I believe the phrase "a picture is worth a thousand words" is so true. I feel I could write a book to correspond with each of these pictures. I have been given the blessing of observing true joy this week each time our kids were reunited with a foster or birth mother. Ana Lucia and Marco were able to be with their birth mothers. The women who gave them life and then gave them a life with us. Both of these courageous women feared they would never see their children again and took a bold leap of faith that their decision would indeed result in what they hoped for. Marco's birth mother made a statement that I will cherish forever. She simply stated, "He looks good. I will never worry about him again."
Gustavo was reunited with his entire foster family. They cared for him from the time he was a week old until we brought him home at six months. We have stayed in contact with them and developed a friendship over the last 5 1/2 years. Every time I have returned to Guatemala I have spent time with them. Mami Ruth has fostered over 50 children and Gustavo is the very first one to return to Guatemala. Mami Ruth's daughter told us that she has told everyone (family, friends, and even strangers) about Gustavo returning for a visit. At one point during the visit I looked over to see Gustavo sitting on her lap, surrounded by her three daughters and husband, enjoying one another. Priceless.
Ana Lucia began her visit quite shy. She drew some pictures for her birth mother and slowly warmed up. By the end of the visit the two were playing together in the yard with daughter Ana Lucia babbling away and pretending and mother Ana Lucia enjoying every second. We all held back and gave them their time together.
Marco shows his birth mother pictures of his life in the United States
Gustavo reunited with Mami Ruth
Ana Lucia with her birth mother also named Ana Lucia
Ana Lucia marches off to the yard to show her birth mother around
Giggling and playing with birth mom
I'll never be the same having experienced what I have this week.
3 comments:
And I will never be the same having experienced it through your eyes and through your heart. I have been continually asking God to bless these dear women in a very special way, for giving us these precious children. What an act of courage on their part. There's a part of me that doesn't feel right about having such joy at anothers expense, but that must be part of what one experiences in adoption.
God bless you and Mark for going to the expense of this trip just to give the birth/foster mothers peace of mind about their decisions.
Oh Aimee. Thank you so much for sharing your experience with us. What a wonderful blessing that I hope to someday be blessed with. I have been praying for you everyday. I can't wait to talk to you on the phone.
What an amazing gift for all of you. When Jess was reunited with her first family last year it did give her birth mother peace of mind and it also gave our daughter and amazing sense of who she is and an awesome awareness of the love that so many people have for her. It is such a joy to be able to give this gift to our children and their first families. I too will be forever changed after such an emotional reunion..It just can't be described.
Praying for a safe and amazing week for you all.
Molly
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