Day 1, Friday

We hit the ground running upon our arrival here in Guatemala. Thank goodness that I did pack one change of clothes and a pair of pjs for each of us in the carry on. (The luggage is supposed to arrive tomorrow morning, but we will see--things operate on a different time schedule here). I spoke with my attorney, RM, about 8:15 a.m. this morning. She asked me to come to the City by 10 a.m. Yeah, right. Again, the different time schedule here. We quickly threw the clothes on that we wore yesterday (clean underpants, of course) and headed out the door. We had a wonderful driver, Mario, today. He's a little skinny guy, but was a gem nonetheless. The first stop was at the Hogar (orphanage) where HG lives. I was hoping for custody today, but it didn't work out--at least not yet. The directora of the hogar wanted me to go see the Judge with Minors Court in order to get custody papers. So, off we went to her Court after stopping to pick up a translator. The Judge did some questioning in another Court on my behalf and come back saying that she would indeed give me the custody papers...on Monday. So, back to RM's office for a document draft, back to the Judge's Court, and then back to the Hogar to see if the directora had changed her mind and would grant me custody herself (she CAN do this but she would rather not, I suppose). Anyway, her mind was not changed and she asked me to return on Monday with the paper from the Judge. We all walked away disappointed. I saw HG, but she didn't see me. I couldn't let that happen after our last in person meeting--she was devestated when I left her and I didn't want that to happen again. So, we'll go back on Monday morning for the paperwork from the Judge and then back to the Hogar for HG. We're ready for her! HM and HV were troopers today, going in and out of buildings all day, having to behave (which isn't easy when all you have done is wait in every office!).

Weekend prayer requests:

1. Pray that the Judge will be "a woman of her word" and issue the document needed Monday morning. She said many times that she knows that it would be better for HG to be with us now instead of in the Hogar. (It's not the fault of the Hogar. They are doing the best they can but HG has so many needs).

2. Pray that the Directora of the Hogar won't change her mind on what's needed in order for us to receive HG.

3. Pray for HG, that she will be open to a reception into our family. My dear sweet HV pointed out a few weeks ago that HG is probably quite mad at me. When I asked her why she thinks that, she said, "Well, Mommy. You left her. She doesn't understand but all she knows is that you left her before." You're right, HV. She probably is mad at me. I pray, however, that HG's heart and mind will be ready to begin building a relationship with us, HER FAMILY.

4. Pray for HG's mom, M. M must come into the City on Wednesday for an interview. Our hope is that she will agree to stay there through Friday so that we can get ALL of the necessary things accomplished during this next week. Pray that M continues to have peace about her decision to place HG for adoption and that she will realize and remember that HG NEEDS for her to do her part in this adoption process. Without M's cooperation, our road becomes very bumpy and very long.

5. Pray for the continued safety for our family. Nothing has happened or has made me fearful. Being in a foreign country, even when you have friends close, can be scary. I can never let my guard down when out in public.



Peace and Blessings!

Sorry no pics today. I do have decent internet here, but no pics were taken. I'll try to snap some and post tomorrow. Blog posts without pics are no fun, I know. I'll try to do better!