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