We are here in Guatemala City–arrived late last evening in the dark–so we couldn’t see that much. It has been 21 years since we have been here. The airport is new, modern, and sleek. And the hotel we are staying in is beautiful.
Here is Julia waiting on Daddy to check us in. I was looking at her thinking about what it was like to be here 21 years ago, to have that new baby in my arms and her whole life in front of her. She has exceeded our expectations and brought us more joy that we could ever imagine, and I still feel she has her whole life in front of her, and today is an important part of that journey…
We spoke with our translator last night on the phone, and she will pick us up at 9:45 am and take us to meet Julia’s birth mother and the two youngest siblings this morning. The older ones have children and/or work, so we will meet them later, maybe on the weekend.
Julia is still sleeping, but I will wake her up soon so we can get the gift bags ready to take. We all are feeling very grateful to be here, eager to meet her family, a little apprehensive… I think it is just the fear of the unknown more than anything.
We hope to do a little touring as well. Guatemala is beautiful with nearly perfect weather. It is called the “land of eternal spring.” So I hope we can get a taste of Guatemala to fill up our senses…
More later…
Bonnie Saul Wilks 
I read your blogs. Being a birthmother it of course pulled at my heart strings. So excited and I pray for you all! Can’t wait to hear how it goes today. It brought me back to the day I met my Abby and her parents about 3 yrs ago. I still feel it is a dream sometimes. Blessings on your day!
I remember so well the first time that I saw my mom after 13 years of not seeing or talking to her. I to was so excited and nervous the night before that I could not sleep. Unlike Julia I did not have a mom in my life for all of those years so I really did not know how to relate to her very well. Mom was more of a friend to me for many years but I can say that she has evolved to that loving mother that I always longed for. It has brought so much healing to me to have her be a part of my life. This to will be a healing to Julia’s heart that will allow her to love like she never knew she could love. I am very proud of her and her parents aren’t to bad either. Love you guys.
Wow! This is all so exciting! We love you guys and can’t wait to hear more about your time. kisses from Cyprus~Chandy and Sarah
Your journal of this time is so important…and very moving. Thanks for sharing the pics, the thoughts, emotions…all of it….what a blessing for Julia to be allowed a trip back “home”….and what a blessing you guys are in her life for unselfishly allowing her the opportunity to experience this most significant time .