Freedom

Well, I am both happy and terrified to announce we have a licensed driver in the house!  Last week Lily passed her driver's test at the MVA!  She took her first solo drive to her friend Carolina's house to get ready for the TJ homecoming dance.  The girls looked lovely as they stepped out in their cocktail dresses.

This month Lily also attended her high school's homecoming dance with her boyfriend.  As always she looked lovely.  She and Raymond seemed to have a good time.  Raymond was super sweet and handmade her corsage.

We also took a trip to the pumpkin patch.  She, Raymond, and his brother wandered around, while I took Ashton and his buddy around.

She has very much enjoyed her time playing soccer with one of her all-time favorite coaches (Coach Chad) even though they have been decimated in nearly every game.  All the players on the team have improved throughout the season.  It's been fun to watch her be the shining star for sure!

Also, she recently got a positive compliment from one of the travel soccer coaches saying how much she has improved since last spring!

She got her report card yesterday.  She got two B's and one C.  Math continues to be a challenge for her, but she continues to hang in there and wants to stay at the honors level.

Birth family update

Lilian Bernardina Yac López

A la familia se le lee la carta y contesta:

Estamos bien de salud, esperamos que Ustedes también y que Dios les bendiga en cada momento de su vida.

Gracias por la Educación de Lily va progresando y está terminando otro año escolar; Ojalá se haga realidad sus sueños en asistir a una Universidad y que Dios le de sabiduría para elegir lo que quiere hacer después del Colegio.

Sus actividades físicas son admirables y soy feliz porque la niña tiene la oportunidad de practicarlas y el acompañamiento de Ustedes como Padres desde que comenzó su gusto por estos deportes.

En mi círculo de conocidos no es muy común que los jóvenes manejen un carro pero entiendo que es mejor comenzar a manejar desde joven y tener una educación vial.

Espero que a Lily le vaya bien en el Viaje de Alaska y que sea una buena experiencia, convivencia, conocimiento y aprendizaje.

Seguimos predicando y apoyando en las Comunidades de Alta Verapaz, viajamos cuando nuestra Iglesia nos pide hacer esa misión.

 Lily, Manuel y Susana por ahora están en la Capital, dedicados a su Iglesia.

La familia completó sus vacunas del Covid 19.

Hace más de 4 años la familia NO visita Santo Tomás la Unión, Suchitepéquez por falta de dinero.

Lily dice: Extraño mi Pueblo supongo que ha cambiado mucho, quizá hay mas casas, negocios y gente joven que ya no conozco pero le doy gracias a Dios que estoy con vida, salud, una familia y que sea una integrante más de una Iglesia.

Mi familia y yo vivimos muy tranquilos, sin discusiones ni gritos ni enojos, somos felices con lo que tenemos y lo que somos.

 Lily que Dios te bendiga en cada actividad que emprendes, tienes muchas oportunidades de aprender y hacer lo que te gusta hacer.

Pon tu mayor esfuerzo, siempre adelante y piensa positivamente; Te amo y bendiciones en tu vida mi niña hermosa.

Kim, Olav y Ashton, gracias por el apoyo material, el afecto y sus buenos deseos hacia la familia. Estamos agradecidos con Ustedes deseamos su bienestar y armonía familiar, bendiciones.

 Visit to: Lilian Bernardina Yac Lopez

I read the letter to the family and she answered:

We are healthy, and hopefully, each one of you is fine, God Bless You! Thanks for providing Lily with a great education and hope;  she feels excited about finishing another school year. Her dreams will come true if she keeps studying and fortunately, she has the chance to study in college. God will provide her wisdom to make the best decisions for her future.”

“It makes me feel happy to know she does several physical activities. It's amazing that she has the chance to practice these activities. Thanks for taking care of the girl in every moment and providing her a life full of opportunities. Among my friends, it is not common to see a young person who is able to drive. Many people think it is a better way to learn when you are  young in order to be well educated and learn properly.”

“I wish Lily the best in her travel to Alaska and that she enjoys the experience. Hopefully, she will be growing as a person and learning new things. We keep supporting some villages from Alta Verapaz. When our church requests us to do community work we feel more than glad to help others.”

Lily, Manuel, and Susana are living in Guatemala City. They love their church.

The family is already vaccinated against COVID-19.

They haven’t visited “Santo Tomas, La Union, Suchitepequez” because of the lack of money.

Lily said: “I miss the village where I am from and things might be very different nowadays. There might be more buildings, houses, businesses and people in the village. I thank God for being alive, healthy, and with a family who loves me. My family and I are feeling great living in peace. We do not complain against each other and even if our life is simple, our gratitude to God is always present.”

 Lily God bless you for being a good girl who does her best in everything. Follow your instincts, if you feel somehow unstable, work harder and make it happen. Take advantage of opportunities, be polite, have a good heart, and help if you consider the person needs it. Enjoy the chance of doing the things you love and learn during that process as much as you can.”

“Someday you will be by yourself, be an independent girl who cares for her parents and make them feel loved. Sometimes we forget that our parents are not forever and when they leave is a really hard process. Go ahead with the hard work, do not stop absorbing information and someday you will be enjoying the results of your efforts. I wish you the best, respect others and yourself please.”

“Kim, Olav, and Ashton, thanks for the support you provide us. Your kind words provide me mental peace and thanks for sharing the girl’s activities. Our family is thankful for every single effort you have done for our family. God Bless You!” 

 

 

Passages

It is with great sadness that our beloved dog Austin crossed over the rainbow bridge on Friday, September 26th at approximately 7:20 pm.  Lily and Daddy were by his side in the veterinarian's office.  Austin had been declining over the past few months and the vet had warned us that his time was drawing near, but it was so hard to make that decision.  Thankfully, he had two episodes back to back that convinced us that letting him go was the humane thing to do.  Thank you, Austin for being the best dog ever.  We will miss you.

A Junior!!!

How can she be a junior already?  She was just in pre-K with Ms. Oland at Liberty Elementary.  Lily began her 11th-grade year at Linganore last week.  So far she seems relatively happy.  

She did not make the varsity soccer team, but we are so proud of her for going out and trying.  She did very well during the run, cutting a whole minute off her previous time. She will continue to play travel soccer and this fall she will get to play on her favorite coach's co-ed team.

As the summer season whines down, the lifeguard company she works for has decided to schedule her for more hours after not scheduling her much during the summer.  While it's hard to balance school and work, I think she will enjoy earning the money.

She's very close to getting her driver's license.  She finished her 3rd and final driving lesson with the instructor and I am sure she has enough practice on the road hours to take her test.  She is scheduled for October 20th.  She's getting more and more confident each time.

  

Summer Dud!

Well, the summer of 2022, hasn't panned out exactly the way Lily had hoped, but I got to give the girl credit, she has taken it all with a grain of salt.

First, she went on a cruise with her good friend Emery to Alaska.  What was promising to be an adventure of a lifetime, ended up being a COVID quarantine ordeal.  Emery contracted COVID on day 2 of their cruise and the girls were quarantined in their cabin for the rest of the trip.  At least they got moved to a balcony room, had room service and unlimited internet access.

Then in mid-July, she was supposed to go to see Shawn Mendes in DC with her good friend Carolina.  Unfortunately, Shawn Mendes had to cancel his World Tour due to mental health concerns.  Once again she took the disappointment like a champ.  I told her I would take her and Carolina to the beach in September sometime.

Work has been frustrating for her as well.  She was hoping to work many hours and make a lot of money but has only been scheduled for about 10 hours a week even though she has continually asked for more hours.

Training for high school soccer has taken up much of her summer, but I know she's been really anxious about trying out for varsity soccer.  I think the new coach is a bit intimidating.  He told them he expected them to run the 2-mile run in 12 minutes.  Crazy!  Anyway, I am praying that she will go out there, have fun, and do her best.  She's improved so much as a soccer player, and she stands a fair shot, however, if she does not make it, she's got a good plan in mind for the fall.  She's even talked about going on for the swim team for the winter season.

Schools out for summer!

This girl completed her sophomore year earlier this week! Now it's lifeguarding, traveling to Alaska, driving, and hanging out with friends all summer long!

Academic Excellence

Time continues to fly by.  Lily continues to practice driving.  Although she is somewhat reluctant some days.  I think it makes her feel a little anxious understandably so, but I feel like she is making great progress.

On Mother's Day, she made her 3rd ever goal in soccer, and can you believe it, neither Olav nor I were there to see it!  I was so bummed.  I rarely miss a game, but of course, the one weekend when I was out of town and Olav had a church obligation she scored!  I've got to give the girl credit, she appears to be popping in soccer, really holding her own on the field!  I remember this happened a few years ago when she was playing rec soccer.  It's super fun to watch!

Lily's soccer team at her Coach's surprise baby shower!

Last weekend she went to a "true Mexican style" quinceanera with her friend Madison.  She looked stunning at the end when I picked her up, although she never sent me any pictures (cue mommy tears). I think she enjoyed being immersed in the culture!  She said the music was super loud and she tried a few of the Latin dances.

This week at school she was recognized for Academic Excellence for having a GPA of 3.5-3.9.  I didn't get to go to the ceremony, but I have to say I am pretty proud of her, as I know school isn't always easy for her.

 Lastly, I know living with Ashton isn't always easy for Lily, but she's a tough girl and holds a lot together.  After a very stressful couple of days, I really felt like I needed a mental health day and I thought Lily could really benefit from one as well.  So when I asked her if she would like to skip school with me and have a mother/daughter day the floodgates just opened.  Sometimes in parenting, I feel like I do a lot of things wrong, but in this instance, I felt like I finally did something right.  I am so grateful to God for nudging me!

Festivities in April

April is always filled with so many fun festivities, but this year Lily got to participate in something very special.  Her good friend Emery, also adopted from Guatemala had her quinceañera and Lily was invited to be a dama.  It was a wonderful evening filled with so much joy and happiness, plus Lily got to meet some fellow Guatemalan adoptees.  Lily and Emery looked absolutely stunning in their dresses with professional hair and makeup.  I was hoping Lily would send me some of the pictures she took, but no such luck!

Easter was also a very fun time, sharing the day with some friends!

Sweet Sixteen

I can't believe our beautiful Lily is 16 years old!  Where does the time go?  We had a low-key birthday this year.  She and her soccer team had a 5-1 victory over another local team.  In the evening we headed to Texas Roadhouse, where she asked us not to embarrass her, while she enjoyed a full rack of pork ribs!  Then we headed home to blow the candles out on a cake her daddy bought her.

 

 

We also received an update on her birth family and what a joy it was to see them looking so happy and healthy!

 

 

 

Kim Gjerde

Lilian Bernardina Yac López

Me comuniqué con Lily y me dice: Estamos en Tucurú, Alta Verapaz y quedé que me debe llamar cuando esté en la Capital.

Les leí la carta y contesta:

Nosotros les deseamos un bendecido año nuevo 2,022 que en su hogar reine la paz y el amor.

Lily y Kim nos alegramos que se hayan recuperado del Covid y que estén bien.

Todos se deben cuidar por el frío porque afecta la salud.

Le deseamos a Lily suerte y éxitos en sus partidos del deporte que práctica.

Nos alegramos por los logros de Lily en cuánto a sus estudios y que sea una líder positivo de un grupo.

Es un honor ser la dama de una quinceañera amiga, felicidades Lily.

Lily trabajar en lo que te gusta es una bendición, ser salvavidas qué hermosa labor.

Tener oportunidad de aprender a manejar un carro es una dicha pero a la vez es un compromiso porque andar en carretera es peligroso porque hay conductores irresponsables, impacientes y borrachos, con cuidado por favor.

Lily comenta: Estuvimos en Tucurú 15 días en la Iglesia Evangélica, predicando de parte de nuestra Iglesia.

Susana tiene 13 años de edad, no asiste a la Escuela y su argumento es: No estamos en un solo lugar, no le gusta la Escuela y por eso no estudia.

Todas nuestras actividades lo hacemos en familia.

Nadie de la familia ha padecido de Covid y tienen sus vacunas.

Mensajes de la Familia:

Lily te amamos, somos felices saber de ti y que seas una niña activa, social y feliz.

Kim, Olav y Ashton, muchas gracias por todo el amor en su corazón para Lily y por apoyarnos con los víveres para nosotros es de bendición la comunicación que Dios los proteja de todo mal.

 

A loose translation (not 100% accurate done by the finder's son)

 

I got in touch with Lily and she said: “We are located at Tucuru, Alta Verapaz, and agreed with her to phone me when she is in Guatemala City.”

I read the letter and she answered:

“We wish you a year full of blessings, peace and love. Lily and Kim, it makes us happy to know both are already recovered from COVID-19. Please take care of each other and always wear a surgical mask. We wish each family member success in their daily activities.”

“It makes us happy to know that Lily has several achievements in her studies. It's great that she is a positive leader in the group. Lily, it is such a blessing for me to be able to know you are doing what you love. I know you will be saving several lives during your development. You have the opportunity to drive a car but at the same time, it is an enormous responsibility. Please be careful because there are people on the highway who drive at high speeds.”

Lily commented: “We spent 15 days at Tucuru in an evangelical church preaching and discussing God.”

Susana is 13 years old, she doesn’t go to school and her argument is: “We are constantly moving from one place to another. I don't enjoy school and it makes me mad.” She doesn't like school at all and that is the reason why she doesn't study. We do several activities as a family.”

“No one in the family has had COVID-19 and we already got vaccinated.”

Message from the family:

“Lily we love you so much, it makes us happy to receive news from you and it's great that you are sociable. Please continue increasing the number of real friends and be the kind of person who everyone loves.”

“Kim, Olav, and Ashton, thanks for the love you provide to Lily. Also for supporting us with supplies which are an amazing upgrade in our family diet. God Bless You!”

 

 

 

 

Soccer season has officially begun!

Lily kicked off soccer season this weekend with the Baltimore Mania tournament.  I was really eager to see her play especially since she has been practicing so hard in the cold temperatures since mid Feb.  This weekend they played their heart out, in the sleet, snow, and pelting freezing rain!  We are really proud of the improvements she has made!

 

Our Criminal Justice Bad Ass!

 

A newly permitted driver in the house!

Lily officially has her Driver's Learner's Permit!  She completed her 30-hour class and took her driver's permit test a few weeks ago.  She had her first formal driving lesson with an instructor last weekend and has been doing some light driving around neighborhoods and short roads.

A very Covid Christmas and a Happy New Year

Unfortunately, this past Christmas was not the fantastic family experience we were all looking forward to this year, as the Covid pandemic continues to rage, but we made the best of it!  Poor Lily came down with a headache and low-grade fever Christmas Eve, and a rapid test confirmed Christmas morning that she was indeed positive for COVID-19.  Thankfully it was a very mild infection and she was bouncing back after 2 days!  Thankfully, my sister and her family had already canceled their flights due to the overwhelming cancellations of flights due to lack of staff because of Omnicron, Covid and we are able to protect my dad.  I'm not sure if the rest of us had it or not, because access to testing was extremely limited.  

 

 

Lily started driver's education online during the break and has reported that is soooo boring.  She goes to take her driver's permit test on Saturday!!!!

 

 

Girl finally got sprung free for New Year's eve and got to go spend the night with a girlfriend!  Girl was a trooper during quarantine!  Thankfully midway through her quarantine they reduced the time from 10 days to 5!  Yipee!!  Like the virus cares right?? LOL

Anyway here's to a happy and hopefully healthy new year!