1). I've always known I wanted to adopt, and Kyle and I discussed it as an option before we got married.
2). Being teachers, we witness kids with so much potential, but it is not realized because of a lack of opportunities.
3). Guatemala uses primarily foster homes for "waiting" children versus orphanages.
4). We were too young when we began the process. All countries except Korea and Guatemala required adoptive parents to be at least 30 years old.
5). The trip down here was about only 3-4 hours from Houston, and we weren't required to travel several times for longer periods of time. As teachers, we hate to take off from school more than necessary.
6). Finally, we have a home and wanted to be parents, so it made sense to show love to a child that was already here.
Jocoba's response was simply that it sounded like we had definitely thought this through. Jocoba, I agree! Now, back to the trip!
The winding mountain roads, limitless variety of trees, cobblestone streets, colorfully painted houses and shops, surrounding mountains, the street vendors in traditional dress, and breath-taking views fail to describe the wealth and the poverty of the country. Guatemala seems to be rich in terms of human connection, expression/passion, trees and plentiful vegetation, delicious and natural food, and beautiful landscapes. However, poverty, hard work, and pure survival seem to plague the majority of the country.
Every moment with my new family is a blessing, however I couldn't help but think about the life of the children who came from David's background and how they end up working hard their entire lives, experiencing little to no education, just to make a few dollars. I'm extremely grateful for the potential David will have with us and his new life as an American, but I've seen many, young and old, I wanted to bring back in my suitcase. I don't mean to be "Debby Downer," but when you're away from all you know and you really take the time to reflect about your life, you realize how great you have it and just how connected and alike we really are.
Once we returned from our excursion, we played and ate and played some more. David continues to be a riot, and he's lessening the tears during bath time and taking off his shoes for the night. We've discovered that when our little man is allowed to help in a new task, he's distracted from his real or imaginary fears, and just focuses on being a "big boy," which he is. David's also saying a few more English words, like "please" and "easy," but they both sound like "cheesy." One new word that came up tonight was "bobo." We were eating at dinner, then suddenly he displayed a confused face, put his hand under his bottom, and replied "bobo," which apparently means "toot!" (I realize this is probably a "mom" story and is only funny & meaningful to me, but since I have a captive audience, and this is somewhat a diary for the trip, you have the privilege of reading all my thoughts and experiences. Lucky you!)
Tomorrow is one of last big days because we are taking a morning tour of Guatemala City and then we travel back to the Embassy to pick up his finalized paperwork and Visa so we can return home. Here's to more fun, and can't wait for you all to meet David, our little charmer!
FYI--In case you're wondering why I keep typing DAVID instead of MICAH, Kyle and I have decided that while we are still legally changing his name to Micah David when we get back home, he no longer seems to be a MICAH, and my heart now only knows him as DAVID. Hope that makes sense?! :)
Until we meet again,
Mama Em
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