One year ago today....

I got an amazing phone call, Out-Approved. Tracey had to call me herself. She didn't want the agency to call. You see earlier in the week I had contacted her about getting a birthday package down to Charli. I was coming to grips with the fact she would not be home for her first birthday. The ups and downs of the process were really getting to me. My friend Angie and her husband were in Guatemala picking up their little guy. We had been going through this process and crossing each milestone within days of each other and then for some reason, (I think because I'm single and work for my dad) another employment letter was needed. This slowed me down by at least 2 weeks, probably more. Angie was due home on the 24th. I really wanted to go to the airport to greet them but I wanted some good news of my own. And, I got it!!! Getting out of PGN was harder than it had been in quite a few years. And I of course hit just about every road block or so it seemed. Charli was now mine in the eyes of the Guatemalan courts. This was a very good day!!!

I look back on this with joy and sadness. Joy for me but do you know there are still over 450 children waiting to come home to their forever families in Guatemala??? Some of these people were in process before me and others started when I did. I am sad that I am celebrating this day knowing how many families are still struggling with the process. When all of my "on-line friends" have their children home, I will truly be happy and at peace. Until then I will quietly celebrate and cherish the fact my daughter is home.