Thursday, February 14, 2008

Guess where we're going.....

GUATEMALA!!!


Oh, I am soooo excited I can hardly stand it!!!!! We will be with little pea 3/19 - 3/25. We initially wanted to go for his birthday, but it is very difficult for Jason to get time off as a teacher. So we are going during his spring break, which also happens to fall around my birthday and Semana Santa (Holy Week). So, we will celebrate my birthday (the BEST birthday present EVER!!), Eli's birthday, and experience Semana Santa.

Semana Santa is probably the one of the most important holidays in Guatemala, especially in Antigua. AND, we are going to Antigua on Good Friday to experience this incredible celebration. It's an amazing trip already! The best and most important part, of course, is being with our little pea. EEEEEEEEEECK!!!!! I CAN'T WAIT!!!!!!! Check out some pics: Semana Santa.

Ya know, when we started this adoption process, we were not planning on taking even one visit trip. I cannot believe we are going back for the THIRD time!! We just can't stay away. One positive aspect of our adoption taking longer is it is giving us the opportunity to have these amazing experiences. I have dreamed of going to Antigua during Semana Santa and NOW I AM!!!!! Have I mentioned how EXCITED I am?????

So, how are we affording this? Well, I bring this up because it is a funny story!! When we arrived home from our visit trip in December, we discovered that someone had smashed into our car and did not leave any note. Hit & Run. Of course, we were upset and couldn't believe that someone would do such a thing and not leave a note! The damage really wasn't too bad. The front bumper was damaged and one of the headlights. We decided not to get the car repaired because it is old and not worth putting money into. Plus, Jason is a pretty handy guy! He worked his magic with some duct tape and fixed the light. Hee hee! We still filed an insurance claim and got $600 after our deductible. End of story, right? Well...about a month later Jason calls me at work and proceeds to inform me that our car was hit AGAIN!! This time it was in his school parking lot. One of the subsitute teachers thought it was a good idea to allow a student to drive her car (nevermind he didn't have a driver's license). What happened? Ran right into our car in just about the same spot! A few more dents added, but hey, I guess they add character, eh?!?! Can you believe it? I told Jason this car was bad karma...he said "either that or a cash cow!" Well, we got some estimates and the teacher simply wrote us a check for almost $1400. So, our car is a little more beat up, but...I don't care!!! WE ARE GOIN' TO GUATEMALA!!!!

14 comments:

Guatemama said...

YEAAAAAAAAAA! I am so excited that you are going to visit again and that will be one AMAZING week to do it!!!! What great memories you are going to make with and for Eli! I can't wait to follow along on your blog.
Happy for you
Tracy
great story about the car!

Kimberly said...

That's awesome!!! I'll be in Antigua at that time, too. Let's try to get together! So happy that things are looking up and are starting to move again!

Donna said...

YIPPPPPPEEEEEEEE!!! Oh I am SO excited for your guys. To go get some more snuggle time in with Eli and to spend Friday in Antigua is just awesome!
Cash cow, indeed!! Good karma all around for such sweet and deserving folks like you guys!!
Yay!!!!

Becca said...

I am so excited for you!!!

Peace and Hugs,
Becca

Victoria and Joe said...

I am so happy to hear this.. Sorry about the car.. but hey.. things happen for a reason. Have a great time.. I hope your next trip is pick-up.

Beth said...

WOW!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I am thrilled!! oh my.... can you just see us being days off from meeting??? Ok, Ok... not about me.. hee hee! I am thrilled, thrilled, thrilled for you all!!

email and tell more...

Anonymous said...

Steph, your post made me cry!! I am soooo happy that you are going back to see Eli. WHat an awesome birthday gift. God is amazing...don't you love when money falls in your lap?;0) Take tons of pics of Santa Semana....it will be beautiful! I've always wanted to go to the celebrations too. Maybe someday...

Anonymous said...

This is WONDERFUL news! We are very happy and excited for you! Have fun, and since you won't be around....HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!!! Love,Tam

The gFamily said...

You are going to be responsible for taking lots of pics for everyone who can't be there!! I can't wait to live vicariously through you!! It will be amazing!

I am so happy that you get to go and see Eli soon! God is so amazing in the way He provides for His children!

Emily said...

This is such great news! I loved your car story- how cool is that?!! Happy planning! :-)

Emily

Greta Jo said...

That's great news. Start packing your bags it will be here before you know it!

Frances said...

Wow, Steph, that is a great story! I can't say I would wish that on my car (it's new) but I would take a tree in my backyard that suddenly sprouts 100 dollar bills! I am happy for you!

Bobbi said...

My flight is booked. Thanks for the invitation!!! Can I kiss Eli first:>)

Seriously now, the tears just flowed when I read this post. I am so glad for your cash cow car. Someone is watching over you.

What a wonderful birthday this will be for you!!

Guatmama said...

So glad you get to visit! You will love this trip - I too was in Guatemala over this very sacred holiday and it was amazing!