Today was a positive day...
The Consulate in California received our marriage and Rick's birth certificate and indicated they would process an FedEx them back out on Thursday (before Veteren's Day). This should set us up so that our Dossier can go to Guatemala on Monday!!!
Also, I spent a bunch of time pulling together a dozen barely used outfits...shirts, shorts, socks and shoes sizes 6 months to 24 months that I've been told to send in individual zip lock bags as donations to the Hogars (small orphanages) in Guatemala for kids that are considered less likely to be adopted. Our agency has 30-40 families adopting from Guatemala right now (and they processed 40 already this year) and each family is doing what they can to encourage donations to Guatemalan orphanages. A sad reality, but many, many kids with special needs or conditions never find a family willing to adopt them. Our agency is working on two initiatives....sending clothing (so that the Hogars can spend their money on other needs) and on a HealthyTeeth initiative. Hard to believe but many of these kids have never ever brushed their teeth. It feels good to be making a teeny weany effort to help other Guatemalan orphans. I have a letter ready to go to our dentist to request donations of tooth brushes, tooth paste and floss. If that goes well, I'm thinking of knocking on a few other local practices. Our agency facilitator will be taking all the donations collected to several Hogars and will be encouraging staff and the children to properly care for their teeth.
Last but not least, I connected with a Mom who has been home for 2 weeks with her 5 year old son, Noah. She lives in Hebron, Connecticut and is 45 minutes from us. Although she is a first time parent, she sounds super resourceful and happy to share her experiences. Already I learned of a couple great books, a great place to stay in Guatemala (as opposed to the Marriott where most people stay) and some thoughts about things to do in-country. She is fluent in Spanish and it was soooo cool listening to her communicating in part Spanish, part English with her son. I think I will be able to find a number of people adopting older children from Guatemala and I hope to be able to find a group interested in meeting up every so often to share expereinces and for the kids to develop some connections.
I'm wiped out....Rick is out of town through Friday in No. Carolina! I'm holding down the fort successfully so far :)
