and salad had been prepared and the family sat together to enjoy it.
There was such love in the air you could almost touch it, you could certainly feel it.
Mama and Papa, who have put hope into the hearts of each and every one of their children, are just so, so loved. And not just by the kids, Rose, Isaac, Billy and all their team love them too - Mama Sue maybe their employer, but she is their Mama too and Papa is their Papa.
With hard work, dedication, honesty and integrity, and above all, love, they have created and exceptional family.
No matter how much it grows in the future, as it surely will, the roots Mama and Papa have planted, and which they nuture with such tender care, will ensure that a family is what it will alway be. Their family.
This was the most joyful reunion any Mama and Papa could have. Truly special for truly special people.
