Wendy - After the mall today we came back to the room and Papi got ready to go. I didn't have the children take their nap just quite yet as I wanted them to be awake when Papi left. We were in the family room visiting with Ms. Betty and Juan was so tired he fell asleep in my arms. Maria was watching TV in our room which is viewable by huge picture glass windows (with curtains that were open at this time). The bell rings...it is time for Papi to go. He goes back to the room and says good bye to Maria and then brings his bag to the door. I lay J.P. on the sofa with a blanket covering him. I give my husband a big hug as tears fill my eyes (they are now still as I am writing this). I try hard not to cry (I am glad the children can not see me as it may upset them) but, I can not help it. This is the first time we will have been seperated from each other! (Other than the week he spent with Dr. Zane finger studying for florida chiro exams) It was really, really hard to say (not good bye) but, see you later.
After Papi left J.P. was still sleeping and I asked Maria to please take her nap now (she was in our room). I told her I was going to talk to Mr. Nick and Mrs. Christina (The other American family that is here right now adopting a beautiful little girl names, Mira). I came back a few minutes later and she was playing and I could see a tiny tear in her eye. I wasn't sure if it was because Papi was gone or if she didn't want to be in the room alone. I grabbed a blanket and asked her to follow me to the family room. I helped her onto the sofa and covered her up, gave her a kiss and told her I love her. The other couple had gone but, Ms. Betty was there and we were chatting as Maria watched "football" (soccer). A few minutes later we looked over at Maria and she was sound asleep. They both slept for about 3 hours (I think the atmosphere and the travel wore them out). They woke up at about 6:15 PM and we left for pizza at Archie's. Archies is only a short walk from Betty's Place. The other couple knew the way. They said that they have tried a couple of other places for pizza and Archies is the closest to home they have tasted. The children and I split a medium pepperoni, ham and salami pizza. I think this is the first time thay have had pizza and they loved it. Believe it or not Papi, Mr. Carne took off all the meat and ate just the cheese!! After pizza we came back and had a little play time in the family room. Then back to our room for a little winding down, watching TV, etc (The Canuel way is that when you go out they can't get to sleep right away they have to "wind down" first.) About 10P I shut off the TV and let them know that it was time for bed. Daddy called shortly and they got to say goodnight.
J.P. asked 2 times for him tonight and Maria although I think she understands where he is and what is going on, misses him. As do I. (I luv you honey as I know you are reading this). When Papi called to say that he had landed both children came running over to say hello and good night. They are sleeping now. I guess that is it for now. I will write more tommorrow.
Buenos Noches!! Luv To All and Miss You All Much. Wen
Sunday, June 22, 2008
Bye Bye Papi
Well today is my last day in Colombia. I fly out late afternoon.
We made it to Bogata safe. The flight was great and the children travelled well. Bettys place is awsome. The house is very nice. Our room is very big and nice. It reminds me of a mountain resport. I'm sure Wendy will post pictures once we get the cameral dilema figuered out. We gave Luci back her camara.
There are many restaurant walking distance from the house. Theres a grocery store almost right across the street. There is a dominos and McDonals. I dont like to eat fast food but that sure sounds good now. There are three parks walking distance that are very safe. Another family from New York is here. Theys have been here 10 days. They will show Wendy the "nieghboghood". They have adopted an infant. I believe he is a physician.
Staying here was a good decision. I feel much better knowing my family is here. It was a decision that Wendy and myself share mutually. We felt we would be much safer and the kids would be so much more comfortable here. Valledupar was a great experience that will last a liftime. We could not have asked for a better guide than Luci. She really cares about the adoptive familes. She stood right outside security in the airport within view of us while we waited in the terminal for an hour prior to boarding the plane! She was a godsend. We will all miss her, Manual and kids dearly. Hopeful we will all cross paths again someday.
Well I guess it's time to pass the torch to Wendy. Hasta Luega.
We made it to Bogata safe. The flight was great and the children travelled well. Bettys place is awsome. The house is very nice. Our room is very big and nice. It reminds me of a mountain resport. I'm sure Wendy will post pictures once we get the cameral dilema figuered out. We gave Luci back her camara.
There are many restaurant walking distance from the house. Theres a grocery store almost right across the street. There is a dominos and McDonals. I dont like to eat fast food but that sure sounds good now. There are three parks walking distance that are very safe. Another family from New York is here. Theys have been here 10 days. They will show Wendy the "nieghboghood". They have adopted an infant. I believe he is a physician.
Staying here was a good decision. I feel much better knowing my family is here. It was a decision that Wendy and myself share mutually. We felt we would be much safer and the kids would be so much more comfortable here. Valledupar was a great experience that will last a liftime. We could not have asked for a better guide than Luci. She really cares about the adoptive familes. She stood right outside security in the airport within view of us while we waited in the terminal for an hour prior to boarding the plane! She was a godsend. We will all miss her, Manual and kids dearly. Hopeful we will all cross paths again someday.
Well I guess it's time to pass the torch to Wendy. Hasta Luega.
Saturday, June 21, 2008
Bye Bye valledupar
We have made a decision to return to Bogata for the remainder of the time while waiting for sentencia. Living in a hotel that we can't go to the pool, can't walk out the front door without a guide for security reasons basically confines us to the room. You could only imagine what that would be like after 11 days with children. We will be staying at Bettys Place in Bogata. It's more of a residence style hotel with large bedrooms, family rooms and a playground for the kids. Wendy and I both agree this will be much better for the kids. We will have greater freedom to go out as well and I could return for a visit (something I culd not do if we stayed in Valledupar as I would lose two full days and one night and the price is double). We leave tonight about 7pm. Please pray for a smooth transaction.
Yesterday we spent the morning going to ICBF to get the necessary paperwork for the move. We had a nice lunch with Luci and Dolly before returning to the room where the kids took a nap. Later after dinner Luci picked us up and we went to a couple of Fiesta's (parties). We had a good time. It was wonderful to spend time with her family and experience true culture here in Valledupar. Everone at the hotel has been very nice and friendly with great service. They have gone above and beyond their call of duty catering to us and making us feel at home knowing we do not speak the language. Thanks to the manager Gladys and the staff at the Vajamar for taking such good care of us.
Dolly stated that she expects for us to recieve our Sentencia around July 7th. This is much longer than we anticipated although she said it's possible it could happen sooner. Upon the receipt of sentencia Wendy would need to travel back to Valledupar in the morning, sign and return in the evening. We have made arrangements for someone to watch the children while she travels. Steve plans to return over July 4th weekend. Thanks to everyone for all your continued support and the prayers. Please continue to pray for us!
Yesterday we spent the morning going to ICBF to get the necessary paperwork for the move. We had a nice lunch with Luci and Dolly before returning to the room where the kids took a nap. Later after dinner Luci picked us up and we went to a couple of Fiesta's (parties). We had a good time. It was wonderful to spend time with her family and experience true culture here in Valledupar. Everone at the hotel has been very nice and friendly with great service. They have gone above and beyond their call of duty catering to us and making us feel at home knowing we do not speak the language. Thanks to the manager Gladys and the staff at the Vajamar for taking such good care of us.
Dolly stated that she expects for us to recieve our Sentencia around July 7th. This is much longer than we anticipated although she said it's possible it could happen sooner. Upon the receipt of sentencia Wendy would need to travel back to Valledupar in the morning, sign and return in the evening. We have made arrangements for someone to watch the children while she travels. Steve plans to return over July 4th weekend. Thanks to everyone for all your continued support and the prayers. Please continue to pray for us!
Friday, June 20, 2008
Just another day
We went to the barbeque yesterday. It was held outside of town on a very large piece of property. There was a big house, a swimming pool, a cabana and a bar area complete with grill , outside showers and bathrooms. There was also a soccer fields and a playground for the children. There were several other estates surrounding the property. These were the only single family type residences (with lawns) we have seen here in Colombia. When we left we dropped off two little girls and went to areas we have not been before so it was like a tour for us.
The kids had fun. JP swam almost the entire time. Maria ran around playing with the other kids. There were mango trees everywhere. Whenever you wanted one you just plucked it from the tree. The first bite was like......OK i'm not sure about this although after several bites it was good. We left a little after 2pm, came back to the room, washed the kids and put them down for a nap. They didnt wake until 5. Wendy put on Sound of Music for them and they really liked it. About 6:30 we went for dinner. We horsed around the room for about an hour after dinner then the kids went back to bed. It's 7:45 now and the kids have just awakened.
Today we are suppost to meet Dolly at 10 am. Hopefully we have great news. I need to notorize several forms today giving Wendy permission to travel with the kids back to the States without me. It's the Colombian law. Without this she would not be able to travel with the kids.
I leave Sunday to return home. My flight is at 9 am and I arrive in Bogata at 10pm. I dont leave Bogata unil 8pm. Over 10 hours in a an airport that no one speaks English bymyself is not goint to be a fun day! Oh well. I'll update later if we hear any news this morning.
The kids had fun. JP swam almost the entire time. Maria ran around playing with the other kids. There were mango trees everywhere. Whenever you wanted one you just plucked it from the tree. The first bite was like......OK i'm not sure about this although after several bites it was good. We left a little after 2pm, came back to the room, washed the kids and put them down for a nap. They didnt wake until 5. Wendy put on Sound of Music for them and they really liked it. About 6:30 we went for dinner. We horsed around the room for about an hour after dinner then the kids went back to bed. It's 7:45 now and the kids have just awakened.
Today we are suppost to meet Dolly at 10 am. Hopefully we have great news. I need to notorize several forms today giving Wendy permission to travel with the kids back to the States without me. It's the Colombian law. Without this she would not be able to travel with the kids.
I leave Sunday to return home. My flight is at 9 am and I arrive in Bogata at 10pm. I dont leave Bogata unil 8pm. Over 10 hours in a an airport that no one speaks English bymyself is not goint to be a fun day! Oh well. I'll update later if we hear any news this morning.
Thursday, June 19, 2008
School's Out!
Wendy-Yesterday was the children's last day in school. Steve and I took some time to catch up with some phone calls, emails and went down to the pool. The children came home around 12:30 today. Juan Pablo (J.P.) was funny, he did not want to leave the taxi. :) I think he had too much fun at school. After lunch we came up to the room. We want to start teaching them more English so we are trying very hard to speak more to them in just English. One thing we did is teach Maria the Hokey Pokey. I do not think she has ever laughed so much at her crazy parents (yes, Steve too!). I catch her "singing" it (the best she can) every so often. I also sat down with her and went through the alphabet both in printed and written, upper and lower case. I wrote everything down for her and she would redo a line under me. She is VERY eager to learn. She is VERY smart and is going to be a great student.
Steve-We went to a unique restaraunt called El Hueco last night for empanadas, arepas and some cheese things. It was all cooked in a large pot. The restaraunt was basically outside with a brick wall around it and a small roof above preperation area and a couple of tables. See pictures. After dinner we went to a park where the children played. They had great fun. We came back to the room where they had showers, played for a little while then went to bed. Wendy and I watched a movie on JP's portable DVD player althouth began falling asleep about 30 minutes into it. I guess we we worn out as well.
Today at 8:30 we are going to a picnic at school to celebrate thier month long break.
We have not heard from Dolly as of yet. The Italian couple is still here so she is busy working on thier case. The judge has not sighned thier Sentencia yet so they are unable to leave. Dolly is suppose to travel to Aguachica today for them so I assume it was sighned yesterday. She is suppose to be back and meet with us tonight at 5:00 pm. Hopefuly. It is a danagerous and long drive.
Wednesday, June 18, 2008
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