Update From Our Mother's Day Trip

Like our first trip, our Mother's Day trip was amazing. From a father's standpoint, the opportunity to see our girls with their mom on her first Mother's Day was priceless.

When we arrived at the hotel, there was a mix-up in the rooms; therefore, we spent the majority of Saturday night working with the hotel staff to get us into the type of room we originally requested. At around 9:00 p.m., Sarah and I walked to TGI Fridays to grab a late dinner. The fajitas I ordered were great (not like the standard fajitas we get here in the States).

The next morning, Sarah and I had breakfast with Sue (director of our adoption agency). Afterwards, Claudia (our foster mom) brought our girls to the hotel. Our girls are the most beautiful girls in the world (however, I realize I could be bias). We immediately went up to the hotel room and played for a while. Later, Papa cooked some of his famous "Mac N' Cheese" for Hannah and Mama "Sasa" feed Haley her bottle and some baby food.

After we took a short afternoon nap, we brought out the coloring books and paints. We colored and painted for a long time, as Hannah colored pictures for all of our family and friends. Later that afternoon, we got ready to go eat with Sue and two other adoptive families at a restaurant she recommended. We couldn't believe Hannah's appetite! I think she ate more steak than Sarah and I combined. By the way, she loves corn on the cob.

The next day (Mother's Day), Hannah and her Papa got out the finger paints and painted a Mother's Day card for Mama "Sasa". Both Hannah and Haley put their handprints on the card and Hannah colored the outside of both the card and envelope. Later that day, after the card had dried, Hannah and I took the card into the bedroom to give to Sarah. Needless to say, I guess you can imagine what came rolling down Mama's cheeks.

In hindsight, the trip flew past in a blurr. However, we made the most out of every moment we had with our girls. We are so fortunate that God has blessed our family. We ask that you all continue to keep us in your thoughts and prayers, as we pray that we get our girls safely home very, very soon!

Finally, I have to give thanks to Claudia, our foster mom, again. She has done an amazing job with our girls. They are so fortunate to have her as their foster mom through the adoption process. Thank you Mama Claudia!

God Bless,

John y Sarah

Return Trip to Guatemala!

Three weeks have come and gone since our last trip to see our girls. There is not a moment that goes by, that our girls are not in our heart, thoughts and prayers. Knowing that we are going back this weekend for Mother's Day is what has gotten us through these past couple of weeks.

We were really excited to receive an email from Claudia (our foster mother) this past week letting us know that the girls and Claudia's family were doing well. Claudia told us that Hannah talked about her birthday party and cake for an entire week. Haley is doing well and is smiling every moment of the day! We are so blessed to have such a wonderful foster mother taking care of our girls.

We have been really busy this week trying to get ready for our trip this weekend, and as a result, we haven't been able to update the blog recently. Below, we have added some additional pictures of Hannah and Haley during Hannah's 3rd birthday party! Being able to hold our girls in our arms for the first time and celebrate Hannah's birthday with her was a feeling that words could never express.

Continued thanks to all of our family and friends who continue to keep our girls in your thoughts and prayers. We are looking forward to sharing new pictures and an update from our second trip to Guatemala next weekend!

God bless