I entered the main part of the airport from customs and immigration to lively music from a Mariachi band. Any lingering doubts about my safety in this Guatemala City airport receded far into the back of my mind. I was traveling alone to get our new daughter adopted from Guatemala with the help of EAC. My husband was home with our 8 year old daughter and 4 year old son (also adopted through EAC from Kazakhstan 4 years ago.)

“How will you possibly go to the third world by yourself?” asked countless people, relatives, well-wishers. “I have worked with EAC before, and I believe them when they say I will be completely safe,” was my reply over and over. Now it was time to live up to the words I had spoken so assuredly in the safety of my home!

Several people were right where they were supposed to be to pick me up and take me to the hotel. They knew my name, helped me with my luggage. We went to the hotel in a private van. Once there, I was treated with respect and courtesy by the hotel personnel. My room was first class, a suite! How perfect for life with a child.

Next came my first meeting with Alexandra! The foster mother brought her to the hotel and I had plenty of time to visit. Cynthia interpreted so I could get the particulars of my new daughter’s routine. Alexandra’s foster mother obviously loved her and took excellent care of her. She was obviously used to cuddling and kisses, well fed and happy. Her motor skills were (and still are) above average! What a complete delight!

We were taken to the embassy where all my paperwork was in perfect order--no glitches. Trisha was traveling with our group and was so helpful--being by myself I needed help with going to the grocery store for supplies. No problem--she went for me!! I spent virtually all my time in the safety of the hotel getting to know my daughter. The hospitality room was a God-send for me since I could socialize with the other families. The food was nothing short of excellent.

Three days later I was escorted back to the airport and went quickly through immigration in the United States with perfect paperwork. In eight short months from the day I started my paperwork, I was home with my daughter. I cannot thank EAC enough for all their hard work in making my miracle come true once again!!

God Bless all of you!!

Editor's Note: Comments and opinions made in all stories may not reflect the current climate of adoptions in the foreign countries. While EAC does their best to maintain the highest level of care during your adoption, we cannot guarantee the exact experience.

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