Day 7

Icing on the cake... There surely isn't a more perfect example of this common expression than what I experienced tonight. My week in Guatemala has been a 10+. It exceeded all of my expectations and has left me full of joy. And yet, tonight, as we arrived in Guatemala City to prepare for our Saturday departure back to the States, it got even better.

After 5 years, I was reunited with Will's Birthmother and his Foster Mother. Ever since taking a photo with Maria and Martha, I have called our trio Las Tres Madres ~ The Three Mothers. Maria is his mother by birth, Martha is his "primera madre" (or first mother), and I am his forever mother. The three of us make quite a team.

In Guatemala, it is fairly uncommon to have the opportunity to meet your child's birthmother, so I feel humbled and honored to have met Maria twice. I can't quite explain how it feels to hold the person who gave your child life. With every extra squeeze, I tried to communicate my love, my gratitude, and my respect for her. This very special woman provided the missing piece to our family. And her words and expressions proved to me that she felt comfort in her decision, despite the deep loss. Maria will always be a part of our family, and I look forward to the day when we can travel as a family, along with Will's birthsister's family, to see her.

Will's Foster Family is as sweet as they were when we first met them in 2004. I can't express how comforting it is to know that he felt loved and safe during his first 8 months in Guatemala. I remember watching his Foster Dad, Bayardo, tossing him into the air as Will giggled with glee. They prepared him to transition into his new life with his new family - our family - and I know for sure that the love that they showed him then still blossoms inside his heart.

I'm feeling a bit lightheaded now, and it's no wonder with all of the emotions that are buzzing through my head. I can hardly wait to get home to Jay and the kids, and yet I already miss the new friends that I'll be leaving behind. The staff at Mayan Families sits on top of top notch. They are exceptional... extraordinary... remarkable. I was honored to observe them in their element and lend a helping hand when I could. This trip certainly felt like an Orientation to me, which leads me to believe that a return tip might be in my not too distant future.

I hope that you've enjoyed sharing this journey with me, and I hope that it might inspire you to take a step outside of your comfort zone and serve others in a way that is meaningful to you. My Guatemala may be your (fill in the blank here).

I am now convinced that, on your life journey, you must stop every so often and pay the toll. Your toll may be as simple as sharing something you no longer need or as complex as a trip to a faraway land to help the less fortunate. Exact change is not required... Just follow your heart, and it will lead the way.

Signing off from Guatemala,

Beth