When we moved to Guatemala, my 8 year old nephew Patrick said “How often will I get to see you?” When I told him once every six months, he shrugged his shoulders and said “Once every six months? Thats good enough!” 10 minutes later, he was crying because his dad wouldn’t let him stay the night at our house because they had plans for the following day.
But that’s just how Patrick is. He tries to look for the positive moments in every situation. He’s happy, encouraging, thoughtful, and kind.
Day 2: I am thankful for those who call me “Aunt”… Aunt Whitney, Aunt Wendy, Aunt Whinty, Aunt Whit-tee. My name is always so difficult for them to say. 🙂
Kayleigh Bug- you’re my Bug, my Shooby Goober, my mini me. 9 1/2 years ago, you were the first one to make me an aunt. Of all the kids, she’s probably the one who takes it the hardest that we live here. Our bond is unique and one of a kind. She calls me on FaceTime, and we talk about what books she is reading or how she just completed a school project about Guatemala.
Patrick- Rick, Rickadelphia, Rickpat… All the nicknames. He is thoughtful and silly. We talk to each other in ridiculous voices and call each other crazy names all the time. Patrick loves to dance and is super creative.
Hannah- My smart, helpful, and sweet first Saulton niece. I love how she’s so responsible and respectful, but also has a silly / weird / goofy side to her.
Micah-roni – My mini me on the Saulton side of things 🙂 She’s spunky, loves the color yellow, favorite animal is a pig, and she’s SUCH a clown. She’s always saying “When I gwow up, I’m gonna be a nurse and move to Gwallamama wif YOU Aunt Winty!”
Sarah Jo – My sweet little Joseph! This girl is just the right mix of sweet, lovable princess with an attitude and independence that you’d find in a teenager.
Nathaniel – Little bubs. I love how he roars like a dinosaur and then comes and gives you kisses while wiping his booger covered face all over you. This one is all boy. 🙂
Hailey – or better known as Squeaker!!! She’s sassy, loves purple and glitter, has the cheesiest grin, and is my little baby who loves being held.
It’s definitely a huge sacrifice to be away from these kiddos… and to be honest, probably the hardest part about living here is being so far away from them. I am thankful that they understand where “Aunt Winty” is and WHY I’m here, but that doesn’t stop me from missing these goons to death. Love you kiddos <3
Since I was laughing at how difficult my name is to say, here are some Guatemalans who also have a hard time saying “Whitney”
To our sweet nieces and nephews, I know it isn’t easy not seeing us as much as you used to (particularly for you, KBug) But because we’re here in Guatemala, we get to share some of our love with kids and people who don’t have families. While we love the people down here, we loved you all FIRST! And we miss you super much. <3
Good words Whitney , but they are hard for me to read . Yes ,you are loved . God bless you guys .