We had a wonderful time visiting our son. There is more to share than I could ever write. I'll try to give you some of the highlights. When we picked him up, we interrupted nap time. This is never a good way to start! Leaving the orphanage, he began to cry and was just inconsolable. We were with someone from our agency who wisely suggested stopping at McDonald's for french fries. Food is comforting in all languages! With a french fry in each hand, which he never actually ate, he settled down.
After returning to our hotel, our first stop was the embassy doctor's office. Being in an orphanage, Giovanni does not see a doctor on a regular basis. We were a little concerned about his general health. The doctor was very kind and did a complete physical on our son. We were glad to hear that everything appears normal, healthwise.
Then, it was back to the hotel for a quick bath and then down to the lobby to meet Samantha. After a round of introductions, we headed for Chuck E Cheese's. Yes, even in Guatemala, a kid can be a kid! We had a delightful time with our foster family. Both Samantha and Giovanni slept relatively well, all things considered.
The next morning at breakfast, we saw some of our first smiles from this sweet little boy. It seems that food brings out the best in him! There were glimpses during the weekend of a compassionate and caring little boy hidden inside. When Samantha would cry, he would get our attention, point to her, as if to say "She needs you" and then bring her a toy to console her. He willingly shared a playpen and toys with her. He tagged along wherever we took him. On Sunday, he began to really open up and venture out a little more. We saw more smiles and heard him babble a bit. Our foster family took to him like he was one of their own. Grandma fed him. Jenny rocked him to sleep. And Lucerno couldn't get enough of hugging and kissing him!
Through some unique circumstances, we ended up keeping him with us through our Embassy appointment on Tuesday morning. It was interesting having all five of our children with us for Embassy day! They were troopers. We got many comments on how well behaved they all were.
Tuesday afternoon, we returned Giovanni to the orphanage. This was incredibly difficult for all of us, but most so for our oldest children. It was somewhat easier, as he didn't seem at all reluctant to go back. When we walked up to the door of the orphanage, Giovanni grinned and pointed, as if he knew he was back where he was supposed to be for now. When we got back to the hotel, Jeffrey cried for about half and hour. We tried to console him, and reassure him that each day would be a little better and that soon Giovanni will be home with us for good. It helped a little. On the plane from Houston to Reno, Nathan looked at me and stated "I miss Giovanni."
What a blessing to have had that time together. We have heard that the Central Authority has been established and the attorneys were picking up applications this week to register existing cases. We also learned that our attorney submitted us, very incomplete, to PGN before the end of December, knowing we'll be kicked-out, but wanting to be able to say we were registered before the end of the year.
Our faith is strong, and we hope in a BIG God who can do far more than we can ask or imagine. Our family seems a little incomplete without Giovanni around. But, we are content, adjusting to Samantha and eagerly anticipating the day we will again be together as a family of seven! In the meantime, you can view pictures from our visit at the bottom of the blog.
Thank you for your continued prayers and support.
Blessings,
Amy
Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen. - Ephesians 3:20-21
