Wednesday, October 17

Post date: Jan 1, 2011 4:03:29 AM

This is the first opportunity we've had to give any updates on our trip and adoption. We started out at RDU with unbelievable lines, but made the gate just as they were beginning to board the plane. Micah panicked as were getting on and told Jason that he would just stay at the airport. Jason managed to calm him down a bit, and he made it through. The flights were pretty uneventful, though the layover got a bit long. The second flight was fairly lengthy, but there was only a brief time when Caleb was unreasonable. Kim sat next to a drunk Colombian who was full of helpful advice and loud conversation. Fortunately, he was harmless. We came through customs quickly with no problems or searches and found our driver waiting with a large sign. The ride in the van was a totally new experience for the kids. There were no seatbelts and they felt very unsafe since they are all used to being completely strapped in by carseats. The things we had read about Bogota are true -- lots of polution and crazy drivers! Driving here takes nerves of steel -- you blink, you lose. One big game of chicken.

Our hotel is nice. It's a special residential hotel for adoptive families. There are only 12 rooms. Ours is large (20 x 20 or so.) We have a double bed, 3 twin beds, a crib, and a double that folds up into a small sofa if we wanted to go to the trouble. Micah thinks the crib is very neat, so it's all his. We have our own bath and 2 closets, which are walk ins with built in storage. All of the meals are included in the price and are served family style downstairs with all of the other residents. Most of the families are at tables with other families, but we take up our own table. We have managed to talk a little bit to some other families. There are folks here from Switzerland, Finland (2 families,) Wisconsin, and Minnesota, and another American family in addition to us. So far, the food has been good, if not exactly what we're used to. Potatoes are featured heavily. We have choice in the mornings -- eggs, french toast, cereal. The other 2 meals are a set menu.

Yesterday morning, we got all dressed up and went to Ayudame, the orphanage, to pick up the children. We had one taxi on the way and 2 on the way back. When we arrived, the staff gathered at an upstairs window to watch us go in and wave at us. They had decorated the conference room with streamers, balloons, and a poster in honor of the occasion. We had a detailed discussion of the children with the director of the orphanage (with the help of our facilitor, who translated for us.) They told us that Tatiana had asked for a family from the United States for Christmas last year and thinks that the Christ child -- to whom she wrote her letter has now answered her request. (Now we get to teach her all about Christ!) After that, we signed lots of papers and more papers and a few more papers before they finally went to get the children. As we were waiting for them to come downstairs, all of the caretakers gathered in the hall to watch. Finally, the moment arrived, and the children came around the corner. They were nervous, we were nervous, but Sara, Micah, and Caleb were not. "Hi Jhon," was repeated at least 25 times by Caleb. We almost cried, but managed to just give out hugs and welcomes instead. It has been a wild ride ever since!

The first day went amazingly well. We arrived back at the hotel just in time to eat lunch. We were the featured attraction. Everyone ate well, though the vegetables were avoided by most. Parenting children who don't speak English (or Anglish, as Micah calls it) is definitely a challenge. What has helped the most is the the children are so anxious to be a part of our family. Tatiana -- who, we were told, is not affectionate -- has not ceased being affectionate, especially with Jason, whom she calls Papi. She has been pretty loving with Kim, too, with several spontaneous hugs. Jhon followed Kim around tonight saying, "Mommy," and he repeatedly told us both, "Te amo." Nataly spent a lot of time looking at books and drawing with Kim yesterday and likes to climb on Jason. Kim pulled the flash cards out this afternoon and the girls had a vocabulary session. It must have gone well, because Tatiana brought the cards to her tonight wanting to practice some more.

Bedtimes have been interesting. The first night with the children found very tired children everywhere! No naps had been taken and all were feeling overcome with tiredness. Nataly got a bit sad at bedtime. Perhaps realizing that her life was really changing. Kim asked her if she wanted to sleep with us and she relaxed almost immediately and was asleep pretty quickly. Sara jumped on the opportunity to share the bed with Tatiana since Nataly didn't want it, so Kim spent part of the night in Sara's bed since there was more space. Jason spent a couple of hours in Caleb's twin bed after he woke up fussing. Later Kim ended up with Caleb after Jason had returned to his bed and Caleb awoke again. It was musical beds all night long! The morning was really neat. When Nataly woke up, she went looking for Kim who was in Sara's bed at the time. She started drawing and a nice vocabulary/bonding session began. The other girls joined in pretty soon and the morning got off to a very nice start. Bedtime tonight was so different. No sad children anywhere -- just tired ones. Everyone went to bed without fussing and fell asleep quickly. Several are snoring as this update is being typed.

It's been interesting getting to know the children a little bit. They are each a lot like one of our other children. Tatiana is a lot like Sara -- very outgoing and loves to draw and do new things. She also shows signs of being a daddy's girl like Sara. Nataly is a lot like Micah. She is more shy and fearful of change. She is less likely to get in trouble, but when she does -- she holds a grudge and stretches the session out for a long time. Jhon is more like Caleb -- he is known for temper tantrums, and he loves cars. If he gets too tired or too hungry, watch out! There is no point in trying to reason with either of them. All six are precious!

We have several challenges at the moment. The biggest is, obviously, the communication problem. Please pray that we learn to communicate quickly. We are doing pretty well, but still have to say, "No comprendo/No entiendo," more often than is ideal. It's also rainy season here, so getting out with the kids could be a challenge. We had several times that they could play on the swings and slide here so far. We had to dry everything off first, but were grateful for some outside time. The area where we are staying is safe to walk around during the day. We hope to try to walk to a nearby park, but have been warned that it may be hard to find a good day for it since rainy season has just gotten started in earnest. There is a room apart from the rest of the hotel with videos and a few blocks. We have spent quite a bit of time there just to get away from our room and let the kids make noise with less concern for those who might be nearby. Please pray for us to get the quick court. We are told that it is purely chance whether the court your papers go to is the fast or the slow one, but it certainly makes a big difference. We know, of course, that God is totally in control of that and ask that you all intercede on our behalf in this matter, please! We have heard stories of 3 week processes and 10 week processes. With 8 people in one room, and lots of people to worry about disturbing, we are more anxious than ever to be at home where we can spread out and not worry about noise. We meet with the defender of children tomorrow and as soon as he gives his approval, the waiting starts. Our facilitator, Isabel, hopes to get approval tomorrow. She has been wonderful and speaks excellent English.

We'll close for now. Tomorrow starts early, and we have to get everyone dressed up again. That's a lot of socks and pony tails! Goodnight and thanks to all of you who are praying for us.