(NECN: Anya Huneke, Bridport, VT) - From the rubble and heartbreak of the Haiti earthquake, sorrow and some stories of hope and joy. One of them involves a Vermont family who adopted a little Haitian girl named Gedeleine and brought her home with them this past weekend. NECN's Anya Huneke and videographer Kika Bronger joined the Franklins on their journey to Miami and back. For Tim and Annette Franklin of Bridport, Vermont, he journey to Gedeleine began three years ago, when they decided to adopt a child from Haiti. They knew it would be a long process, but they had found an orphanage they trusted, "god's littlest angels", and a little girl, with big brown eyes, who they knew would be well worth the wait. They met Gedeleine last June, she was two at the time. They planned on bringing her home - to join their four other kids - this summer. They had no idea how quickly that plan would change. January 12, the capital of Haiti, Port-Au-Prince, and surrounding areas were devastated by a magnitude 7 earthquake-- the death toll from which continues to rise into the hundreds of thousands. Gedeleine and the others in her orphanage were safe, but adoptive families like the franklins were left wondering when, if ever, they'd see their children. Last Wednesday night, they got their answer. They were told they needed to catch a plane to Miami the next day. Gedeleine and 80 other GLA orphans would be flying in Thursday night-- their adoptions had been expedited by a new U.S. policy loosening visa requirements. The Franklins packed their bags- a bit unsure of themselves, as they were packing for three. They said a prayer, loaded the car, and headed to the airport. All smiles, they settled into their seats for the first leg of the trip-- Burlington to Philadelphia. Annette passed the time studying Creole, Gedeleine's native language. Tim filled his diary with anticipation. By the next flight - to Miami - it was nighttime. The Franklins tried to stock up on sleep- knowing it would be scarce once they landed. Just before 9pm, they were on the ground again- this time at Miami International Airport. Now that the Franklins are in Miami, a new wait begins. The kids' flight out of Haiti was delayed for hours. The families have all gathered in Concourse G and hunkered down-- staying awake on adrenaline. As the hours passed, time seemed to move more slowly. Parents snuck catnaps where and when they could, Annette continued to practice her Creole. It's now 7:30 in the morning-- nine hours after the kids were scheduled to arrive. They ended up arriving at one, but it's taken this long to get all 80 of them through customs. Just before 9am, 81 weary children emerged from customs, and were led onto shuttle buses. Among them was Gedeleine, donning a pink dress and a very tired expression. Many of the children, including her, were sick, a result of living in post-earthquake conditions. Finally, it was time for the parents to be joined with their children... The Franklins - who captured some behind the scenes moments on a camcorder - were among the first. Gedeleine was timid and nervous. Her eyes darted all over the room. As the Franklins made their way out of the airport, their daughter began to relax. No smiles yet, but some occasional eye contact. A little weight had been lifted, and, the Franklins noticed, a little had been gained. They headed to their hotel to get some sleep as a family, and to see what the next day would bring. Friday morning, a better-rested Franklin family got ready for breakfast before catching their flight back to Vermont. In just one night's time, a strong bond had formed between Gedeleine and Annette, so strong that even a momentary separation to put on sneakers, generated an immediate hysterical reaction. And just as quickly, the crying stopped- once contact between mom and daughter was reestablished. After a quick breakfast at which Gedeleine was a celebrity guest, and a celebrity eater, the franklins boarded a shuttle to the airport- to begin the long trip home to Vermont. This trip- they were noticed. Gedeleine prompted questions, and even some tears. Up in the air, Mom and daughter slept, as dad continued to fill up his diary. Just before two Saturday afternoon, the Franklins arrived in the green mountains. As they waited for their luggage, Gedeleine tried on her first winter hat. While the hat was a success, the car seat was not. After all, it meant being apart from her mother. The franklins made the hour drive south to Bridport, where their four children - ages 6 to 18 - were waiting for them. After three long days, the family - in its new form - was back together... In her new home, among her new brother and sisters - Gedeleine's journey from Haiti to Vermont came to an end Saturday evening. A new one now begins. For the Franklins, not a moment too soon.