La Zuetana

I’m going to put this into 3 posts for today. Everything is new and we want to be sure to journal our thoughts.

Today is only half over, but there is so much to tell already. I will apologize now for these being lengthy, but it’s our way of journaling and keeping track of our trip.

So here goes. Going through customs at the airport was a breeze. No guards with big guns, which made Nate happy. Nate had a few minor melt downs yesterday, I think just fear of the unknown. He was pretty emotional getting off the plane, but quickly saw it wasn’t as scary as he thought. Going to another country is a bit scary for a 10 year old, but after getting to our room and getting some sleep he is back to his same old happy self realizing there is nothing to fear. Emilee was enjoying every moment and soaking it all in.

Andres met us at the airport. Andres works for our agency and will be kind of like our driver, our chaperone, when we need to be driven places. He was standing just outside after we went through customs with a sign with our name on it. His big smile was very welcoming. We were taken to La Zuetana, but not the one we had thought. There are four different La Zuetana locations. It was no big deal to us, we’re just at a different address. We are still within walking distance of the mall and other shops and restaurants. The staff here is awesome, everyone is very friendly and warm.

I know the family is dying to see pics so I am trying to put up as many as possible. We have wireless internet here, so it’s great. I’ve already been on webcam with my mom and sister a few times and IM with my brother. They are all more at ease having seen our faces and knowing we are settled in. Eric’s mom got her webcam up and working too, we just haven’t caught her on line yet.

We are quickly learning that we will have fresh fruit and fresh fruit juice with every meal. The kids love that. For lunch we had soup, no idea what kind, but it was good, grilled pork, salad, and French fries for the kids and a potato casserole for the adults and fresh melon for dessert. Oh and how could I forget, COFFEE! Eric quickly learned how to order café solo (black coffee). It’s a bit strong for me, so I have mine with leche (milk).

There is one German family also staying here who had two adopted boys already and have now adopted a third. Two more families are supposed to arrive tonight. The B&B only has 4 rooms so we will have a full house. I will have to get a pic next week once we all have our kids with us. Also the B&B sets up various tours and activities. On Friday they took everyone who wanted to go to the coffee farm. Tomorrow all of the Zuetanas are supposed to get together for a picnic and a father son futbol game (soccer).

We are so proud of the Emilee and Nate for using the Spanish they know and are trying to learn more. They have been so polite and don‘t hesitate to say please, thank you and good morning or afternoon in Spanish. The lady taking care of us at the B&B today has been so very sweet. She took care of Emi today putting medicine on her cold sore for me and was working with Nate on his Spanish. Everyone comments on how beautiful they are. Today as we were at and around the orphanage everyone, I mean everyone made a comment about Nate’s red hair and lots of people want to touch it. Nate thinks it’s funny.
The B&B is very secure and safe. We feel comfortable here. The small lot is surrounded by a concrete wall and a large steel door that is securely locked. We can’t even get out without help. Attached to the top of the walls are rounded barb wire fence, like we see at prisons in the states. Most buildings have that here, it’s for security purposes. The kids didn’t pay any attention to it, it hasn’t bothered them at all.

Our room is just a few steps through a court yard from the main building. Our room is the only one not attached, but it’s like a small cabin. Hard wood floors, a double bed, 2 bunks and a bathroom. We have a couch, a TV, a microwave, fridge and 2 armoires. We have hot water and good water pressure. In the main building they have a reception area, 2 small living rooms, a play room with lots of toys, a dining room, a kitchen and a laundry area. There is a very small courtyard area just between our room and the main building, it also has an outdoor bbq. So all in all, we have no complaints.

Hopefully the pics give you a better idea of what it looks like. I will take pics of the room along the way and post them too. We’re doing well and enjoying all of the comments from everyone back home. You all are our lifeline to the states.

Tomorrow we plan to take a walk around the city and see what’s close by.
Our Cabin
Eric on the bench just outside the window of our cabin
Courtyard area
Outdoor BBQ
Playroom
Dinning room