Two Years Ago

Two years ago today, I traveled to Guatemala to take full custody of Emma and to live there with her for several weeks before we were able to travel to the U.S. together.  Oh, how excited and nervous I was! 

My gigantic rolling duffels, well worn from three previous visit trips to Guatemala, were packed to the MAX with supplies.  I remember the butterflies in my stomach when the plane touched down in Guatemala.

The next few hours were a whirlwind…  Shopping for Emma at Hiper Paiz (sort of like Walmart)  “How many packs of diapers should I buy?  What types of jar fruits and veggies should I purchase?  Hmmm…would she prefer pears or applesauce?  How many cans of formula should I purchase?” 

  

After a quick stop at a pharmacy, my sweet driver took me to the Westin Camino Real in Guatemala City.  I was a little frazzled so I went to freshen up quickly in the bathroom.  It wasn’t long before Emma’s beloved foster family arrived with Emma.  As I walked down the hall towards them, my eyes brimming with tears, I could see that Emma’s foster father had already been crying…tears were streaming down his face.  I just could not keep it in…I let the tears flow...I was (and still am) immensely grateful for the love and care that Emma’s foster family gave to Emma for the first seven months of her life.  The next several minutes went by so quickly…many exchanges were made…  Hugs, kisses, tears, instructions, thank yous, promises of love…  And, finally, sweet Emma Grace Esperanza was put in my arms…forever.  We then traveled to Antigua to get settled in.  (I purposely have never posted the photos that I took of Emma at the Westin that day…Emma was so confused…I have chosen to keep those photos private.  The photo above was taken a few days after she had warmed up to me). 

Our first night together was HEARTBREAKING.  Emma screamed and screamed and screamed…she was completely inconsolable. 

She missed her foster family so much…they were WONDERFUL to her…they loved her so dearly and she missed them so much. 

The next few weeks were difficult in that regard but she did warm up to me. 

The photo to the right was taken the very next day.  Emma and I traveled from Antigua to Guatemala City together for Emma’s passport appointment.

The next few weeks in Guatemala were nuts!  The stove exploded where we were staying and Emma became very sick with rotavirus and she was hospitalized for a few days.  After we left the hospital in Antigua, we moved away from Antigua before we had originally planned to so that we could be closer to Emma’s doctor in Guatemala City.  And, I could NOT understand why Emma was spitting up SO MUCH, not eating well and vomiting and not tolerant of bumpy/long stroller rides and carriers (later we discovered the true extent of her struggles with reflux).  Jason arrived a few days after we left the hospital and I was SO grateful to have extra help.  However, he became sick and was vomiting and passing out!  What a crazy trip!!  We are excited to go back to Guatemala some day so that we can enjoy the country more and see what we were not able to see because of all of the craziness. 

Hanging out by the pool at the Westin in Guatemala City.

 

Emma seeing Papa for the first time in months.

Hanging out at the pool with Mommy.  I miss the blue and white lounge chairs.

 

Left:  Emma with Papa on the plane.  Right:  The 3 of us on Embassy appointment day.

We are SO BLESSED to have Emma in our lives!  We love her so much!!

God bless,

Tera