Jeff and Sharon 1997
Our journey to AnnaMaria
Jeff and Sharon 1987
7 years later....Claire and Ollie
Life was loud....
and busy...
and messy!
so....we had another baby.
Lily
The years flew by...
we had lots of fun...
but, something was missing.
While Ollie was busy at baseball....
the girls took a poll, and decided....
they needed a baby sister.
We were matched with Maria Rosario in January '07.
As soon as possible we went to Guatemala to meet her.
Our first hug.
Talking with the foster mom.
Falling in love.
Another sister!?!
Our first slumber party.
I think you gringos are OK.
It was hard to leave her!
Back home, we waited for emailed photos.
Second visit trip....Holy Week
Carpets lined the streets.
Many are made with colored sawdust.
Jeff and Sharon 1997
Some are made with pine needles and flowers.
Many processions.
The streets were full.
Jeff and Sharon 1997
Floats are carried on shoulders.
Easter Sunday
When we couldn't stand it...Claire and Sharon moved to Antigua.
The first day of forever together!
Our apartment was nice.
But...we heard noises in the fireplace...
Owl, joined us for breakfast one day!
Antigua, Guatemala
Jeff and Sharon 1997
Life was ducky!
Jeff and Sharon 1997
Jeff and Sharon 1997
Life moves more slowly in Guatemala.
Jeff and Sharon 1997
Jeff and Sharon 1997
Land of eternal spring.
Jeff and Sharon 1997
Meeting Grandma....
and Grandpa.
Spending time with friends....
Jeff and Sharon 1997
Jeff and Sharon 1997
Jeff and Sharon 1997
Jeff and Sharon 1997
Webcams and internet kept us in touch.
Claire took daily Spanish lessons.
Chicken buses everywhere...
loud and crowded...
and colorful.
A family vehicle for four.
Laundry day.
Jeff and Sharon 1997
School children wear uniforms.
But, not all kids go to school.
Walking...
walking...
walking.
Jeff and Sharon 1997
The Market.
Jeff and Sharon 1997
Sign of prosperity.
Fresh flowers.
Bulk grains.
Wonderful fruit.
Catalina sells live chickens.
Wooden carved angels.
Ice Cream...a daily ritual.
Mayan carry their babies and toddlers.
Clara showed us how.
Jeff and Sharon 1997
Dominos Delivers!
Internet and cell phones are quite available.
There are even guards at the fast food spots.
Coffee is a huge export.
Most work is manual labor...
sometimes with only half a shovel.
Guatemala...4th largest macadamia nut producer.
Leaving was bitter-sweet.
US Embassy day in Guatemala City
A US citizen when we touched down in Houston.
One year later.
It's good to be home, but we miss Guatemala!