[lisainatlanta]

Well, after much debate and prayer - I'm going, yes I know there problems that arise - however I'm in the best situation possible if it's staying in Guatemala longer than expected that becomes a problem. My family decided that money should not be an issue, and if I have the time to take off go then why wait. I was told that all of my paperwork (birthcert. etc) was submitted to the Embassy last Tuesday - still no word on pink so the 48 to 72 hour time frame didn’t work for me. Looking forward to seeing some of you at the Marriott!

Couple of questions: Do they have internet access and is it expensive?

Will the foster mother bring everything - diapers, food, etc?

Should I buy a phone card?

[Ozwald]

Hi Lisa,

I was just thinking about you and wondering when you were leaving .
I hope you have a great trip! I would plan on bringing (or buying there) everything that you need for Will.

Have a blast!

Jen

[spidermanteache]

The Marriott has an internet room.

Our little guy at 19 months came with one bottle and the clothes on his back. We brought everything that you would need with us. That is the advice that we got and that is the advice I'm giving too!!

Have a great trip!

[Alesanto]

Lisa,

I have been waiting for your "leaving" post. I know you were not sure when was a good time to go. I am so glad this journey is coming to an end for you. Have a safe trip and enjoy yourself.

YOU MADE IT!!! CONGRATS!!!!

Lisa

[teachergal]

When I picked up Mariela, she had one bottle, one can of formula, one diaper, one blanket and the clothes she was wearing. I would plan on providing all that your baby needs and be surprised if she brings you more. I took everything she would need, except for buying extra formula there. (I could not get NAN here.)

Have a wonderful trip and good luck!

[crfamily2004]

Lisa - Good Decision!! I would do the same. Congratulations and have a wonderful pick up trip.

Marriott Internet access is on the concierge level - free if you are staying in a concerige suite. Also there is a business office right next to the front desk - I believe it's free because they never asked for anything but our room #.

Yes - Bring a phone card and make sure that your husband and family have an International Calling plan with your long distance provider in the states. We did not and NOW we do!! fill in the blanks. You'll save hundreds - literally.

Bring everything your little one will need. I doubt they will give you any of her things.

Also - make sure to ask the Marriott if your room includes the Breakfast Buffet every morning. Not just ONE breakfast. It should and they are having great deals right now - so it should be no issue. Well worth it too for the amount of food..etc..

Most importantly - Don't forget your swimsuit and some floaties for the baby. The pool is fabulous and you could probably use a little R&R during this trip.

Take care,
~Cindy

[khaki17]

Lisa--

Have a great trip!!!!! Hopefully it won't take too long.

There is internet access, and it is free for those staying on the Concierge level. If not, there is a fee. I can't remember how much, but it seemed very reasonable. They just bill it to your room.

My daughter arrived with a can of formula, the clothes she was wearing, and some diapers. Her foster mom also brought back the books I had made for her of family pictures and such. I packed everything I thought I would need. But, GC is a big city and there is a lot available there. So, don't worry too much about forgetting an item or two.

Most of all, enjoy your time with your new little guy!

Kathleen
home with Maya June 16, 2004

[tsawyer]

The internet access is free if you are on the concierge level. There is a executive lounge on the 9th floor that has 2 computers and a free drink too each day you stay. If you're not on that level, then there is a business center in the lobby. I've heard it isn't expensive.


As far as things for the baby, bring everything you need. Ours arrive with the clothes on her back and one bottle. We brought 3 of our own and the formula we were going to use. We had our translater buy us the food she was eating (which amounted to some cereal and powdered milk). By the time we left, we had weaned her off of the powdered milk and were using just our formula.

We brought all of the diapers we needed. They sure use a ton of them.

As far as the pink slip, I'm sorry to say that you should have it within 48 hours (business hours). If you don't I would question whether it has been submitted or if there is a problem with your paperwork.

The embassy think went very easy for us. We had a later appt and were back having breakfast by 9am. This even after stopping for new visa pictures.

Hopefully your trip will be as easy as ours. The pools is great and relaxing. Have a great trip.

Tom

[cdohogne]

We stayed at the Marriott May 30-June 2 and loved it! To use the internet in the business center it is $2.00 USD for 15 minutes. They will charge it to your room so you can pay all at one time.

The foster family brought out daughter with 1 can of formula, 1 bottle, 1 diaper and the clothes on her back. We took everything we thought we might need. Don't worry if your forgot anything, they have a nice mall that has a store similar to Dillards, we went there to buy a stroller. There is also a market close where we bought formula to bring home. Have a great trip!

[tsawyer]

Christi made me think of something that I forgot. Take an umbrella stroller. We would have loved to have one. It makes feeding sooo much easier. The Marriott has a couple they rent out, but they were all taken while we were there.

Tom

[beasley's mom]

Lisa- You and your family are in my prays. I hope when I'm staying at the Mariott you will be back in the States. I'm going down on the 4th but will be staying in Antigua until the evening of the 7th. I will be staying at the Mariott for one night. I purchased an AT &T phone card at Sam's to take with me. I called the number on the back of the card and they told me when I'm in Guatemala calling the States it is 10 minutes to every minute. I added international calling to my home phone, it is a dollar more a month and 20 cents a minute. I hope this help.
Good luck!!
Leigh

[alyssa&avery]

Lisa:

Hope you have an awesome trip. I would suggest taking everything you're going to need unless you plan to buy diapers and formula there. Both of my kids arrived with nothing except what they were wearing and I changed them into different clothes so that I could give the others back. I do suggest buying a phone card. Perhaps the pink has been issued and your attorney just hasn't picked it up yet??!!?? Just a thought........

Have fun and be safe!!!

Lori

[pmgor]

I wish you a safe trip and hope that once you are there things move faster.

[Cinday143]

Lisa:
I think everyone has answered your questions (and I agree with Tom - bring a stroller! And try to get a non-massive, reclining one so your little one can sleep maybe on the way home....mine is only a little bigger than an umbrella but it does recline!).

HAVE A BLAST!! (that's what I really wanted to say!). And don't forget to bring YOUR passports to the US embassy too - I was never really told that clearly, but you do need them.
Cindi

[becky]

Have fun...keep in touch and let us know how you are doing!