Bodies in Indiana; Hearts in Guatemala

We arrived in Detroit around midnight on Monday. Our flight to Guatemala took a detour to Belize to pick up 40 stranded passengers. It was our first time in Belize and we couldn't even get off the plane. We missed our connecting flight from Atlanta to Detroit because of this detour. They had given us seat assignment request tickets for the next flight. As I got in line at the desk I overheard the Delta rep say she needed to make an announcement that there were no empty seats on the next flight. Seriously?! When I got to the front I pointed to Mateo and said, "Do you see that 2-year old over there? If we aren't on the next flight one of us might not make it home. It's been a long day that included a trip to a country that we weren't event supposed to go to." She must have taken me seriously because we had seats in row 10 within 3 minutes.

We arrived at my parents around 2am and slept until about 8:30. We had breakfast with my mom and then started the 4 1/2 hour drive home to Kokomo. The entire way Matt and I discussed how we longed to be back in Guatemala. We love it! We miss the weather, food, people, and landscapes. We are anxious to return soon. In fact, I am planning to return in October.

While at Casa Bernabe the CNA (the new government agency overseeing adoptions) made a visit. Please pray for them to make a decision to open international adoptions soon. They have a great relationship with Casa Bernabe and we pray that some, most, or all of the children at Casa Bernabe find a loving, permanent, Christian home. The day we left we had the pleasure of having breakfast with the founder of Casa Bernabe. Donnie Hernandez was extremely appreciative for all that our group (Team Mommy) and others did with donations, money, and work at Casa Bernabe. She also expressed a strong desire for adoptions to re-open. I hope in the future that several families are able to adopt from Casa Bernabe because of the relationship we are building and maintaining.

Finally, please pray for Mariela. She is a toddler that touched the heart of a family in a special way. We do not know what the future holds for her, but we pray that she is protected and given love. She made a lasting impression on us and we plan to continue supporting her.

Thank you to all who gave so much to allow us to go on the trip of a lifetime and bless those at Casa Bernabe. We have been blessed because of it.

Leaving Tomorrow

It is a bittersweet night for us. We are ready to get back to a routine, but not ready to leave Guatemala. We had a wonderful time in Antigua as a family and with friends. We did our fair share of shopping and have lots of neat treasures.
Today we did lots of sight-seeing as well as some shopping. We also ate at Frida's for lunch again. Thanks Michelle T. for the wonderful suggestion. The kids (and I) had been hoping for a horse and buggy ride. We had the opportunity to catch a ride from the square back to our hotel. Once we arrived back at the hotel we swam in the pool. The temperature of the pool was much warmer than the air. It has rained off and on all day and been quite cool. We ate at Tre Fretelli's tonight; an Italian restaurant we enjoyed in Guatemala City a few years ago. We were happy to hear they had one in Antigua.
We are now back at the hotel packing. Through our entire stay in Antigua I can't help but continue to think of the children at Casa Bernabe. It has been such a blessing to have a small vacation as part of this trip. However, it is also difficult to know that there was so much more work that could have been done. There is so much more to tell, but words can hardly describe how much this trip has meant to our family. We look forward to returning to Guatemala in the very near future. We hope to serve at Casa Bernabe in the very near future as well. Tomorrow we are having breakfast with the founder of Casa Bernabe. This is at her request so it is unclear as to what the purpose of this meeting is. Pray that we can be used effectively for God and the children at Casa Bernabe. Also, please consider joining us on the next trip. You won't be disappointed. Take care and good night until we return to the US.

Last Day at Casa Bernabe and Last Day in Antigua

It's been hard to find access to the internet. The internet in our hotel room would not work. We finally had them come to the room to fix it.

Our last day at Casa Bernabe was very emotional. We had bonded with many of the staff; especially those in Casa Lamar and Casa Angelitos. The night before our departure we had a pajama party. We are finally able to post some pictures of this night. It was like Christmas with 17 kids + Ava and Mateo. The group in Casa Lamar presented us with a thank you note that included hand prints of many of the children.

Eduardo, the young man who was really looking forward to the skate ramps, presented Matt with a thank you in the shape of a skateboard. It was signed by each of the boys in Casa Nuevo. This young man really touched Matt's heart as he talked with Eduardo to hear his goals in life as well as some of his past. Pray for Eduardo as he feel a lot of responsibility for the 4 younger siblings at Casa Bernabe. He is a very smart young man who has the potential to go far. Matt and I both see this and pray that he has the support to help him achieve his goals.

We spent our final morning cleaning our apartment, doing some laundry, and then spending time with the kids in Casa Lamar. We played outside, took a walk, and watched a movie. They kept saying thank you and giving hugs for the night before.

We left around 1:30 to travel to Antigua, Guatemala. We have been in Antigua since then. We have had a wonderful time as a family. We have shopped the market, eaten at some of our favorite restaurants, and spent time with our friends, Koko, Ovidio, and Andrea. We have also gone swimming daily and tried to fit some relaxation into our vacation. We leave tomorrow. Yesterday Ava said she didn't want to leave Guatemala. We feel the same way. It is such a wonderful place to be. We hope to return very soon.

Two Full Days...Lots Accomplished..Wish We Had Time for More

We had a full day yesterday and today. Matt finished the skateboard ramps and the kids and I helped in Casa Lamar yesterday. We went on a long walk and then went through an entire bucket of the brightest sidewalk chalk. At four O'Clock the entire family went with three of the house moms from Casa Lamar on a shopping trip. Casa Lamar has 2 1/2-5 year olds so this house was really special to us since they have the children that are the same age as Ava and Mateo.

We went to Cemaco and bought lots of housewares like towels, shower curtains, dishes, a blender, food processor, and kitchen utensils. Then we went to a large toy store and bought tonka trucks, playdough, balls, and much more. We also found a bunch of large foam mat squares for the baby house. We made our way to Sears for a few odds and ends. We stopped in the food court for a little dinner and then made our way to Hiper Paiz: the equivalent of Wal-Mart. There we found hair supplies, storage containers, aprons, kitchen towels, and more. We arrived back at Casa Bernabe around 10pm.

This morning we began with the delivery of the pajamas to each house. They were all so appreciative. A few of the kids put them on and gave us a fashion show. Our last stop was the baby house where we also delivered the play mat. The children were able to play on a safe foam mat today. Ava and I stayed to help in the baby house while Matt went to finish up some things for the skate ramps. Just before lunch the ramps were brought from the bottom of the property to the top. Casa Bernabe is on the side of a mountain and the woodshop is at the very bottom.

A few of the kids saw the skate ramps being unloaded and got their one board out. They had no idea what was to come later in the day. We ate lunch and then put the kids down for a nap. Matt stayed in the apartment while I went shopping again with a few of the house moms from Casa Lamar. We picked up TONS of snacks for the kids since their meals are very small. Then we went to get 18 plastic toddler chairs so they all have a place to sit. Finally, we went to get a DVD player so that they are able to watch movies.

We arrived back just in time to present Casa Nuevo Pacto (boys age 13-17) with the skateboard stuff. We got up there and they were full of smiles as we unloaded 8 skateboards, 6 helmets, 6 sets of pads, and a box full of clothes. They all started putting the helmets and pads on. Matt took time to teach them how to wear the equipment correctly, how to maintain their skateboards, and how to fix broken items. Then we had them draw numbers out of a hat. They were called one by one to pick skate tees and hoodies off the table. Finally, it was time to test the new skateboard ramps. They were so excited and caused quite a stir on the basketball/soccer court. People from all over the campus came out to see the new sport.

Our last event of the evening was a pajama party with Casa Lamar. Ava had picked out barbies and Mateo had picked out cars for each little boy and girl in the house. We packaged the pajamas and toys in the gift bags. We had purchased popcorn, M&M's, and Capri Sun for the snack. Handy Manny was the movie of choice. The snack was passed out and the movie began. The kids sat in their new chairs; Ava and Mateo mixed in so naturally. After the movie we asked if they wanted presents. Duh! They were handed a bag and they all began to squeal with delight over their new pajamas and toys. It was like the loudest and most exciting Christmas Morning you can imagine. They were so excited to show us what they had received. Each child kept their bag and its contents close to them. They were careful not to leave anything lying around for fear of losing their new belongings. Lead by the house moms they prayed for our family and thanked us with hugs and kisses for a fun evening. Matt and I, along with Ava and Mateo, tucked each of the girls into bed with hugs and kisses. They each had put their bags and new presents on their bed. As I hugged and kissed each little girl tears ran down my face. How I wish they all had a family to tuck them in each night. Our family has bonded with one girl from Casa Lamar. Little Mariella has touched our hearts.

We go to bed tonight with heavy hearts for the many children at Casa Bernabe. But we also go to bed with joy for the wonderful evening had by the 18 children in Casa Lamar. We feel so blessed to be able to provide them with so much thanks to all of you who donated with pajamas or money. We leave tomorrow and have had many ask what time we are leaving. The boys want Matt to stay and skate. I want to stay and take care of more babies. Even Ava said she doesn't want to leave. It's contagious that way.

On Guatemalan TimeTonight

Matt and I started our day in two different directions. He went to the woodshop to build the skateboard ramp. The kids and I headed to the top of the main building to unload the 12 suitcases of donations thanks to many of you reading this. After we unloaded the suitcases we distributed most of the stuff to the appropriate houses. Ava, Mateo, and I arrived at the baby house in time for the toddler lesson and play time. For the next two hours we entertained and tried to help about 10 children around 18 mos-2 1/2 years old. We read books, sang songs, took a walk, played outside, and anything to keep all these tiny hands and feet busy.

By lunch time Matt was almost finished with the ramp and we were pretty tired. After lunch Matt finished the ramp. I brought the kids to the apartment for a nap. This gave me the opportunity to work on some things. While in the baby house I noticed that there were sippy cups everywhere without any way to identify each child's cup. With some help from Michelle Tiek back in the US we had inchbug elastic labels ordered with each child's name on them. So in a few weeks every child in the baby house will have their name on their cup.

Matt arrived just a few before the kids woke up from their naps. When they woke up we headed to the soccer field and playground. Mateo had the time of his life playing soccer with the kids. Ava brought a big tub of sidewalk chalk and soon had about 6-7 children covering the entire cement pad with their names, pictures, and designs. We headed up to dinner and then Ava and I worked our way to the baby house for bed time. Ava was such a good helper. She helped sing 5 baby boys to sleep. She has really enjoyed this responsibility of helping.

I realize that the post tonight seems without emotion and just a run-down of our day. It was productive for sure, but there have been several moments that touched our hearts. Tonight Ava gets to share her highlight of the day. She says that her favorite part of the day was putting the babies to bed.

Tomorrow we hope to have our other shipped items here so that the kids can start to skateboard with Matt. I have plans to go shop as well as work on a process for increasing the development of the smaller children. Lots to do and the days are clicking by.

We Made It

It's been a long day. We woke up at 2:45am to start our journey. The kids were troopers as this really messed up their schedule. Even our Ava woke with a smile on her face. She is not a morning person. We have had a full day with so much emotion already.
One of the neatest things happened at our layover in Atlanta. We arrived at the gate for our flight to Guatemala. There was a family that had two children; an older girl and a younger boy. Ava said, "Look Mom. They look like us." I realized it was the first time she had seen a set of siblings that looked like her and Mateo. I also had a flood of emotions hit me as we settled at the gate. Seeing all of the Guatemalan people brought back the memories of each journey we took to either visit or bring our children home. This trip is meant to bless others, but already we are being blessed.
We arrived and settled into our friend, Nancy's apartment. This allows us to stay as a family and have a private bath. Thank you Nancy! We immediately went down to the baby house and found that the babies were all down for a nap. There was a trampoline outside the baby house and some children were jumping; so Ava and Mateo joined. Within a few minutes I heard a baby crying. Of course, I entered the baby house and offered to help. Maria Fernanda slept in my arms and took a bottle while I was overcome with emotion once again at this precious child without a family. Ava and Mateo came in and took turns kissing and loving on Maria. Then Miguel woke up and Matt jumped in to help give a bottle. For the next 20 minutes or so we just relished in the moment of being back in Guatemala surrounded by our two beautiful children and two other tiny lives.
We left the baby house to join Casa Lamar at the playground. This is the house with the children from about 2-5 years old. As we were walking we were greeted with hugs for Mariella; a darling 2-year old girl that has captured our hearts. She clung to us for the rest of the afternoon as we pushed kids on swings, took turns on the slides, and played in the rocks. Ava and Mateo loved playing with the other kids. Ava has taken our job seriously and tells everyone she meets that we are here to help the kids.
The highlight of my day is actually sad. While there was a small victory, the situation of this victory is sad. A little boy of about 4 had been hit by another boy. As a few of us went over to see what was the matter, he continued to cry. A few of us tried to console him, but he was withdrawn and was protecting himself from attaching. I could see it happening right before my eyes. This little boy would not allow himself to be consoled and instead has found a way to take his pain alone. I tried....and finally he allowed himself to reach back to my arms. I held him and he just cried. At that moment I know that the crying was no longer the physical pain, but emotional pain. I held him and just let him cry as tears welled up in my eyes for this little boy and the life he has been dealt. He laid his head on my shoulder and sobbed for about 5 minutes. I write with tears in my eyes as so many of these children are detached because they fear the loss that will come if they become attached.
We took lots of pictures, but it is so late that I simply don't have the energy to get all the cords out to upload and post. Our friends are bringing the skateboards, helmets, pads, and pajamas tomorrow. We will post pictures tomorrow. God bless and pray for these children and staff of Casa Bernabe.

Flights are on time

Everyone else is sleeping...finally. We are at a hotel at the Detroit Metro Airport. We left early this morning and met my (Paula's) parents at a campground along the way. We had lunch and then the kids and Matt went for a swim in the lake. Any of you who know me well know that lakes are not my thing.
We left the campground around 4pm and headed for Detroit Metro Airport. We unloaded all 8 bags to be checked and each carry-on. After a nice and short dinner we returned to the hotel for a swim to tire Ava and Mateo out. It was time for baths and bed. Everything is organized and at the door ready for our 3:30 am departure. YIKES! I just checked both the Detroit to Atlanta flight and the Atlanta to Guatemala flight. They are both on time. Yeah!!!
Please pray we have someone from Casa Bernabe waiting for us to take us to Casa Bernabe. We sent our flight info, but communication has been challenging with the power being knocked out by storms. So hopefully we will have someone there to pick us up. :) We will be traveling and settling in tomorrow. I will try to post our arrival.