El Salvador Adoption – Home – Day 1
August 13th, 2009
Posted by Beth
We’re home, and what a great feeling it is!
The trip home went well, although we had to get up VERY earlier Wednesday morning, leaving at 5:30 am to get to the airport.
We got our bags checked relatively quickly and then went through El Salvador security checkpoints at Comalapa Internatioal Airport. All was going well until… they did a hand search of our bags.
The “policia” commandeered all of my manicure tools!! Aaaagh!
Those things aren’t cheap, and I didn’t think there would be a problem as they were in my carry-on stuff that cleared MIA just fine.
Then, to top that off, I’m sure the “policia” had children at home. This guy confiscated all Nestor’s chevolas…yes, his marbles! All the while, he remained stone-faced.
What a creep!
Was he thinking we’d use them as a weapon… throw them at the pilot and try to hijack the plane or something?
Come on pal. They’re marbles.
At that point, I was wishing I could snap my fingers and be home!
That stuff is like gold to Salvadorans.
At MIA, we made it through the initial customs screening smoothly when we got off the plane…and then everything grinded to a halt.
We had to go to the “secondary room” with U.S. Border Patrol (DHS) for screening of that giant Visa packet that I showed you the other day.
There were so many chairs that you could barely walk in the room. People were sitting blankly staring as if they’d been in that room for days.
Probably were.
It certainly was the longest hour wait we’d had thus far (I think). Probably because we were so close to home. Luckily it was only about an hour and then our name was called. It took all of about six to eight minutes and then we were cleared.
We headed to baggage claim and then out through customs where we found Pop waiting for us. What a sight for sore eyes ! Another one of those surreal days…seems like there have been lots lately.
……………………
So here was the exiting process again, for any in-process families:
1. Check in at airlines. Present all passports (on El Salvador side) including your newly adopted child’s passport. Be prepared for ES Emigracion to look at you like you’re stealing your child. They scrutinized Nestor’s passport with us for what seemed to be 5 minutes. Go to gate, board plane.
2. Arrive and exit plane. Head immediately to U.S. passport clearance.
3. Present all passports (again) and Visa Packet (new on U.S. side). Make sure you carry your child’s Visa packet on the plane with you, and guard it with your life, otherwise MUCHO problema!
4. Follow U.S. Border Patrol Agent to room with dozens of others. Be prepared to wait 1-2 hours for Visa Packet review.
5. When your name is called, your child will be fingerprinted, and a photo kept of him/her, for a permanent residency card.
6. Congratulations! Your child is now an official U.S. Citizen.
Oh yeah, almost forgot…
7. Head to baggage claim, and pray you can find your bags. (Remember, your flight came in 1-2 hours ago, and by now, all your flight’s bags are long gone.)
……………
We stopped at Chick-Fil-A on the way home for lunch and then arrived in home around 4:45pm.
Go figure, a two hour flight on paper turns into a 12 hour day!?! Why does it always happen like that?
We had dinner with Gram & Pop and Nana & Papa. Gram brought dinner and Nana brought groceries for the next day–thanks so much to you both!!!
Nestor was well behaved, considering he’s now in a new country with his life turned upside down. I just kept thinking how good it was to be home.
We managed to swim in the pool after dinner, and I almost had to bring a bar of soap. The water temp is a hot 89F.
Nestor slept in his own room last night. Daryl stayed with him until he conked out.
…………………..
We stayed at the house all day today. Thursday. Had a “minor” incident when Nestor purposefully locked himself in his room this morning. Fortunately, Daryl was still home when it happened.
Thanks largely due to Matt and his large Hess Truck collection, the rest of the day went smoothly.
The boys played in Nestor’s room, we took Blue for a long walk and played futbol. Nestor had his initial bike riding lesson and we played frisbee. He also had his first taste of apples and peanut butter…and loved it!
Late this afternoon, the ESOL teacher from Glendale Elementary (Nestor’s school) came by for a visit. What a God-send! She’s orginally from Venezuela and is going to be a tremendous help to us and a blessing to Nestor in his new school.
“Cocina de Mama” was open tonight for frijoles rojo, arroz y pollo. Muy bien! After some minor protests, Nestor was in bed by 8:45. Whew!
Tomorrow, we head for the local health department to wait in line for vaccines and hopefully an initial check up. Nestor cannot start school without both and our pediatrician cannot see him until after school starts. More waiting.
At least we know how to do just that.
Last 5 posts by Beth
- El Salvador Update - Month 12
- El Salvador Update - Month 3
- El Salvador Adoption - Home 1 Month
- El Salvador Adoption - Home - Through Week 3
- El Salvador Adoption - Home - Week 1
From Jean Powell
SO happy to get this good report to learn that you are finally home. I feel priviliged to have been kept “in the loop”. Nestor is one very special little boy and is blessed to be Matt’s brother and your son. I pray for God’s daily blessing on your family. Love, Jean
08/13/09 11:07 PM | Comment Link |
From don and cindy
Welcome Home. Now that the excitement of
the last couple weeks is over, I’m sure you’re
overjoyed to be home! We are so happy for
you all!
08/14/09 8:58 AM | Comment Link |
From Nancy
Oh, Beth, how wonderful it must have been for you to finally be in your own home again. Also for Matt, I am sure. As for Nestor, I am thinking he can not really realize that this wonderful place, with a room of his own, a swimming pool he can use every day. I am wondering how long it will be for him to finally ralize how very fortunate he is to be part of this wonderful new family.
I talked to your Mother at a church meeting last evening and she was thrilled about being with you and looking forward to next week when she plans to be with you again.
Still praying for all of you knowing that there will be many tough times ahead. May God grant you more good days that difficult ones.
Love….Nancy
08/14/09 10:19 AM | Comment Link |
From Phyl DuPree
THIS DAY WAS A LONG TIME COMING AND WE’RE ALL SO HAPPY THAT YOU ARE HOME SAFELY, AND READY FOR THE NEXT STAGE OF YOUR LIVES.
GOD BLESS.
LOVE, PHYL
08/14/09 5:01 PM | Comment Link |
From Angel Argueta
Saludos desde El Salvador, espero todo este muy bien. Soy el Director de la Aldea Infantil SOS de San Miguel, solo deseo saber como está Nestor.
Cómo ha reaccionado y como le va con el Inglés.
08/14/09 11:20 PM | Comment Link |
From Lisa
I am so glad you are all home safe and sound, what an exhausting yet exhillarting trip you had! I know it will take some time to settle in and wish you all well. You are wonderful people on an amazing journey together. Awesome! SO Nestor will be at Glendale with us???!!! What grade and what class? I cannot wait to meet him. Be well and stay in touch. Tell Matt I say hello and to enjoy this last week before studies begin! Lisa Cudos to Daryl too. xo
08/15/09 8:05 PM | Comment Link |
From dan
Great blogging on your journey. Makes me feel like I was there with you! Welcome Home! Love and Blessings, Dan (and Cherrie)
08/16/09 10:55 AM | Comment Link |
From Weaver Family
Welcome Home…can’t wait to meet Nestor and see you all.
08/17/09 4:03 PM | Comment Link |
From Pat Gawrych
Beth, Daryl, Matt, and Nester,
Congratulations on the completion of the adoption. I know this has been a long journey, but I also know the end result is well worth the effort and the time that you have put into this.
We are glad that you are all home safe and ready to start the next step of your lives. You all will conintue to be in our thoughts and prayers.
God Bless,
Pat and Stacey Gawrych
08/17/09 4:10 PM | Comment Link |