I know that some of you are wondering about Kenia and the kids...Well as you know she had her hearing last week. Until today I didn't know how it went as she doesn't have a phone, and she hadn't come by the shelter.
Thankfully though, she showed up this evening. I didn't recognize her at first as it was dark, but when I did, we greeted eachother like old friends. I always comment on our greetings I know, because it's interesting to me how each time I see her, the greeting changes. Today she hugged me like we were long lost friends :)
I immediately asked her how it went, to which she told me that she was going to get to see her kids at the end of the month. She was so happy and excited, that I thought she said they were coming home (probably because that is what I wanted to hear). So of course I was elated!! As we walked into the shelter and I asked her more questions though, I realized that she had only been granted a visit. I guess I couldn't understand how she could be so happy to just get a visit. Although I guess after not seeing your kids for close to 2 months, the sound of a visit would be pretty exciting. To her, being able to see her kids and to know that they are okay means everything.
Sadly, the hearing date is not going to change..it will be in 4 months she said, but at least she will be allowed to see the kids once a month. For you parents reading this, I'm sure you can't imagine having your children taken from you, and then only getting to see them once a month. Well this is Kenia's reality. She told me that if she sees that they are okay, then she will be okay, but if not, she is going to feel awful.
I believe I have already mentioned that when children are in hogars in Guatemala, and they have a hard time seeing their parents, visits are cut back as they are seen as being emotionally damaging to the children. This is what I have heard anyway..
Well after 2 months of not seeing their mother, I am sure that these 3 children are going to be very upset at the start of the visit, and as well when she leaves. I just hope that they don't punish them for these emotions which of course are natural, and particularly so if the attachment between a parent and child is a strong one.
The visit isn't going to take place until the 30th of March but Kenia is already preparing. She arrived with bags of clothes after shopping in the "pacas" where you can buy used clothing. She had bought lots of things for them and was very proud :)
Thelma and I gave her some advice for her visit such as to make sure that she was on time, and to bring fruit or some other healthy food rather than sweets. Also to be affectionate and to talk to the kids about why they are there, and what she needs to do. Finally, to reassure them that she will be there every month to see them as allowed, and that she is working hard to have them come home. The same things that we would suggest to parents who have lost their kids in Canada.
Kenia had also bought a second hand outfit for herself, which she was wearing, and you could tell that she was feeling good, like any woman with something new :)
She is so cute..so full of spunk and personality that I can see why she has many men after her (which she tells me is the case). She says that she is very friendly so talks and jokes with lots of people which leads to many suitors. I can sure relate I tell ya, as here if you start talking to someone, it's really hard to get rid of them! So let's just say I know a lot of people out and about in Antigua :)
She currently has a guy after her, who she tells me is not a good option as he apparently has lots of women. But they talk, and it helps her with the loneliness. I just hope that this talking doesn't lead to another kid (and I actually said that to her haha!). But she has no desire for love right now she says.
Apart from her kids, what she really wants is a radio to help pass the time and make the days a little more bearable. It seems so trivial I'm sure, but I've been to many homes here in Guatemala and most families don't have a fridge or a stove never mind a TV or radio. So if she succeeds in getting a radio, she will be "better off" than most.
