We're Back & On Cloud 9!

Our trip was amazing! We arrived in Guatemala City around noon their time on Monday and got to our hotel with about an hour or so to spare before Olivia's arrival at 2:00. Our interpreter, Mirna called from the lobby around 1:30 and said she had spoken to Olivia's foster family and they were on their way, but would be arriving a little later than 2:00. That gave us time to get to know Mirna and her daughter Jasmine as they showed us around and helped us order our lunch from McDonald's! Mirna got another call saying it would be another half hour or so before they got there so we stopped at the bank to exchange some American dollars into Guatemalan Quetzales. We approached the front door of the hotel about 3:00 where I could see Olivia and the entire family (8 to 10 people!) waiting in the lobby. I was very tentative on exactly how to approach her. I felt the best thing to do was to take the cues from her and not overwhelm her. Well she saw me and made a beeline straight for me with arms outstretched yelling "Mama Susan, Mama Susan!" and gave me the biggest hug! She went to Bryan next, "Papa Bryan!" and then to Emily, "Hermana (sister) Emily!" Wow! WE ended up being the ones who were overwhelmed! She latched on to us like she'd known us all her life.

We all went up to our room, I think there were about 15 of us, if I remember correctly. We talked for awhile and after about 20 minutes, it was time for the family to leave. Brenda, Olivia's foster Mom wanted us to distract her with a toy so she'd be occupied when they left. Emily and Olivia were playing with bubbles, they all left, she said goodbye to them and acted like THEY had just dropped by for a visit! Not one tear or one mention of her foster family the whole time we were together!

We are just amazed at how quickly she bonded with us, we couldn't have asked for a better first meeting! I must say, I have never met a more loving, affectionate, sweet child. Even though we didn't understand each other a lot of the time, she always flashed her beautiful smile and was ready to give each of us a big hug and a kiss. She is really a special little girl. We are blessed to be in her life.

I'll write more about the rest of the week later and post more pictures.

We're very thankful for everyone's prayers. We know God prepared Olivia for our meeting and because of many things we experienced this week, we know He will help us see this adoption through to the end. . . . how ever long it takes.