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.