Our Story
We first met Jose on a visit trip three months before we brought him home. We were charmed by his curly brown hair and enormous bright eyes. The nannies said that he looked a lot like me. Our overwhelming feeling was a strong desire to get him home to treat his limbs and love him. Leaving him there was one of the hardest things I have ever done.
Jose was born with Amniotic Band Syndrome (ABS) that affected all four of his limbs in some way. He is scheduled for his third surgery in September to correct his clubfoot also associated with ABS. His progress is excellent and we have been very blessed by the Shriners Hospital her in Spokane that has treated him.
The conditions in Jose orphanage were excellent. The children were much loved and well fed during their stay. However, the home was very far from medical care and Jose was unable to get the treatment he needed early on in his little life.
My trip to get Jose was delayed by hurricane Stan that hit Guatemala on the day we received approval to travel. Mudslides buried parts of Jose's village and surrounding communities. When I finally was called to arrive in Guatemala City, Jose had to be driven down the back of the mountain he was on. Roads were half destroyed by the slides. The orphanage directors made the courageous trip and delivered him safely to our hotel. We have a great story to tell our son at God's care for him.
Jose came to us willingly, like we were just another caregiver. He never cried from separation and the flight back was very smooth.
Jose is loved by all who know him. His siblings adore him and he particularly attached to his daddy.
Jose surgeries and treatments have been hard on him, but he is joyful despite his trials. He shows no signs of developmental delays, and is healthy outside of his orthopedic issues. We have much to be grateful for.
We are grateful for all the help that we received along the adoption road and afterward. Thank you A Child Waits Foundation for your financial assistance that bridged a large gap in our adoption costs and made Jose's homecoming a reality.
Stuart & Paige Bryan