Our last full day in Guatemala 8/30/07

We're spending our last full day in Antigua packing, doing laundry, and some final shopping. We went this morning to the Park to meet one last time with our local friends (Ligda, Maira, and Clara). Then, we went to a cathedral and museum to visit the ruins. We came home, then, to get some packing and laundry done and to get Max some lunch. Later, we will head out to the Mercado to finish our shopping. Our friends and neighbors, Joanna and Alejandro, are going to shop with us, then we'll all go to dinner together.

I've really had to watch what I'm eating, as my stomach has been really messed up for the last 36 hours. I'm taking the prescription medication that I'd gotten from my doctor before I left the US, but thus far I'm still not 100%. Hopefully, I'll be better by the time we head home... nothing worse than travelling when you're sick!

Moe started with a touch of an upset stomach this morning, too... but he seems to be doing better. Max and Lili are both doing great, although I think Max is ready to get home to his own space and toys. We are sad to be leaving Guatemala, as we've really enjoyed all of the time that we've spent here exploring. However, we are SO excited to get home to all of our family and friends and to get back to some sort of normal life.

So, if I can't check in for the next couple of days, please pray for safe travels for our family. Calm children wouldn't be a bad thing to pray for, as well... our first time travelling with two children, plus Lili's first flight experience, could make this a very difficult journey. We'll survive, though!

Hope everyone is doing well, and we will talk with everyone soon!

Love,
Krista (and Moe and Max and Lili)

Monday 8/27/07

So... we are done with all of the paperwork, appointments, waiting games, and bureaucracy. We went this morning to the American Embassy for our VISA interview. It took 2+ hours (spent mostly waiting)... a few minutes spent with the Consular Officers answering a couple of questions, paid our money, showed our passports, signed some forms, and then left. We will be able to pickup Lili's VISA and Passport on Friday before we fly home!!! The paperwork is actually going to be ready by Wednesday, but we're back in Antigua until Friday, so we will just pick it up when we return to Guatemala City.

The next few days will be spent just hanging out, exploring Antigua, drinking good coffee, shopping for local souvenirs and bonding as a family. Things are already going better than I expected.... Max adores Lili, and she's very intrigued by him. That said, she is a little spitfire and doesn't take any shit from him. She'll pull his hair and try to take things out of his hands if she wants them. Right now, she's hanging out with Daddy and fussing because he's trying to take his magazine away from her.... she's tearing it to shreds, but when he takes it she cries... so, of course, Moses will not take it from her! She's already got him right where she wants him!

I'm SO thrilled that our family is together forever! We had lunch yesterday with our foster family at a local Italian restaurant, it was a bit awkward (the foster mother and father are now divorced), but it was nice that they were able to spend some extra time with Lili. After lunch, our foster dad took us to Guatemala City to drop us off at the hotel. He plans to be at the airport on Friday to see us off, but we're not sure if we'll be able to see our foster mom again because she's just started a new job and will be working long hours.

Speaking of our return flight, for those of you who are interested, we will be arriving into O'Hare airport on Saturday 9/1 at 1:50a.m. We are flying on TACA Airlines flight #588. Please keep in mind that although our flight is scheduled to arrive at 1:50am, we will have to go through Immigration and Customs.... and since this will be Lili's first time in the US, our Immigration visit may take longer than normal. For anyone who can't make it to the airport, please get in touch with us after we're settled in and we'd love to make plans for everyone to see Lili.

OK... Princess is crying and calling my name. Gotta run!!!

Take care!!!

Love,
The Arenas Family
Moses, Krista, Max and Lili

We've got PINK!!!!!!!!

Yesterday was a terrible day here in Antigua... Lili had a very difficult day, crying, not sleeping, cranky.... not sure what was wrong with her, but it was rough. Add to that the fact that we were hoping for news from our Agency and we heard nothing. Thank God this morning brought good news.... our PINK slip was issued from the US Embassy and we have an appointment scheduled on Monday 8/27 at 8am to apply for Lili's visa to enter the US!!!!!!!!!

I got a call shortly after 9am saying that I had to have Lili in Guatemala City at 11am for her final Doctor's visit for the Embassy. We made a mad dash with our friendly driver, Cesar, got a few pictures taken for her visa at a photo lab, and then waited with 4 foster moms and the babies under their care to see the doctor. It was actually quite sad talking with them.... while I was beaming from ear to ear, so excited that our journey is ready to take us back home with Lili, they were all in tears because they are preparing to say goodbye to these babies that they have raised and loved since birth. It gave me time to think of everything that these women sacrifice so that our babies have what they need to flourish in their early days. I told them that I consider them to be angels in the lives of our children, and that our children's lives are blessed because they had these mothers caring for them until they were ready to go home. It was very sad, but it was also a good experience.... it gave me a chance to really see how much these women care, and how grateful we need to be for the chance to have our children loved by them.

So, after our Doctor's visit (Lili passed with flying colors), we came home and went to el Mercado with our friends Sara and Coco. What an experience.... we went way into the depths of the market, to the produce stands, the flower stands, the meat stands.... very interesting! We went to the artisan's market and walked around as well. Finally, because both of us were out of cash, we went our separate ways and Lili and I came home. I gave her dinner, made and ate my dinner, and then (thank God) she went right to bed tonight!

Once I'm done with this post, I will likely go to bed myself. Tomorrow, we may head to the pool at the Hotel Antigua with our neighbors Joanna and Alejandro. We'll check in again later and keep everyone updated!!!

Sunday, a beautiful day in Guate

Well, today was another beautiful day. We woke up to sunny skies, no rain and very few clouds. I knew as soon as we got up that we needed to do something outside today. So, we called our friends Sara and Coco and made plans to meet at the Hotel Antigua at the swimming pool. Lili and I left here at about 9:00am, stopped for a coffee, then got to the hotel around 10am. We played in the water for a little bit (Lili LOVES the water), then Lili had a bottle and took a nap. Right around the time that Lili woke up and we got back in the water, our friends arrived. We had a very nice time just lounging around in the sun.... but Lili was adamantly opposed to taking a second nap. So.... after we had a couple of beers and some time in the water and sun, we headed out for the long walk home. We thought about going out for a pizza tonight, but Lili decided that her short nap on the way home was enough, and woke up as soon as we got home. Given the limited naps that she took today, I'm guessing she'll be in bed by 6:00 tonight. And considering that I have to get up when she gets up, I probably won't be up very late either. Add to that the fact that I got a bit sunburnt, and I'll probably be passed out early.

So, still no news about our Embassy appointment, but we're hoping to hear something this week. As soon as we know what's going on, we'll be able to make plans for Moe and Max regarding their travels. And we'll be reunited as a forever family.

Thanks to everyone that loves us for all of your support and assistance.... you have no idea what it means to us to have friends and family that we can count on. Even if it's just a quick email, or an offer of a meal to Moe and Max, it's SO appreciated. We can't wait to express our appreciation in person.... when everyone gets to meet Lili.

Friday & Saturday

Didn't have a chance to post yesterday, so I'll cover two days in one post.

We got up yesterday and had an email from our friends Sara and Coco about meeting for coffee or lunch after 10:30. We were ready to go sooner than that, so we headed out for a nice walk and ended up at Parque Central people watching. There was a parade with marching bands and students from one of the local schools in the downtown area, so it was kind of neat to see that. It was, however, rather loud so Lili and I headed to one of the Mercaditos (small market) and to get a coffee. Our friends called and, although we planned to meet at 11:45, the girls were both asleep so we ended up meeting around 1:00. We went to one of the nice hotels in the area... Hotel Antigua. It's on the opposite corner of town from my apartment... I am extreme Northeast, the hotel is extreme Southwest. We sat outside by the pool and had lunch, then took the babies to the playground and put them on the baby swing. Very beautiful hotel, that is actually open for public swimming.... we may head back over there sometime to go swimming.

After lunch, we stopped at a couple of shops, then went our separate ways. Lili and I headed home, she napped on the way, then we just hung out at home playing and bonding. This morning we got up at 6:00 and did laundry, had a mid-morning nap (I'm still not sleeping very well), played and ate breakfast, then played some more. Lili's napping again right now, so I actually have some uninterrupted time to post a message. It's actually a beautiful day outside... very sunny and no rain in sight, so when she wakes up I'm thinking we'll go for a walk through town. I would really like to find somewhere local to get fresh homemade tortillas, so that may be something that we try to do.

Don't really have any other definite plans... will probably get together with my neighbor Joanna and her son Alejandro (after her husband Tom heads back to the US tomorrow). Sara and I will surely get together again... we may actually venture into the BIG MERCADO.... they have more than just the handicrafts and arts and textiles... they have necessities for daily life. I'm very curious to see it, and Sara would love to go but is afraid she'll get lost. If we are together, we should be fine!

OK, well I'm going to get some stuff ready so that when Lili wakes up we can head out. Hope everyone is doing well..... we can't wait to get home so that we can see everyone!

Take care!

Krista & Lili

A beautiful day in Antigua!

Today was another beautiful day. We got up and were ready to head out for a walk this morning by 8:00. We called to see if our friends, Sara and Coco wanted to go with us. They already had plans, so we headed out alone to explore. First, we stopped at one of the premier local coffee shops that Moses and I found on a previous trip. We got a coffee, hot of course (they don't have iced coffee around here). We then walked across town to the far West side.... the area to the West is very busy and full of people. This is also where the Mercado is located. They have fruit and vegetable markets, flower markets, artisan markets, and pretty much anything else you could possibly want or need! We walked around the markets and bought some stuff, then moved on to the Parque Central. We met up with our new Mayan friend, Ligda. She sells different items to tourists in the park... we met her the first day we were there, and she is VERY friendly. She introduced me to some of her friends, and we just sat in the park and visited for a while. She's going to look into having some special items made for me with the local embroidery methods. If the rain holds off tomorrow, we'll walk into town again and find out if she can make the items for us.

After the Park, we walked home (I walked, Lili slept). After her nap, I tried fixing the computer (the mouse was not working). After several hours and a new mouse, I am finally back online. We also visited for about an hour with our landlord and his wife in their house. They are a very sweet couple and have been looking out for us and helping us. It was nice to sit at the kitchen table with them and just get to know them better. Lili really enjoyed their kitchen table.... she had a lot of fun banging on it!

So, after baths and dinner, Lili's off to bed, and I'm going to read for a little bit. I've been having trouble sleeping because of all of the different noises, as well as Lili's restless sleeping, so hopefully tonight is easier for me.

We hope everyone is doing well, especially Moe and Max. We miss them terribly and cannot wait until we are united together forever. If you read this and have a chance, please check in on my two boys. And let them know how much we love them.

Adios for now!

Hanging out with Lili's foster family....

Yesterday we decided to spend the day around the house so that I could see what Lili's real schedule was like. It was rainy most of the day, so we really just stayed inside. I called Ligia in teh morning to find out when she wanted to come visit. We agreed upon 10am on Wednesday. Around 4pm Tuesday night, she called to see if they could all come around 6:30pm. Ends up there is a religious holiday in Guatemala today and the girls have no school. So.... they came last night and spent the night here in the apartment with us. Lili actually did very well... happy to see them, but not so much that she refused to be with me.

This morning, the girls and I walked to the panaderia for some bread, then we had breakfast and coffee. We all went out for a walk.... in the sun... it was HOT! We went to an old church that is now in ruins after a devastating volcanic eruption years ago.... it was very cool to walk around. We went to the Parque Central, got iced coffee (the only place in Guatemala that we can find it!), then went to a small market and another church. Ligia was tired, so we came back to the apartment and are just hanging out. Lili finally went to sleep, and the girls and Ligia are watching TV. I'm not sure when they'll be leaving, but I presume it'll be before it's dark since they will likely take a bus back to Guatemala City. My neighbor actually stopped by to see if Lili and I wanted to go to the pool, but since the girls are here, I told her that we would go with her another day. So... once they leave, we'll probably just hang out around the house. Tomorrow, if it's nice, we'll take another walk around the city... maybe go out for coffee or something. Friday night there is a get-together for families from the US who are here caring for their babies, so I'll probably go to that with my friend from Evanston, Sara. Other than that, we are just waiting to find out when Lili's appointment is at the US Embassy so that we can make travel arrangements for Moe and Max.

We hope everyone is doing well.... we can't wait to make it back home so that Lili can meet everyone! Take care, and please post comments to us! We'd love to hear from everyone!

Together at Last!

Well, we're so blessed to have our story followed by many, so I figured I'd post an update for everyone to see. I am here in Guatemala.... with Lili.... together forever. SO HAPPY to say that!

Things are going well so far. I left Chicago at 6:00am on Sunday, flew to Atlanta, then after a short layover flew on to Guatemala City. Cesar, the driver that my landlord uses, met me at the airport and drove me to Hiper Paiz (like a Super Walmart). Did all of my shopping, which was rather difficult.... trying to navigate through a strange store, figure out exactly what we needed to survive a few weeks, read labels in Spanish, and thinking about what was happening!!! I was on my way to get Lili!

After the grocery store, we went to the hotel that we normally stay at in Guatemala City. My favorite bellman, Rafael & Giovanni, were both there and SO excited to hear that we are finally bringing Lili home. Our foster mother, Ligia, and her oldest daughter, Josselin, were already there with Lili. It ends up the attorney's office told Ligia to be at the hotel at 1:00.... I had told our agency that I would be there between 1:30-2. When I arrived at 2:00, Ligia was very worried about why I was late (even she knows how punctual I am!) It ends up she had the foster dad, Angel, call Moses to find out where I was. Since I didn't get to communicate with Moses until later that evening, he was a bit worried about where I was. It all worked out, though.

I kept the visit with Ligia and Josselin very brief. Lili was tired, and I wanted to get on the way to my apartment. Plus, I figured it'd be best if we reserved the emotional goodbyes for the final visit (when Moses is here with me). Lili fell asleep, and we headed out to Antigua. About 45 minutes from the city, we finally arrived at our new home. We are renting a guesthouse from a missionary, Paul, and his wife Ruth. They were born in America, but have lived in Guatemala for over 50 years. Incredibly nice people.... very helpful with everything! And their property is beautiful. It is very safe and secure, surrounded by an 8 foot concrete privacy wall. They have gorgeous gardens, their home, and three guesthouses. I've met my two neighbors. Kathleen is here during her travels. Joanna and Alejandro (15 months) have been here for 5 months waiting to finalize their adoption. Joanna's husband Tom is here visiting right now.... from Elmhurst!!!! What a small world!

The first night was a little rough... Lili spent over an hour crying. I don't know if she was confused, didn't feel well, or was just tired. Eventually, she took a bottle and went to bed at 6:00pm. She didn't wake up until 5:00am on Monday! I didn't sleep very well, considering the newness of the situation. Also, I was worried about every little sound Lili made, and added to the birds and rain outside, it was rather noisy.

Yesterday morning, we hung out, played and napped. We went for a long walk around Antigua trying to get our bearings, and eventually met up with an online friend from Evanston who is down here fostering her daughter. She's using the same agency that we are, and is at the same point in the process as us. We walked around a bit, had a nice lunch, and then went our separate ways for naptime. Lili and I ended up playing, cooking dinner, and then heading to bed a little early. I slept a little bit better last night, but am still trying to catch up on sleep.

Today is a day for hanging out. We've decided that we will stay in and play, get good naps, and maybe walk around the immediate neighborhood in a little bit. Tomorrow our foster mother, Ligia, is going to come to Antigua to spend the day with us. We're excited to see her, but I'm a little nervous about how it might confuse Lili. Oh, well, she'll be fine I'm sure.

So, hopefully today we'll hear something about our appointment time from the US Embassy so that we can make travel plans for Moe and Max. And we will also then be able to figure out when we are coming home! I will keep everyone updated through this site about when we are arriving home!!!!

Thanks for all of the well wishes.... keep in touch!

Love,
Krista & Lili

Almost definite plans.....

Well, we're waiting until the end of today before we book my flight to Guatemala. I've decided to travel to be with Lili on Sunday 8/12 (my BIRTHDAY!!!) What a great day for a gotcha day! Since we still don't have our appointment date from the US Embassy, we haven't been able to plan when Moses (& maybe Max) will come to Guate or when we will return home. So... if we get our appointment date today, I will be booking ALL of our travel arrangements. If we don't get our appointment news today, I will just book a one way ticket to Guatemala and make the rest of the plans later.

I've got almost all of my stuff packed, including everything that Lili and I will need to survive in our apartment. The only thing I still have to decide is which clothes to take for Lili. She's got SO many cute things, but I want to make sure that I take things that are comfortable and that I can layer in case of variations in the weather. Right now in Guatemala it is their rainy season... it's typically in the mid 70s during the day and the 50-60s at night. Mid 70s with sun can be warm, but mid 70s and rain can feel damp and chilly. So.... I've really got to plan well so that I don't overpack.

I'm SO excited to leave and be reunited with Lili forever, but I am getting more emotional with each day about leaving Moses and Max. This is the longest time that we've spent apart, and although I know Lili needs me and we'll have a great time, I'm REALLY going to miss my boys. Thank goodness the end of all of this is in sight, and pretty soon we'll ALL be HOME.... in one place..... together as a family.

I may not have a chance to post before I leave on Sunday, so please say some prayers for safe travels for myself (and Lili). Also, please say an extra prayer for Lili's foster family.... they will surely be upset to see her go, but I hope that they are consoled by the knowledge that we will always stay in touch with them! Finally, please say a prayer for Moses and Max so that they can survive the time that we are apart and not experience too much stress!!!

DRUM ROLL, PLEASE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Lili's officially an Arenas and she's COMING HOME!!!!!!!! We don't have an exact date for her arrival, but our file was submitted to the US Embassy on Friday 8/3! We are just waiting for the Embassy to issue our PINK slip (it's a pink piece of paper that they use to issue appointments). The pink slip will contain the date and time of the appointment when Moses, Lili and I need to appear at the US Embassy in Guatemala to request her VISA to come to the United States and obtain Citizenship!! We are anticipating maybe 2-3 weeks before we can bring her home, so it looks like I may be leaving soon to go to Guatemala and stay with Lili in an apartment until it's time to bring her home!!!!!!

We couldn't be any more excited (unless we were already home with her!!) Thank you to EVERYONE who has supported us and helped us to get through this process. It has been more difficult than we could have imagined, but SOOOOO worth it in the end...... our family has been blessed with our precious ANGEL........ LILIANA ROSE MARIE ARENAS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!