Maybe the coolest day of my life...

Today we all got up early to head into Guatemala city to meet Drew's and my Compassion Child at the zoo! When we arrived I met Astrid's beautiful mom, Eva and then got a big hug from little Astrid. At first we thought she was shy but Jacob took her hand as we walked into the zoo. She warmed up very quickly, holding my hand, telling me about her brothers, her pink high heals, singing me a song in english and quizzing me on my colors! We looked at animals, talked about lots of different things, ate lunch, giggled and danced together.

I wish that Drew could have met her today, he would have fallen in love with this sweet girl. We will be visiting her again, hopefully many times. She is sweet, smart and kind. Her mom was the same and we could tell that Astrid was very well taken care of and loved. She has four big brothers and her mom said she likes to do all the things they do. Eva and Astrid both captured my heart in such a huge way. The compassion reps were wonderful and helped us all talk to each other and have a great time. I couldn't have imagined it going any better than it did. Every minute of it was delightful. It was a day that I will never forget and I can't wait until the next time I get to giggle and dance with Astrid again!

Astrid singing me a song in english

Little Cowgirl :)

Jacob, Astrid & me

The whole zoo crew...

Eva & Astrid

Kelli (my sister) & Maddie (my niece)

Isn't she beautiful :)

When we were saying goodbye Astrid's mom cried and thanked me for everything I do for her family and her daughter. She asked God to bless me and I was overwhelmed with love for her and her sweet girl. In this picture she is saying this to me as I looked to the Compassion Rep to translate for me. I told Drew about it and he said, " Wow, all we did is set up $38 to come out of our account every month."

It really doesn't even phase us each month as the money comes out, but it changes so much for Astrid and her mom. That $38 provides her with so many opportunities. I am not saying this to show you just how wonderful we are because we sponsor a child. I am telling you this because it is something that seems so small for Drew and I, but it has been one of the most rewarding experiences. We are blessed to get to pray for her and I believe they pray for us too. We write to her each month and pray for her as well, but seeing her, dancing with her, hugging her, all of it... it changed everything for my side of this sweet relationship. They are two beautiful people who are burned in my mind and my heart for a lifetime, and longer :)

It would be silly of me to tell you how rewarding, wonderful and beautiful this experience was and is with out telling you how you can get involved.

Compassion International

After the zoo we went to see Jacob's foster mom! Norma took care of little Jake until he was 5 1/2 months old. Sarah brought her all kinds of pictures of Jake and she cried as she hugged him goodbye. Norma and her daughters are so sweet and love Jacob so much, how could you not? :) We are all so thankful for her and her family taking such wonderful care of our little Jacob.