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!

Bye Bye Again Daddy

Steve had to get up this morning at about 5:30AM and left at about 6:30AM. His flight left at about 9:50AM and reached Ft. Lauderdale at about 1:30PM. We all miss him terribly all ready but, I promis not to make everyone cry this time. I was of course as last time Steve left a mess. I appreciate the pep talks from my mom, Arlene (mom#2) and my sister. They helped a lot. So thanks guys. I also receive an email almost daily now from my cousin Angie which is really nice. She is affiliated with a ladies prayer group one of which is a patient so keeps each other informed plus they all pray for us. We didn't do too much today...the children & I played in the garden (Tag, Monster and Hot/Cold), we popped over to the park for a few then it was back for a nap. Mommy even took a nap. After I woke up I felt recharged and stronger. I had been praying for strength because this morning I didn't know if I could handle too much more. I know everyone has been praying for me (Steve and the kids) and I feel it. So thanks and please, keep praying. While you are praying we need lots of prayers for the judge and the "D.A." to sign quickly (maybe tomorrow) :). I should hear something from our Agency rep tomorrow is she is suppose to call our attorney to see where we are in process. Nick & Christina got good news today...they are also in the same stage as us which is great because they were way behind us as of yesterday. I will keep everyone posted. After naping the kids watched "Shrek" until dinner. After dinner we went back to the room and I got the kids showered and ready for bed. Especially Maria which had been difficult because of her cast. We didn't get her shots yesterday as the Dr. called and was sick. She had referred us to a local clinic but, I think I am just going to call her back tomorrow and reschedule her home visit. Tomorrow will probably just be a day for the park as Maria has class in the morning and also I need to make some calls. I also want to stay close to the house and wait for Nora's call. I was given a local Colombian phone that belongs to the residence so I can receive calls. Guess that is it for tonight. Buenos Noches.

On the Mountain

Maria has class this morning and afterwards we are going up to a place Monserrate. It is like an overlook which has a cathedral on it. They have mass and a priest lives on site. From there you can see the entire city of Bogota. It is really pretty. I will try to get some pictures up. Maria was suppose to get her shots yesterday but, the doctor was sick. Ms. Nora was here this afternoon and she said that our case just went to the judge. We now have to pray that they sign off on it quickly (they have up to 10 working days). After the jusge signs off on it then it has to go back to the guy (Pro Curador) who has to sign off on it AGAIN (he has 3 days to do so). Once he signs off on it we will have Sentencia. I will then fly to Valledupar in the morning, sign and fly back. They said that the judge may or may not want to see the children. If he does then they will have to fly back with me. After Sentencia then our attorney has to drive to the city where the children were born and get new birth certificates in the Canuel name. She will then overnight them to me here in Bogota. Then we start the Embassy process. After dinner we all came back to the room and watched TV. Steve and I made some arrangements - my mom is going to come out on Saturday and stay for eight days. That will help pass some of the time.
Guess that is it for now. Steve leaves in the morning to go back to the states. I will miss him and I am sure the children will, too. Until tomorrow. W

Science & Pizza

This morning we got up a little later than usual. We got dressed and headed over to eat breakfast with Larry and Andreas (Nick & Christina had already eaten). Then Steve and & tried to figure out what we wanted to do with the kids today. We decided to take them to the Science Center here in Bogota. It was only about a 15 minute taxi ride there. When we got there the security guard and a lady standing there arranged for an English speaking person to come and be our guide. Her name was Paula and she said that she has only been working there for about 3 weeks. She was very nice. She walked us to get our tickets, helped us with which ones to buy (the prices included different things) and then walked us around the place. We went to the 180 degree round I Max theatre first. They had a pretty interesting movie (it appeared to be about roller coasters and such - it was all in Spanish so that's the best I could guess). Judging from how the movie went I think Maria will be on every one of them at the parks. J.P. wasn't so sure. Afterwards she walked us down to get our lunch and came back in 20 minutes. Then she took us down to the main level where we just let the kids play with this and that. We thought the Science Center would be good for them because there are a lot of times where we are telling them "do not touch" this is one place that they can TOUCH ALL YOU WANT! They loved it. Paula's shift ended at 2:30PM so considering the fact that she spoke English we thought it was best to have her help us get a taxi back to Betty's Place. She walked us across the street to a large mall and then helped us to get a taxi from "the loop". We thanked her, gave her a tip and into the taxi we went. We returned back to Betty's about 3:30PM. Our agency representative had called while we were out & we attempted to return the call. We think she was just checking in as she is suppose to stop in and say hello tomorrow. She is from Medilline but, will be in Bogota tomorrow. Maybe she will have good news...we shall see. We put the kids down for a nap and they slept until about 5:00PM. We let them watch some TV until 6:00PM and then we were off to Jeno's Pizza. They have the huge large indoor playground for the kids which they love. We had to laugh at JP as he hooked up with these 2 young girls who thought he was just the cutest thing! He hung with them on slide for about 20 minutes or so. We had to peel him away to come eat the banana split we got to eat between the 4 of us. You should have seen his face...in fact, watch the pictures we took - you'll see it! He's a little disappointed. Afterwards, we let them play for a little longer. All of a sudden I found myself talking to these 2 young boys about Maria's age. In speaking with them I find out that they are cousins and that one of them is from MELBOURNE, FLORIDA!!! His father is American (a missionary) and his mother is Colombian (who speaks English) and was here visiting her mother. It was sooooo cool! Turns out they live in Suntree. We exchanged phone numbers, invited them to Calvary - they mentioned that they had been wanting to go there - we told them to call us and we would love to go with them. Imagine - God works in mysterious ways...all this way to bump into more christians from our home town. She would like to get together when we get back as it may help Maria and J.P. adjust. They will probably feel homesick and may help them...sort of like Betty's place did for us. Afterwards we headed back to Betty's, called family and put the kids to bed. We are tired so we are going to bed. Talk to all later.