There is not enough time or space to tell you how amazing our visit to Guatemala was. I am so thankful that we took the step and followed God's leading and headed down.
Friday evening, our foster family surprised us by being at the airport with Samantha when we arrived. This sounds much simpler than it really is. You see, in Guatemala, there isn't a nice waiting area for people awaiting arriving flights. Everyone just stands around outside. Also, there are no monitors anywhere in the airport to give you flight status. Our flight happened to be an hour late, so our family spent 2 hours at the airport, just waiting. They are truly amazing! We were taken by how much bigger Samantha was. She slept through the whole thing, but Rob got to hold her for a few minutes. Being exhausted, we opted not to take her with us Friday night and decided to meet our foster family (the Prados) at the hotel Saturday morning.
Saturday morning, we had breakfast, took a short walk and then anxiously awaited the Prados arrival. Samantha was delightful. After a few minutes of conversing with them through an agency interpreter, we set off with them for the day. We went to their home, where we met the entire family, which numbers 42, and had a traditional Guatemalan lunch. Then, it was back to the hotel to spend the evening with Samantha.
Sunday morning, we headed out again. This time, we visited their new home, which they should be moving into soon. We sat on folding chairs in the living room and shared tortilla chips and Orange Crush while Jenny and I attempted to communicate with each other through the use of a pocket translator! It was comical at times, yet we were able to understand the general meaning of the conversation. It was a blessing to be in their new home and hear a little of their dreams and goals. Then, it was off to Pollo Campero to pick up lunch which we ate at the United Nations park. The park was incredible. It's HUGE! It's divided into the different regions of Guatemala, so there's a Tikal area and an Antigua area and a Peten area...We had our picnic next to the Mayan ruins in the Tikal area. Rob and Samantha enjoyed climbing to the top of the pyramids and the jumping down! It made my heart stop a few times, but what are Daddys for? After the park, we headed to Jenny's sister's home for a pinata party. I cried through most of the 2nd half of the party. The family was so sweet. Everyone kept bringing my napkins and telling me not to worry about Samantha, that they loved her and would take good care of her until our return. There weren't words to tell them that I wasn't crying for me, or because I was leaving without her, but I was crying because I could see how loved she was and how beautiful their culture is. I was grieving the fact that I can't recreate that for her. I know God has an amazing plan for her life, which includes being part of our family. What we will give her is precious and special, but different. I know that's okay, but I still needed to grieve that a little bit. After the party, the Prados returned us to the hotel, where we said good-bye to our littlest princess.
How thankful I am that we had the opportunity to see a piece of life as Samantha has known it. We will forever treasure this weekend. To God be the glory for all He has done!
You can check out new pictures from our recent visit in the slideshow at the bottom of the page.
Blessings,
Amy
Rom 16:27To God, who alone is wise, be the glory forever through Jesus Christ. Amen.
