Our Story Continues- Like David and Goliath

OK... so we gave the social worker our phone numbers and appropriate times to call and we waited. We had been undergoing a huge addition project to our home as we needed to prepare beedrooms and more room for our family. This project has taken us almost a year and a half but, kept our minds occupied while we waited. Otherwise I think it would have driven me crazy. I was doing some finishing work on some baseboards when the phone rand. I saw a number (from the states) that I did not recognize so did not answer it. Steve's grandmother, Meme, however DID answer it and brought me the phone. I gave her the look like...why did you answer the phone and put the phone to my ear. As I did I could hear someone with a Spanish accent call Maria and JP to the phone. I jumped to my feet and went running through the house to the backyard where Steve was working screaming "OUR KIDS ARE ON THE PHONE!!". Our Spanish was very little so I ran across the street with walk phone in hand to our neighbor's house who said if you need translation anytime just let me know. When they answered the door I called for Sally and she came running. I explained our situation and we walked over to our front yard. So there we stood, the three of us, on walk phones talking to our kids for the first time. It was sooo cool. All they wanted to know was when were we coming to get them and how much longer. They said they loved us and called us mommy and daddy. We had the opportunity to speak to them about 3 more times prior to going to get them.

In the interum we were sent pictures the children drew for us via email from the social worker.

We were told to put together picture books for the children that consisted of pictures of us, the immediate family (grandmothers, grandfathers, aunts, uncles and cousins), our home, their rooms and stuff we like to do. I had asked if someone could take pictures when they received the books AND SOMEONE TOOK VIDEO! They were very excited.

It was about this time that things started to go nuts. We were told by our adoption agency that that we were not going to be going to a major city like Bogota, Cali or Cartagena. We would be going to Cesar. The adoption agency could not tell us anything about the area. Steve was really good with research and started to search for where it was located. We discovered that it was in the northern tip of Colombia. Colombia has provinces called Departments which are like our States. Later we found out that we were to travel to Valledupar, Cesar. After more research Steve discovered that it was a very dangerous area. And on top of that our adoption agency said that they had never sent a family there before. We were already hesitent about going to Colombia in the first place but, to find out these things made our decission much more challenging.

Steve found out that there was a strong presence of the paramilitary there. We decided that we thought that they should move the children to a larger city. After speaking with the adoption agency they said that it was not a wise decission. It would look like we care more about ourselves then the children (which at the time our safety WAS on the top of our list) and there would be so much red tape it would be unbelievable! So moving the children was out of the question.

Steve had contacted the American Embassy in Colombia via email and after several days still no
answer.

We were to go over to my sister's house to talk to my brother n law who was from Venezuela but, had family in Colombia. We spoke to them and explained our situation. Their answer was not what I wanted to hear. They told us that it would be very dangerous to travel to Valledupar as we are caucasion and from the United States. "You'll get kidnapped" they said. On the ride home Steve said, "I know that you are going to be angry for telling you this but, we can not go to Velledupar. I do not want to risk our lives over 2 children - what good are we to them if we are not alive?" Unless a ticket falls out of the sky with Valledupar on it we are not going.

When we got home that evening Steve got back on the computer to do some more research. I am telling him at this point to "Stop doing research"! It was then that as he sat down and started to use it that a window popped up with a border that offered discounded roundtrip airfare to Valledupar. He chuckled and called me into the room. I said honey, I know it is not a paper ticket but, that is good enough for me!

Over the next couple of weeks Pastor Mark from our church (Calvary Chapel of Melbourne, FL) was teaching on David and Goliath. Steve attended a men's conference entitled "Facing the Giants". Basically we were being hit with everything God had that said...trust and obey me.

We had been talking to several patients about what we were going through and one of them who is very strong in faith was praying for us. For clear direction on what God's will was for us. We were so scared and confused as to if we should go to Valledupar of not. If we did not go then we would refuse these 2 children and would have to wait for others. Who knows how long that would have taken. She called one day just when we needed to hear it and said...I am not sure why but, God put it on my heart to tell you that where his work is being done Satan is right there to deceive and confuse. Thanks Donna G. and thank you God for guidence.

It was then that things started to become clearer. We got a chance to talk with a lady from the American embassy. She told us that she is permitted to travel there. It is not a red zone. It is not considered to be a border town because there is a large mountain range which seperates Colombia and Venezuela. It was about 3 miles wide and in order to cross into Venezuela one would have to travel either north or south several miles. She checked some records and told us that she could not find anything on Valledupar which is good because, it means that nothing is "going on" there else there would be "warnings". This made us feel a little better.

We also found out that there were more adoptions that had been done out of Valledupar and one of which was by an American family from Ohio, The Roberts. We were able to speak with them regarding their experience and it was all very pleasent. They had the same guide/interpreter that we would have. They adopted an older girl via the kidsave program.

We were coming home late one night from work and stopped to get Chineese for dinner. It had been a long time since we have done that. I grabbed a handful of fortune cookies (something I normally would not have done usually I just grab one for each of us). Steve opened his and it said something to the tune of a trip you are about to take will be successful. Mine said something very relevent to our adoption decission and our trip. Meme opened one and it made no sense. She said that she didn't like that one and opened another one and that one made no sense either. God is funny in how he communicates with us :) sometimes.

Well we finally made the decission to go to Valledupar. We felt that God wanted us to go there. To trust him with our lives. These were our children. The ones he wanted us to have that we have been waiting for. Now...all we have to do is make the travel arrangements.

We leave June 9, 2008.

An Answer to Prayers...Our Story Begins

It all started about 4 years ago. Steve and I traveled to Orlando to attend an adoption seminar with an adoption agency. We had been considering adoption for some time unable to have children of our own for no known apparent reason. We just accepted the fact that God's will for us at this time did not include a biological child, so we decided on adoption. This agency's program sounded great so we took the information home and slept on it.


It was about this time that our next step in the plan was to go in with Steve's brother Joe, his wife Trish and another friend, Lisa on some investment property. They were townhouses in a vero beach community similar to Disney's Celebration off of Highway 60 just a few miles west of the mall. The market was great, the initial investment (deposit) was minimum and the end results were to help us pay off some debt and have enough for the adoption. The whole plan sounded great!!! Then guess what....The builder took 6 months longer than they were suppose to to get started and the plan fell apart as did the market. The stress level within our family intensified greatly!! It was not a pretty situation. I would ask God on my knees in one of the oupstairs bedrooms to help us with the sales and nothing would happen. I did not understand. Why would God let something happen like this to our family re: stress levels, financial stress and not able to continue with the adoption, etc.?

FYI: It wasn't until 2 years later would I understand. It is all in God's timing. He has a master plan for us which is better than any plan we could come up with for ourselves. We just have to be patient and wait. Had we sold the the townhouses when we did we probably would have turned around and put the money down on maybe a $600-700 thousand dollar investment property, the market would have crashed and can you imagine what trouble we would have been in? ALSO, The adoption agency we had put the deposit down with at that time was under investigation for withholding several thousands of dollars of families monies and dangling children in front of them only to tell them that sorry they were not available. It's all in God's timing. He has a reason for everything we just have to trust him.



Now fast forward 2 years - August of 2006 we sold the townhomes after a year and a half! We had been paying for both mortgages plus our home! It was a VERY stressful time and it was finally all over. Thank the Lord! Now we can move on with the adoption.


I only took me 4 months to complete all the paperwork required for our "package" which is called a dossier which includes: local background check, FBI background check and fingerprinting, background checks from Florida Department of Children and Families, Florida Department of Law Enforcement, Immigration Background Checks and Fingerprinting, Medical Letters, Psychological Evaluations, Reference Letters, and much more. I got it to our adoption agency about the 1st week of January 2007.



After the agency received the dossier then it gets translated from English to Spanish which typically takes about 4 to 6 weeks. This process took about 6 weeks - We received word that our translation was completed in mid February 2007. (Exact date to be entered here).


The next step is for the whole file to go to Colombia and you become registered with the country and approved to adopt from the country. This process was suppose to take another 4-6 weeks and it tool about 4 months. It wasn't until June 2007 (exact date to be entered here) that we received our letter from Colombia that we were registered and can now be placed "in line" for a referral. Our request was for a sibling pair of 2 children - one boy and one girl both under the age of 7 years old. We were also told that typically once you have your registration number that it should only take about 6 months for your referral (we expected a referral by December of 2007).


During this 6 months of waiting time there were several "opportunities" that were placed in front of us: (1) There was an infant that was ready to come home from the hospital, I had spoken to the attorney that was responsible for the infant's wellfare...the mother was ready to give up the child for adoption but, the father who had never been in the unborn child's life suddenly stuck his head in the picture and there could be no promise that there would not be a custody suit - we declined and informed the attorney if the father decides to "sign off" on the child to let us know...we never heard from him (2) My cousin's wife, Paula, had a family member pregnant with twin boys that were possibly going to be put up for adoption...we found out in January the girl lost them (3) We were offered a sibling set of 3 girls...we prayed and asked God if these were the children he had for us and if not to "Ax" the referral....the very next day the girls were unavailable to us as we were getting the process ammended to accept 3 children instead of 2 another family had taken them (4) There was a sibling pair of 2 girls and the same thing...we prayed and asked God if these were the ones and the very next day they were no longer available as they were removed from the private system and put into the public system and they were adopted out. The country never notified the agency that they were no longer available. February 2008 rolls around and we still do not have a referral! And there is that still small voice....be patient....in God's timing.


About this time all this was going on Lincoln Bruester had a song out which the key words that he sang became my "motto" they were "Strength will rise as you wait upon the Lord". The words were very appropriate for what was happening in our lives at the time. It would occasionally be played on the Z (thats Z88.3, .5, .7 and I think 97.9 or so for those of you who don't know it...it is a christian radio station). It had been playing occasionally and all of a sudden I noticed that they were playing it like crazy. I did not understand this as it was not a new song? I guess it was a way that God was telling us that the time is near.


I was involved with the Kidsave program (that's a whole other story) which we were trying to get started in Melbourne/Brevard County/Florida as there was not a program yet in Florida. We were dilligently working on trying to bring about 6 or 8 older children in hopes of getting them adopted. There were 5 key people at the time trying to organize the whold thing: There was Lori, Patty, Myself, Juan and another beautiful lady that for some reason at this moment her name escapes me - I am so sorry. Anyhoooooo...Steve and I are still waiting for a referral so we decide that we will host a sibling pair. They were a brother and sister. In speaking with our adoption agency they discovered that we had been matched with a sibling pair of our original request! We were so excited! On April 3, 2008 I was having birthday lunch with my sister and my mother at Makoto's (a Japanese steakhouse) when I received the call. I immediately called Steve then while on the phone with Steve's mother, Arlene, I told them all together. Wow!



We later learned that it would be a while before we could travel as the children had to undergo "training" to educate them on adoption, what it is etc. This process would take 6 weeks. We understood and agreed to wait.



As we waited the social worker asked if it would be OK for the children to call and talk to us. We said of course and emailed them our phone numbers and appropriate times to call them.
Then we waited........

7 Weeks in America

This kids are doing fantastic. They are adjusting so well. In fact I had 2 of our friends over yesterday one of which is a social worker and adopted a little girl Maria's age (7yrs) from Guatamala several years ago. She said that both of the kids are doig super! JP is a hit at his school - he loves it and everyone things he is just a little ham. Maria's teacher is VERY patient with her. She has tested her a little and said that she knows a lot more than what we know. We just need to get it out of her. She has her first spelling test today, Friday 9/12/08. There are a few little minor things that we keep working on i.e. trying to get other children's attention while the teacher is instructing. Other than that she is doing great. She has become connected at the hip with her cousin, Taylor who is the same age and the same grade at the same school (not in the same class). We took them both to Rock the Universe (Universal Studios Christian Concert Weekend) in Orlando. THEY LOVE THE NEWSBOYS!!!!! Betty, Sonya and OKenny's the kids have not forgotten you. Sonya, Little JP still says "Gracias Senora Sonya" to me to be funny. I will try to keep in touch. Still working on home network. Will try to get pictures up as soon as I can. Love to all in Colombia! Blessings Wendy By the way...our case worker who was with Common Wealth Adoptions (Our adoption agency that went under) is great! If anyone knows how we might be able to help with a position and prayers for her and her family would be great!

School's In

Well, school starts Monday! The kids have had their physicals and we went school supplies/clothes shopping yesterday. We went to several stores...JP missed his nap. They were so cute...it was "are we going home now?" We would answer, No not yet a couple more stores. They would reply oh no....aye yi yi yi yi! :). Maria finally has her teacher's name and will be 3 doors down from her Aunt Trish (Bilingual/Teaches speach). She is excited. JP starts with his teacher who is a little nervous as this is her first Spanish student (has had other ethnic children before but, first spanish). She is super sweet and stopped by the house for an hour to get aquainted with him. Her assistant is from Venezuela and is bilingual so will be big help. Both are looking forward to seeing him in school. Thats it for now.

The First 3 Weeks

Hey Everyone! I have yet to get my network set back up at home so bare with me a little longer. We have been working on getting the kids ready for school. J.P. will be starting VPK at the methodist church. He will have an English speaking teacher who has a bilingual assistant. She will be making a visit to our home tomorrow to meet J.P. to introduce herself to him. Maria will be attending public school with our niece, Taylor, she starts first grade. Her aunt is bilingual and is the Speach pathologist at the school so she will be onsite if we need her.

I will try to get things up soon.

Christina & Nickhil Get tHeir Sentencia

Thanks for all your prayers! Christina and Nick got their sentencia! She will be traveling home with him on Saturday. Please keep them in their prayers for safe travel.

We are having home network issues so I have not been able to update on the Canuels.
Will try to get us back up this weekend.

The First Days

The kids just went crazy in awe when we got them home. They loved their rooms. After breakfast we took a drive out to my sister's house as they were not able to meet us when we came home yesterday (Sunday night). It was too late for their kids. The kids swam at their house for a little while. Michelle (an "aunt") made finger foods for the kids for lunch. Then it was off to the beach. They were so funny....Maria ran down to the water and was not afraid of the waves. J.P. on the other hand didn't really want to and only got his feet wet. They both loved digging in the sand and loved how it felt between their toes. We met Aunt Trish and Uncle Joe and cousin Taylor for Pizza at Bizzarro's for pizza. The kids love pizza. After pizza we went over to Taylor's house and the kids went swimming. Maria wanted to stay and play for a little while and it was time for J.P.'s nap. We took J.P. home to take his nap. Later when he woke up we went to pick up Maria at Joe & Trish's. (Trish is bilingual and has been a big help translating and teaching good manners & how toos.) When we got to Joe and Trish's however, Maria wanted to ride in the car with Taylor to go get ice cream. After icecream it was home for bed. We'll write more later.

The Canuels are Home!

Sorry it took so long to get this posted as you can imagine it has been busy these past couple of days. Sunday we were picked up from the residence (Betty's Place) at 6:15AM and wisped off to the airport. We made it there the 3 hours in advance as we were suppose to. It is a good thing though because it took us 2 hours to get checked in and through to the gate. We were only sitting about 25 minutes and they started boarding the plane. The flight left at 9:50AM and was aprox. 3 hours and 20 minutes. The kids did great on the flight. No screaming, crying or anything of the sort. I had packed them backpacks with stuff to do and it kept them content. We landed in Ft. Lauderdale about 2:30PM. There were about 3 other flights that landed the same time as ours so the "people traffic" was incredible. My mom was great helping me through everything with the kids...I do not think I could have made the travel without her. She was a blessing. (Thanks to God I was able to get to travel back with her on return date like we had been praying for.) After getting through customs (about 1 1/2 hours) we were escorted to immigration where we waited another 2 hours. All this time our family was waiting for us downstairs. We understand that an escort from our airlines should have taken us through to the front of all the lines because of the adoption but, they did not. Finally, we were able to leave immigration and we were escorted to the family. Maria saw Taylor and she ran and gave her a big hug. My dad, Arlene (Steve's mom), Joe & Trish (Steve's brother and wife), Taylor (my niece) and of course Meem all came down to meet us at the airport. It was really cool. We didn't get home until about 9:30PM. Our friends Donna & Tony had a huge welcome banner and some decorations out on the front entrance. Taylor put up some balloons and signs for J.P. and Maria to welcome them. It was nice. The kids came in and saw the house and their rooms and were totally floored. I got video and will try to put it up as soon as I can. All said good night and I put the kids to bed. They were use to sleeping in their own beds but in the same room at Betty's Place. I left them at night to go over to the next room (with a baby monitor on in case they needed me) to get them use to being seperated from me while we watched a movie at night and I did laundry. They did well! They both have night lights in their rooms and there are some more through out the house also. They have a big day the following day: To my sisters, the beach and over to Taylor's to play then out for ice cream. More details to come. Please continue to pray for Christina....she is still at Betty's and not sure when she will get sentencia. Thanks W

Going Home!

This morning I had to get up really early as Tia Betty set me up with an appintment to get my hair done (Cut n Colored). Noberto of Noberto's is a very well known stylist and has a huge business. He is very feminine but, super nice and did a great job. He has everyone that comes in there treated like a princess. There were always at least 2 girls working on me at the same time. It was really neat! There are several different sections in his salon. The building alone takes up a whole corner of a block and is about 3 stories high. He lives on the top floor (making it 4 stories in a place that sort of looks like a pent house). Christina gave us the scoop. Later that afternoon I took the kids back to get their hair done in the "kids salon" as I wanted to do something special for them for the trip home. They had so much fun. This salon for kids is utterly a disneyland fantasy complete with a ball pool, a slide and a little play area for this kids. J.P. was taken and seated in a "car" chair and the grin on his face was worth a million dollars. At first I was just going to take Maria but, I am so glad that I took him, too. Maria was next with braids and ribbons. She had a finishing touch of a flower, glitter then lip gloss and stickers for her face. They had a blast. We walked back home then it was time for siestas while I packed most of our suitcases. Mom went with Christina to a art show at the convention center which had all handmade things from Colombians. When they got back we sat down for dinner. After dinner it was off to bed. I wanted to get the kids to bed early because we have to get up at 5:00AM to be picked up at 6:15AM. Our flight leaves at 9:50AM but, we have to get there 3 hours early. The kids didn't go to sleep right away as we were doing the finishing touches on the suitcases and I think they were probably a little excited. Later I updated the blog and now it's time for bed. I can not believe the time has come for us to come home. I can not wait to see and hug all the family. I know that several are coming to meet us at the airport. We will see everyone soon! Please pray for a safe trip with no hick ups. Luv to all. W See you soon, Honey! XXXOOO

Panaca - The Farm

We got up and got dressed and went for breakfast. Patricia picked us up about 11:00AM. We all piled in the green car and headed for Panaca. Panaca is a place where the kids can see and touch animals: cows, pet goats and sheep, watch a dog show, catch rabbits and hold them, see chickens/roosters (some other birds too) and horses. It was pretty cool. We were able to spend about 6 hours there so it killed a lot of the day. The kids had a blast. They got to sit on a bull, milk a cow, pet some dogs and hold some rabbits. We had just gotten to the horses and it started to rain so we had to book it to the car. On the way home it rained really hard but, we made it home OK. When we got home we had to shower the kids. They got absolutely filthy chasing the rabbits. After showers it was into PJs and over to dinner. They wanted to watch a little TV after dinner which was fine because it gave them a chance to settle down. At about 8:00AM I put them into bed. They didn't get naps again today so guess they should sleep really good tonight. Tomorrow we plan to take the kids to get their hair done (at least me and Maria - we will see how JP handles it). Then maybe take them bowling or go to a market that is near here. I also thought about taking them to Crepes N Waffles for icecream. We'll see. One more day.

WE HAVE VISAS!!!

Today we slept in until 9:00AM!!! I couldn't believe how late it was! The kids must have been tired too because they didn't really get up either. After breakfast (about 10:30aM) we all walked over to the "Park Line" (A line of about 5 small parks that the kids love to play at. Each one is mor like a "Station"). Christina and little Mira walked with us - She has still not heard anything about her sentencia so please continue to pray for her. There was a man with an ice cream cart that came and sat next to the last station where we were playing with the kids. He rang the bell only once to let us know he was coming then he sat quietly and watched us. He was amazing in that he did not sit there and continue to "ring the bell" to taunt the kids. Nor did the kids pester me for ice cream. There was only once toward the time we got ready to leave Maria asked for ice cream...at first I told her later that we would go to "Crepes and Waffles" where they had the really cool ice cream deserts once before. Then I got to thinking about how nice this guy was sitting there so quietly. I decided that it would be better to buy icecream from him. So, we did! He appreciated it. About 1:00PM or so it started to poor so we decided to boogie on home. We got soaked! After changing out of our wet clothes we had lunch then I put the kids down for their nap. Jaime and Silvia were to pick me up at 2:45PM to go get the visas. They were on time. Another 45 minutes ride in traffic and in we went. When we got to the window the guy handed me the papers in sealed envelopes and the kids visas. He told me to check the info on the outside of the envelope to make sure it was correct (basic info: name, address, mother's name, father's name, etc.). Well on Maria's info sheet they had her name in the spot where my name should have been. Good thing I checked it well. The man changed it for me and said "have a nice trip home"! I told thim thanks with the biggest smile I have ever had...then we walked back to the van. We had to make one more stop before home - I had some paperwork translated from Spanish into English which we will need once we get back into the states. I understand this can get very costly in the states so I had it done here. Then it was home. I immediately called my hubby (hi honey) and told him that we have visas! We are done and we are officially clearred to come home! After talking with Steve I called my other Mom - Hi Mom- to tell her the good news. She has been great helping Steve to get the house ready for me...cleaning and all. Thanks Mom! The kids were up when I got home. They watched a little TV then we had empanadas in the living room with everyone before dinner. After dinner Marie Antwenette and OKellys made that awesome pineapple cobbler pie desert they had made once before! It was soooooo good! We played with the kids a little more then put them down to bed. Tomorrow its off to a place called Palanka which is about 30 minutes outside of Bogota. It is a little farm which the kids can see and touch farm animals. They are excited. Guess that's all the excitement for the day! We miss everyone and can not wait to see you all. Until tomorrow. W

Visa Application Process

Hey Everyone....sorry I got tired last night and didn't get the post up from yesterday. Taking the kids to the park then will get you all caught up on yesterday. Luv to all 3 more days!

Silvia and Jaime picked us up at 8:00AM to go to the Embassy. We piled into the van and off we went. It took about 45 minutes to get there due to the traffic. It was totally different than I expected. I expected to see something like you would see on TV where you go through these large iron gates into this huge open courtyard-like area where there are huge beautiful buildings on both sides and many American flags flying. NOT...The embassy is gated but, mostly with a large white block wall. On a back road there is one wall where a gold seal that says "United States Embassy". Jaime droped us off then we walked down this long sidewalk where there were several lines of people outside the walls. We walked right up to the front of the line as because of the adoption we have special privelages. Through security we go (similar to that at the airport) then through another area and to another block wall. This opens up into an area which reminded me of an outdoor train station. There is a truss covered area where there are hundreds of chairs/benches, 21 window "stations" which have bullet proof glass and look like those at a drive through bank teller for one person. There are telephones outside each window which are similar to those used in a prison where a prisoner talks to a visitor. There were no flags and no flashy buildings. You give your paperwork to a "teller" then sit and wait for your name to be called. At about 9:45AM we were called to a window. The "Teller" told me that one of the forms was filled out incorrectly (it was 5 pages). I had filled it out in my name and it should have been filled out one for Maria and one for Juan. Then she asked me for our new I171H form (this is the one that I ran around like a chicken with her head cut off to get finished before we left). I did not know that I would need that form and did not have it with me it was over in my book which my mom had. Then the lady asked me for proof of the update from the FBI!!! I didn't have any copies of anything from them as the information is not permitted to be returned to me it goes only to the adoption agency. I paniced! I had to leave the window to fill out the new forms and find proof of the FBI stuff. We were talking to the adoption agency - they pointed out that the new I171H (which I had a copy of with me) had a statement right on it at the bottom that the background check was valid until 2009!! It was a whole hour before our name got called again to provide the newly completed forms and copies of the I171H. It was only then that the lady said "Great...all your paperwork looks like it is in order...please have a seat and we will call you". WHEW!! Talk about an hour of stress! After that I paid for the visas as the windows were closing for lunch..and we waited more. Finally they called our name and I went through a brief "interview" where I answered a couple of questions, signed a statement that all is true to the best of my knowledge and then was handed an appointment card for tomorrow to pick up the visas! The kids were excellent! J.P. sat in his stroller with 2 hotwheels cars for 3 hours without complaining. Maria was great, too! My mom was fantastic with the kids (no surprise to me) so I could concentrate on what I needed to get done. Then it was home. It was about 6:00PM and we still needed to eat. We decided to take the kids out for dinner since they were sooooooooo good. We took them out to Jenos for pizza and the "indoor" park. (Family ask me about that experience...this is too long to write details). Afterwards it was back home, showers and off to bed. My mom, Christina and I watched a movie and then went right to bed! I was so tired after getting up so early that I crashed hard. Tomorrow we don't need to get up early so we planned to sleep in. The main attraction - PICKING UP THE VISAS.

The Embassy Dr. & Passports

Jaime had picked up our papers that the attorney had flown to us from Valledupar at 6:00AM. This means we could go forward with the passports and the embassy Dr. visit. This morning after breakfast we took a quick walk up to Unicentral Mall to get the kids out a little bit before the long day we had ahead of us. We made it back in just enough time (12:00PM) to meet Silvia and Jaime who were our guides for the day. First it was off to get the kids passports. We had not taken passport pictures yet so...we needed to do that first. No worries though because just outside the building where you get the passports was a small office that takes pictures and makes copies. After pictures we waited in line which was short for us because we get special privelage due to adoptions. At the first window the guy was reviewing everything and said that we would need to go find a lady to sign off on Steve's visa. The copy we had cut off the bottom part of the visa and she would need to OK it. We found her then rushed back to the window. 2 minutes later Silvia comes running over and said hurry we need to come over to the next window - when we got there she said they were closing for lunch...we just made it - this is where you pay for the passports. Then we waited in another short line for the next window which prepares the paperwork for the passports. Maria signed off on hers...and I signed for J.P. Now we just have to wait for them to "put them together". Shortly thereafter the lady calls the kids names and we have passports!! We check everything to make sure names and numbers are OK. Next we walk over to a translaters office as there are some documents we need to get translated from Spanish to English for the children when we get back to the states. We leave there and then get to the Embassy Dr.'s office (which is not on embassy property by the way) about 2:30-2:45PM. The children's appointment is not until 4:00PM and the Dr. is not in yet. Silvia says sometimes that the Dr. is there and you can go early however the was not there yet so we had to wait for him. Finally, we go in to see him - he is very nice and speaks both Spanish and English (Silvia did not go in with us due to this). He checks their weight and height (Maria is 51" tall and weighs about 55 pounds, J.P. is 39 1/2" tall and weighs about 30 pounds). Asks us and the children a few questions and then we are done! We get home just in enough time to eat dinner and then Tia Betty had a special treat for the residents (especially J.P. & Maria). She knows a Vallenato band who is a good friend and are from Valledupar. They came and played for about an hour for us. I think this wore the kids out especially since they had no nap today. Showers and then into bed. Tomorrow its up and going super early. Jaime and Silvia will be here at 8:00AM to pick us up to apply for the kids Visas. My mom was a great help as the kids had to sit for so long at times. It would have been really hard for me to do all that I had to do and keep an eye on them, too. (Mom Arlene, I know that you wish you could be here, also. I know that you would if you could but, you are helping us out there with the office. We could not get through these last several weeks without you so, Thank you!) We will see all soon! Only 5 more days to go! [D&T ] :)

Papers Miss the Flight! Still on Track! :)

We woke up today with anticipation of the paperwork that was to be flown to us from Valledupar. After breakfast we called the guys (my dad and Steve) to check in then we had to wait for Jaime to call us. He was to go to the airport this morning to pick up the papers then call us to go to do passports and embassy Dr. visits today. About 11:30AM I received a call from Nora who explained that the papers did not make the morning flight. The plane left earlier than it was suppose to and they missed the morning flight however, they were to be on the evening flight. While we were waiting all this information we were trying to keep the kids occupied with crafts and stuff. I didn't want to wander off as we were going to have to leave the residence when we got the call from Jaime. So, when Nora told me that we wouldn't hear about the paperwork until the early evening we decided to take the kids out. They get wound up tighter than a top then they have all this energy they need to "run" out. We walked over to the parks for a couple hours where the kids could play. I chased them around for a couple of hours and we all had a good time. There was another little boy about the same age as Maria that was there playing with us. As it turns out he was being adopted along with another boy who may have been his brother. The family was from Italy. We chatted with his mom for a brief moment then they left and so did we. We went from the parks to grab a bite to eat at the empanada place. They were good as usual. After empanadas we came back to the residence and the kids took a nap. When they got up we had some time to kill before dinner. We grabbed the playdo and tried to be as creative as possible. One of the families staying here (the dad, Jim) had a birthday today so Tia Betty got a cake for him and we celebrated his birthday. After dinner we lounged around watching George of the Jungle on Tv (Disney Channel) and then put the kids to bed. Mom and I came back over to the kitchen for tea and another piece of this pineapple cobbler that was out of this world. We didn't watch a movie tonight. Just sort of hung out. I received a call from Nora at dinner to advise that the papers arrived in Bogota this evening however the office is closed. Jaime is suppose to go get them at 6:00AM in the morning and then call us at around 12:00PM to start the process of passports and embassy Dr. visits. Guess that is pretty much what we will be doing tomorrow. We only have about 6 more days to go!

Grandma's First Day In Colombia

This morning we woke up and my mom to Sonya's pancakes! They are so awesome! I do not know if it is the atmospheric pressure or what that makes them so fluffy but, they just are. After breakfast we decided to try to get to the parks (there are about 5 little ones in a row about a block from here). When we got to the second one which I think the kids love the most because it is like a merry go round mom decided to take a ride with them. After about 5 minutes or so we started to hear constant gun shots in the far distance. Many of them at one time and for about 15 minutes this went on. I had not heard that before and it made me just a little uneasy so we decided to book it back home. I wasn't extremely concerned about it as every Sunday they close off one side of the main streets in the city for people to ride bikes, rollerblade, run, etc and everybody was still doing it. There was even a mom and her 4 year old on a tricycle. At any rate I asked Ms. Betty about it and she said there is a military base out that direction and they were probably having shooting practice or something. We decided to take the kids to the mall where they have bowling and the movies. We started in the bowling alley but, they were having tournaments all day. There was a man and 2 children standing at the counter in the bowling alley and over heard the man tell us we could not bowl in Spanish then heard me reply "no habla espanol". The man was nice enought to translate...both to me and to Maria (to explain why we could not stay after we told her what we were going to do). Then we decided to go see a movie - Walle. They were going to do the same so they walked us to the theatre, helped us to get our tickets then find our seats. It was OK. The kids did pretty good through it. We had lunch at McDonalds again as it was right there. Then we walked home and put the kids down for siesta. After siesta we took them to Jenos for pizza and "the park". They played until about 8:30PM then we came home and got the kids ready for bed. Mom and I went to the next room to watch a movie with Christina after calling my dad and Steve to say good night. Tomorrow we go to get passports. The final process begins. :) Finally.

Tickets for Two

After breakfast this morning the kids and I went to Avianca to get their tickets to come home next Sunday. I tried to explain to them what I was doing but, was easier once our dirver got there and could explain as he speaks Spanish. They asked if we were going home to Florida today and we told them no but, in eight days we will be going home. After we returned home from the tickets Christina and I took them to McDonalds for lunch and to play for a little while. The weather was a little cool and it kept looking like it was going to rain on and off so I figured it would be safer (due to the weather) to go to an indoor park. Especially with Mira going with us. Then it was back to the house and siesta. The kids laid down but, did not nap. I have a monitor which I can hear them in the next room and maybe they were too excited about grandma coming I do not know. Afer a little while I let them get up and watch some TV before dinner. We visited a little while with Jim, Linda and Jordan (an 18 year old Colombian child who was adopted at 4 months. He was back in Colombia for the first time as he did a birth search and was seeking his birth mother. They had found her and he came back to meet her.) They were really neat people. After dinner I got the kids ready for bed and they watched a little more TV. I put them into bed and Jaime picked me up to go get my mom from the airport. (The girls were listening for them via the monitors as they were going to sleep for the evening). When we got the the airport my mom's flight had been delayed for about 20 minutes so Jaime and I went for a cup of coffee. We talked a bit and after a short time we went back down to watch for my mom. I see her and she sees me and I point to the exit where she is to meet me. When I get to her she gave me big hugs...I think they were not only from her but, from everyone! She told me that after a few times of changing seats she ended up next to a cournal and his daughter. They got to talking and she told them the reason for her visit to their country. She told them she was a little nervous about getting off the plane and going through customs. They told her no worries just walk with us. When they got off the plane (and the bus) to the terminal there were 2 soldiers waiting for them. They told my mom to walk ahead for a minute and they would catch up with her. When they met up with her they walked her to the front of all the lines and right through customs to me! I told her that God was with her the whole way and arranged for all those people to change seats with her to seat her next to the cournal and his daughter. He handed her to me safely and securely! How cool is that. When we got to the residence we called our spouses to let them know we were home OK. The kids were already in bed sleeping so their greeting would have to wait for the morning. Then it was off to sleep.

Maria Gets Her Shots

Today was great! Today was the last day for Maria's tutor as we will be busy next week with Embassy stuff. The instructor said she did pretty good. Afterwards we played in the garden here at the residence until lunch. Christina made quesadias. Then it was off to McDonalds to play in the "resteraunte parke" as the kids call it. We were only there for about a half and hour and J.P. had an accident (he wet his pants). So...it was back to the residence to get him dry pants. We had promised them ice cream so I went over to the grocery store to get some. I found some ice cream sandwiches which they weren't sure of at first. They wanted to know where the ice cream was. It was cute. It had started to rain so we couldn't go back out to the parks as everything would have been wet. So they played around in the room for a little bit then down for a siesta. I woke them up about a half hour before the Dr. came to give Maria her shots. She did very well and did not even flinch! She is so tough! We tried to keep it pretty low key afterwards so TV was pretty much it. After dinner they watched a little more TV then it was off to bed. I had called the airlines to get my ticket changed and tomorrow we go to their ticket office and get the kids tickets. You have to go there because they are the only ones who can help with adoption rates. Our attorney went to Aguachica today to get the birth certificates (the new ones with our last names on them). We should get them on Monday - we will be running around all next week getting all their paperwork done, passports & visas. Looks like we will just come home on Sunday. Less stress and just in case. I'm OK with that because I know I have a ticket now to come home. Now...it's a piece of cake. My mom comes tomorrow night so please pray for a safe flight. Also, continue to pray for us that everything at the Embassy and such goes smoothly. Christina and Nick still need prayers for their sentencia - she is here alone now as Nick went back to the states yesterday. I know that feeling all to well - Let's show them how God can move mountains by prayers as I am not sure they know him, yet. :) I have explained that my mom has 5 churches praying for all of us, of course all of our family and friends and their churches, too. I have also told her that I have put a "prayer request" on our blog for them. I am trying to "shine" for her so that God can be seen (in me). I love that song "shine" by the newsboys....haven't heard them in forever as I have no way of playing my ipod over speakers here. Maybe I'll grab my headphones sometime soon. Guess that was pretty much it for today.
Tomorrow is just a trip to Avianca, probably the park and daddy suggested getting a Domino's pizza for lunch to see how they like it. We'll see. Luv to all and SEE YOU SOON.

HE SIGNED! WE'RE COMING HOME!

I woke up early this morning to get dressed for my trip. I had laid everything out for the children and had a schedule all written out for Tia Betty and Ms. Alicia (the nurse). I left for the airport at about 7:15AM this morning. Jaime picked me up and walked me as far as he could to the gate. He was very nice. My seat was all the way to the back of the plane and there was an empty seat next to me. After a few minutes a really super lady, Isabel, sat down next to me. We spoke very breifly at first and gratefully she spoke some english! Speaking I told her that I would be returning this evening and she said ME TOO! I said that maybe I can look for her on the return flight and we could sit together. She agreed. Upon landing she walked me through until I could see Luci waiting for me. I said good bye and would see her later. Luci and I went to her home where we called our attorney. We immediately left to meet her to sign the sentencia. After sentencia the three of us went to have a soda. She said that she would see us later...we could call her at 4:30PM to see if the pro qurador had signed. We went back to Luci's where we had lunch and looked at the pictures from Aguachica so she could tell me the kids story. Manuel came home for lunch and I got to say goodbye to Jeffrey, Luci's cousin. (Hey Roberts family....they all say hello!). Later we went to make copies of our passports as the attorney would need them to get the new birthcertificates. We walked them to the attorney's office where she told us that the Pro Qurador had signed. I jump up and ran around to the other side of the desk with tears in my eyes and thanked her. Then it was back to the airport. Our flight was delayed by an hour due to a thunderstorm. I saw Isabel and I shouted for her. She came over and sat by me. I turned to the window where Lucina was standing and introduced her to Isabel. After knowing that I would have company and a guide returning to Bogota she and Manuel returned home. Our flight was late by an hour due to a thunder/lightening storm which even killed the lights for a minute. They immediately came back on. God answered our prayers!! He is such an awesome God! Thank you for praying...and God thank you for answering our prayers and for the angels you sent to watch over me today (i.s. Lucina, Our attorney & Ms. Isabel). Tomorrow the attorney will travel to Aguachica to get the new birthcertificates and will overnight them to me for Saturday delivery. Silvia from the agency will help me with everything when I receive them. Maria gets her shots tomorrow as well. Other than that....Oh happy day! I am exhausted so..buenos noches. By the way can you guys also pray for Christina and Nick who are still waiting for the judge to sign off. Nick left this morning to return to the states and she is here alone now. I know that feeling... good night W.

WE HAVE SENTENCIA! Now back to Valledupar!

Today started just like any other day. We knew that the paperwork went to the judge on Monday, 7/7 and we were not sure when he was going to sign off on our case. I took the kids to the park after Maria's class this morning. We were there for about 20 minutes and my Colombian phone rang. It was Nora who told us we had sentencia!! I rushed with the kids back to the residence as I wanted to call Steve. He needed to get my ticket for Valledupar booked so I could leave in the morning (returning in the evening). I arranged for Luci our guide to meet me at the airport and also to take me back. I had to call the Dr. back and reschedule Maria's shots for Friday afternoon as I had made her appointment for Thursday - and I will be traveling now so I do not want her to have them with me not there. Jaimez/Silvia will be here at 7:15AM to pick me up and take me to the airport. That's pretty much how I spent the morning...preparing for my trip to Valledupar. The blessing is that the children do not have to travel with me. EVERYONE THAT HAS BEEN PRAYING THANKS! THEY ARE WORKING SO FAR! We are not out of the woods yet....the Pro Curador has still not been signed and he has 3 days to sign it. As of today he has not signed it. I will speak with our attorney tomorrow to see where we are with that. If he signs it tomorrow then, it is possible that I will be able to fly back with my mom on next Sunday. That would be sooooooooo cooooooooool! Please pray for the ProCurador to be signed off. (And of course for safe travel for me back to Valledupar and return to Bogota). The children will be in the very capable hands of "Tia Betty" and Alicia (a nurse who has been working with adoptive families/children for over 15 years and has been in the residence every day watching children). This morning while I was "working" Tia Betty explained to the children that they needed to watch TV so Mommy could get all this stuff done. They were excellent and I think in most part because they understood what I was doing and how important it was. When all was done I took them to McDonalds to play on the playground and to eat a McFlurrys. Afterwards we came back - it was too late to take siestas so they just horsed around a little before dinner. After dinner they watched a movie and then I got them ready for bed. They didn't have a nap today so they should sleep very well. Please pray for ProCurador signature and safe travel. More tomorrow! Buenos Noches!