El Salvador Adoption – Home – Day 1
Posted August 13th, 2009
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.
El Salvador Adoption – Day 14
Posted August 9th, 2009
Two weeks folks.
Okay, we’ve lost two soccer balls in two days. Hope we can make it until bedtime!! Sheesh.
El Salvador Update – Day 13
Posted August 8th, 2009
Great day on Saturday! Well, at least it turned out that way…
Matt wants to share his comments with you.
Part of the genuiness of this journey–and writing them in diary form–is that our thoughts and comments are captured in real and raw form. One day, it will be pretty cool for Nestor to be able to read through how much his family loved him, and what we all went through
That said, I have no idea what Matt wants to write. I think he just needs to express himself to y’all. He hasn’t adjusted yet, and he’s been bugging me about it today. So take it away numero uno son, and I’ll be back shortly.
El Salvador Adoption – Day 9
Posted August 5th, 2009
Just so you know that we’re real people doing our best in unchartered territory, let me sum up Tuesday: Roughest day yet.
After I posted that scripture verse yesterday about Jesus and not worrying, I think we both had to go back and read it a few times. We’re normal people just like you, doing the best we can.
Here’s Tuesday’s summary.
El Salvador Adoption – Day 8
Posted August 4th, 2009
“You never know what to expect…”
…here in El Salvador.
This country–and the adoption process–keeps you on your toes. It makes everything a little more spontaneous. If you’re the type of person who doesn’t deal well with spontaniety, or your personality requires you to be in control all the time, stay away. You won’t make it on a trip like this.
- Photo: Nestor’s laundry room (the washer) in his former home. (Dryer: Outside… a clothes line.)
I often think the English translation of the word El Salvador means Faith Walk. (Actually, it means The Savior.)
Which reminds me of Jesus’ words:
“Then Jesus said to his disciples: ‘Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat; or about your body, what you will wear. Life is more than food, and the body more than clothes. Consider the ravens: They do not sow or reap, they have no storeroom or barn; yet God feeds them. And how much more valuable you are than birds! Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life? Since you cannot do this very little thing, why do you worry about the rest?’” (Luke 12:22-26, NIV).
I’ve got a question for you: Anything you’re worried about, right now, in your life?
Hold that thought as I tell you about today.
Feliz Cumpleanos a Mis Dos Hijos!
Posted July 15th, 2009
Translation: “Happy Birthday my two sons!” or… Feliz Cumpleanos Hijos (Happy Birthday sons!)
Wow, it feels surreal saying that. 
Today is July 15th, and Matthew’s 12th birthday!
We have a fun evening planned, and more fun coming up this weekend to celebrate before he and I head off together for our last summer camp in Leesburg, and then the big trip to El Salvador.
- Today is also the birthday of our new son, who is waiting in El Salvador. I told you before, they BOTH have the same birthday! How cool is that?!
El Salvador Travel Set
Posted July 9th, 2009
We’ve waited a long, long time… and we’re getting closer and closer.
We’ve confirmed the majority of our travel to El Salvador for the adoption.
Vacation Bible Camp 2009
Posted June 29th, 2009
Hola Amigos!
Just finished my 7th year doing five full-days of Vacation Bible Camp (VBC)… and it just keeps getting better and better.
When you look at ministry, this is what I love: Being with the kids.
We’re fortunate to be a good-sized, centrally located church, in a working-class community with a large population of working Mom’s and Dad’s. This means parent’s have a need that we’re committed to fill.
We Have Our Adoption Court Date!
Posted June 22nd, 2009
We have received our court date for our El Salvador adoption:
Thursday, 7/30/09
(Two days after my birthday! What a crazy-good present! Thank you God!)
There are still details to be worked out, including our travel itinerary… but here’s what I can tell you, as of today.
Joy! We Have Received a Referral
Posted June 10th, 2009
We have received a referral! I’m so excited, I can hardly write.
We have been referred to a young Salvadoran boy, 7 years old.
(Truth be told, we’ve known of this referral since January but only now are sharing it after official paperwork approval.)
Let me tell you more, beginning with a story.
Beautiful Children of El Salvador
Posted June 4th, 2009
Found these wonderful photos of beautiful Salvadoran children (and other nationalities) which says they’re from the Orphanage of SOS Children’s Village in El Salvador.
I’m guessing the photos are from multiple SOS orphanages.
(Click photo to watch filmstrip).
El Salvador: The Beginning of a New Era?
Posted June 1st, 2009
I ran across the article (below) on the new President and government coming into power in El Salvador this week. Thought you’d find it interesting.
While I have no idea on the political bias of The Monthly Review, reading between the lines gave me further insight as to the current plight of this beautiful country I have visited.
I read it thinking of the estimated 150,000 children who (in my opinion) have been trapped in an El Salvador adoption “system.”
Video: Inside of El Salvador
Posted April 20th, 2009
Imagine: You have to send 20 percent of your income each month to your parents to support them.
Or, $250 of your $1,250 monthly paycheck is sent to your kids… who are far away from home.
Or every month, your bank statement shows a $600 ding against $3,000 in deposits you just made.
Month after month, after month.
International Adoption = Faith In Action
Posted March 6th, 2009
Save the plane… or strap on a parachute: Which should I do first?”
– Anonymous
Every now and then, for no reason whatsoever… I strap on my boots, go outside, and kick a fire-ant hill or two. You know… to really stir stuff up.
This is one of those times.
Life on the Edge in El Salvador
Posted January 21st, 2009
Here’s a stunning photo gallery you will appreciate, Benediction of God: Life on the Edge in El Salvador.
“Benediction,” of course, means a short blessing.
Having experienced the countryside myself, some would argue how anyone could consider a culture like this to be any form of blessing.
The need is so great.