So, I'm writing yesturdays update today. I couldn't keep my eyes open last night to write.
Yesturday, at noon, we got Marcelo's passport. It felt so good to finally get it. I say finally, but when I think we got his passport in one day it is amazing seeing we waited 6-8 weeks to get ours.
We went back to the hotel to say our goodbyes to some of the people who have been so wonderful to us. We also had a huge lunch there, since we didn't know when we would get to eat again.
When we thought that we would have to walk the couple of miles home,( because there were so many people out and about, and taxis were full and not going into the center of the city) we saw a truck from the airport sitting at the corner. Rich went to ask him if he could take us to the airport at 3:30. He ended up taking us to the house and picking us up. How wonderful.
In the meantime, Rich had to find a scanner and email a copy of Marcelo's passport to our lawyer. This isn't easy to do. Not alot of people have a scanner. He finally called our realitor and it all worked out with in 15 minutes of having to leave for the airport. Marcelo and I chilled at home while he was out. We went on to Lds.org and watched one of the little videos on Christmas and then we found where you can listen to the hymes. So we listened to some of the Christmas songs. He loved it and it relaxed him so much he fell a sleep.
As we were about to walk out the door to leave for the airport, I looked around the house. This place has been our home for the last month. In just a short moment of time so much as happened. We are leaving Marcelo's home town. I have grown to love so many things about this place. I love the warm greetings and the warm good-byes, the mountains, walking to places, so many people who have made our stay so nice and have helped in so many ways. A flood of emotions hit that I didn't expect. This whole experience has been such a growth for us all.
Before we knew it we were sitting at this very small airport waiting for our plane to get there. The plane was late. When Marcelo's eyes first saw his first plane his eyes just about popped out. It was so fun to watch. He had his first experience on a plane. I love the firsts of things. He did great.
Our hotel in Guayaquil is so nice. It is the first time we have had airconditioning in a month. Our queen bed isn't a true queen, but it is longer than the beds we have been sleeping in. AND, it is SOFT. Oh, the pleasures of life. This is the first time Marcelo has slept in air conditioning.
WELL, THE GREAT NEWS IS WE BOUGHT OUR TICKETS LAST NIGHT. WE ARE HEADING HOME AND WILL BE HOME FOR CHRISTMAS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
It is hard to believe we are at this point. Our lawyer was in Quito trying to get this certain paper done. The lady she was to work with was sick the other lady was out of town. Everyone she talked to said it ws impossible to get it all done before Christmas. But, she called yesturday morning with the paper in her hand. We told her we had many people praying for us. She told us that as she worked she could feel those prayers.
Thankyou you all so much for your prayers. They have been felt and it has allowed the impossible to be possible.
Today, we still need to get his visa done and some other things, but we are here. I can't believe it. I'm so excited to get home and be with all my other children. They have been so great through this whole thing. So strong!!! I appreciate everyone's help, love , and prayers. You have allowed this Christmas Miracle to be that much sweeter. I may never know all the people or all the things that took place during this adventure to help us. BUT, my heart will always be full of love and gratitude. Thank you and MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!