It's been nine months since the Leyendeckers welcomed three Haitian children into their home. Since then we've heard from many of you who wanted to know how the children and family were getting along. We found out, the world looks different through their eyes.
These days life at the Leyendeckers' house looks pretty normal to folks like you and I.
16-year-old Kenlley, 13-year-old Dieunika and 12-year-old Modeline go to school, get off the bus and do their homework. But Mervi Leyendeckers and her husband are learning day by day that for these kids our version of normalcy holds its own special magic.
Mervi said, "These kids are seeing things for the first time that we take for granted. They saw the green leaves and I told them they were going to change color and they were like 'wow.' They are in awe of that and I sometimes don't even think about it."
Other examples include explaining migratory birds and imagine trying to describe our version of Halloween to these kids. Dieunika and Modeline had only one question.
Mervi said, "They asked me, 'What do we have to say to get that free candy?'"
Although English is not their first language and can be a struggle, all three are finding their strengths in other areas which help in forming friendships and bonds at school.
Modeline has discovered a musical talent, while Dieunika and Kinlley are soccer whizes.
Kenlley has also enjoyed a busy summer of travel and now he's learning to play soccer on grass instead of the streets in Haiti.
But although his background is much different than other kids his age, he shares the same sparkle in his eyes when it comes to this.
Kenlley said, "I went to drivers ed which is awesome and I have my white slip and I drive with my dad."
But no matter the joys, it's obvious Haiti is not far from his mind.
Kenlley said, "Pray also for Haiti. I thank God for this priveledge that I have my mom and my dad who brought me here."
That's a blessing everyone in this family says came with help from you.
Mervi said, "People stop us in the grocery store and tell me you don't know me but we saw you on tv and we prayed for you and those prayers are very important."
Mervi tells us it hasn't always been easy going from a family of empty nesters with one son to a family of six. But says the blessings are too many to count.
The family asks for continued prayers for the children to get their green cards. They also say the transition has been made much easier because of all the understanding and help from the Quincy School district and its teachers.
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