[angel_bayou]

Well we made it back, but things have still been winding down so this is the first chance I get to post! The visit overall went well and it was good to see my daughter running around and playing with her siblings. I was asked some very hard questions by the birthfamily and was in way prepared to answer them. The birthfather kept asking for money and for us to buy everything you can imagine and then some for him. The birthmom asked if I loved her as much as I did my bio children, if I would be willing to leave her there with them because they could raise her now, etc. I can't say I regret the trip at all, but it did make me step back and rethink going back with my daughter anytime soon. I can say seeing her with the children was priceless!! you can go to my blog to read the full story and see photos of my journey back to Guatemala.
I would also say I was very pleased with the contacts I made while I was there and the projects that I'm going to get involved in. I now have the opportunity to help fundraise for the first ever classroom for exceptional children in Panajachel!!! God really did open up many doors for me on this trip and I can't wait to return again!! I know He has amazing things in store for me!!
Feel free to email me any questions you may have about my visit!!

[HopeandaPrayer]

Vanessa, thanks for posting about your trip. I checked out your blog and loved the pictures. Did you guys stay at Quinta De Las Flores? If so, I hoped you liked it as much as we did.

Terri

[blminter]

I cannot even imagine being asked to return her to the birth parents! How old is your child? How long did you visit with them?

just curious...

[WaitingforBrian]

You are one courageous mom for many reasons and I admire your openess and honesty. You have a great blog and a lovely family. HUGS and thanks for sharing it all. It might help a few (like me) to be a bit braver too. Bernie

[fiddlycat]

I think it is wonderful that you were able to meet and spend time with your daughter's birth family. It had to be though getting hit with so many questions like that. I cannot even imaine how hard...

[giovanni7460]

I cant even imagine what the moment must have been like. I give you so much credit for posting.
Patty

[angel_bayou]

Terri, We did stay at the Quinta de la Flores and we absolutely LOVED it!! I'll definately be returning there again!! The casita was so much like home and the kids loved the gardens and playground area!! I'm so glad we found it

[angel_bayou]

My daughter is 2 1/2 years old!! We visited with them from 9am until 3pm. I absolutely enjoyed every minute I spent with the kids!! I was a little uncomfortable with the birthmom when she asked about leaving my daughter there, but as the day went on I relaxed a little more. It's a shame to say i never felt comfortable with the birthfather for one minute!! I did invite the grandfather and siblings back across the lake with me the next day to have lunch and to buy some supplies to repair their home with at the hardware store! I was completely comfortable with them and the day was VERY enjoyable!! The hardest part of that day was saying goodbye to them!! Check out the blog tommorow night and I should have more photos from the rest of the trip posted!!

[gwenrenee007]

What a wonderful gift for you, your daughter, and her birth family. I can imgaine at times it was difficult, but the pictures show how happy everyone was to see her and that is what she will know. I hope to do the same for my dd in the near future. Many hugs to you and your beautiful family.

[cjrogers]

Thanks for posting this. (((hugs))) to you.

[greytpaws]

First off.....WOW!!!! WHAT AN AMAZING TRIP AND STORY!!! Thank you for posting...my jaw was hanging open the whole time! LOL Really neat!

Secondly, I started to cry more when you said you are trying to start a classroom for exceptional children--I WANT TO HELP!!!! Special needs kids are my passion!! Please tell me what I can do--I will PM you too....Man....truly awesome....

[angel_bayou]

I'm not doing this alone!! I met a pastor in Panajachel and this is something he has started and really needs help with so I agreed to do what I can to help. I'm waiting on more info regarding the most immediate needs and timeframe, etc. I'll email the info to you as I get it. I do know they'll need school supplies (I'll be doing a shipment to him in a couple of months), volunteers to go down and help paint/clean/organize, and funds for the work. feel free to email me with any questions!!