The Sun Still Shines

Yesterday I took Caroline, Camila, and Marta to the park for a few hours. Amazing what the girls can come up with when playing with their dolls...it was an overcast day...kind of how I was feeling. I tried to get into a good book and listen to one of my brother's sermons on Ruth...just kind of checked out...thinking about Isabel and Silas at home...wondering how their first day back at school went...I had 2 days of feeling the blues...Caroline has been very mellow since Isabel and Silas have left. It's just quiet, dinner is quiet, playtime is quiet...everything is quiet...I was looking forward to this...but, it was an unfamiliar feeling...for the first time, I longed to be home in the "chaos" of life...

And then today came...a wonderful day...the sun shining bright...I've been able to put home out of my mind, and key into Caroline and Marta...as much as Caroline wants to travel to MI, I know she is really enjoying this one on one time with me...especially when Marta is down for a nap. I am so happy that my 2 new daughters love to go on adventures. They don't care how far or long they are in the stroller, they love being outside, and are up to go anywhere! This is good...because I'm not one to just sit home everyday. I was able to soak it up today...getting a good walk in (trust me, I've been walking a lot...but, I think we have been eating more...the 3rd time around in Colombia and I LOVE their food (ok, except their hamburgesas), and still not sick of it)!!!

It's funny, I was thinking back to when we landed in the Bogota airport. With Isabel and Silas' adoptions, this experience was a bit overwhelming...3rd time around, although in a foreign land, I no longer feel like a foreigner (Ok, so, I still talk like a foreigner, and I definitely dress like a foreigner-lets just say, in general Colombian women are not the most modest of ladies). God has blessed me with wonderful friends here! I was taking it in today, the noise of the big city, the giggles from Caroline singing "La Mariposa" in the stroller, pushing the stroller down the"bumpy" sidewalks...I was trying to remember the things we've experienced on this venture...Navidad with Tia Isabel and Carmen, Girodot, John driving in crazy Bogota, Caroline's intense temper tantrums, Silas' panic attacks, the piojo saga...it all feels like a life time ago...but, what is so clear and fresh in my mind are the faces of the children, the battered, the sick, the "institutionalized"...that is fresh, so fresh in my mind, like I was just there...I pray they remain fresh when I return home, that I never forget...I have never experienced the presence of God like I did at the orphanage and in the barrios...and then it dawned on me...of course, not...it's because God was there, I could see Him in their faces...dwelling among the "least of these." And where God is, my heart wants to be...we are called to serve the least of these...yes we are!!! And I pray when we return home that I never forget, I don't want to get so comfortable in the "day to day" routine of life that I forget...Matt.25:40 "The King will reply, 'I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me." This is gospel!!

I continue to pray that we are here as long as God desires each of us to be (even if my time clock thinks differently), and if I need a day to be reminded of God's truth in my heart, and if Caroline and I need a few more "special talks" and moments, and Marta and I a few more laughs and discipline moments (she is a total stubborn stinker, I've never had a little one like her...into EVERYTHING...her favorite, the toilet, today, not only her hands her face and hair were wet...she's quick...it was so disgusting!!!)...then this is where I am suppossed to be. Our papers are with the judge (since Monday) waiting for our final decree...he is allowed 10 business days, but, I have a feeling it will not take that long, we are known to be in a good court...so we are on the final leg of the journey...

"Friends of Pisingos"

This is for those that have adopted through Los Pisingos, have a heart for the orphans of Colombia, or in some small or big way want to link arms with John and I to create a foundation to raise money, volunteer, and help the children of Los Pisingos in Bogota...I know, we are probably done adopting children, but, we are not done being the voice for the lonely and broken children of Colombia...we are only beginning...

Why?! Well, let's see...scripture tells us in Psalm 10:18 to do justice to the fatherless. In Is. 1:17 it tells us to defend the cause of the fatherless...James 1:17 says that religion that is pure and undefiled before God the Father is this...to care for the orphans...in their affliction. If we are serious about following Jesus, and desire to be His hands and feet, we must love the things that He loves. It is so obvious that His heart is for the orphan...(the poor, the widow) He is the Father to the fatherless...He sets the lonely in families...they deserve our attention!!!

We spoke with Andres and Carlos a lot about this early on in our joureny...their dream is to have Pisingos totally in the hands of families (and their families) who have adopted through the foundation. Financial times are hard, and if families just adopt and move on, the foundation will eventually be placed in the hands of the government. They then would lose control over the quality of care that the children recieve. It is heading there...but, these 2 godly men have big dreams and a vision...and they have asked us to link arms with them...

There are so many oppurtunities to help other than financial (being the biggest, obviously), they would love families to return and help volunteer or work at the foundation...there are so many children in Colombia's welfare system due to more than just poverty and young pregnancy...many due to drug abuse, alcohol abuse, sexual abuse, violence in the homes...street kids...obviously, with poverty comes the other...it is so out of control, even Pisingos is having difficulty housing and welcoming more children in...it is at an all time crisis in Colombia...(I know it makes you wonder why families wait so long for a baby...their gov't system stinks...think about adopting a child older than 7 and you will have placement within a few months...)!

There is a family in Colorodo that has already started a "Friends of Pisingos" in their town. You can visit their website at www.friendsoflospisingos.org to get a feel for what Carlos and Andres would like us to start in Michigan...so, to all our Pisingos families, or those who have a heart for the orphans of Colombia...are you in?! It won't take a lot, just a little time and effort to help this great institution continue to not only exist, for the lonely and broken children, but, to remain a safe, loving environment for the battered, scared and lonely birthmothers, also...a stepping stone into a loving family...or couseling into helping these precious women learn how to care for their children...

Adrianna and Jeff have agreed to partner with us. With Adrianna growing up in Bogota, and also being an adoptive mami from Pisingos...she understands the culture, gov't system, etc. very well...

So, email me if you want to link arms...I'll be in touch more once I return home and things settle down a bit...there is more to share...until then...be in prayer as to whether or not you feel God is leading you to participate...

A Bitter Sweet Day

We woke up bright and early this morning to get John, Isabel, and Silas off to the airport. This is so bitter sweet for me...

I'll share the bitter first...we have shared such a special time in our first 2 months growing as a family of 6...so, to know that it has come to and end for part of us is a bit sad for me. This morning, and last night, was extremely difficult for Isabel...shedding a lot of tears. She did not want to leave...she never has liked "good-byes." I know it was hard for her to say good-by to me, but, I expected that...she knows that soon we will all be together again...the most difficult to watch was her saying good-bye to Camila. They have developed a very precious friendship, and there is no guarentee if or when they see eachother again. They hugged each other for a very long time upstairs...then the tears began with Isabel and Caroline when we were all downstairs getting ready for the taxi...

Caroline very sad to say good-bye to Isabel and Papi. She clung to John this morning full of tears...after breakfast her and Camila went to play dolls, I thought, this will be great...Caroline has been fighting for Camila's attention with Isabel around, now they can have their time...10 minutes later they both come running upstairs...Caroline telling me she wants to go with Papi, Isabel, and Silas, and it's no fun playing dolls without Isabel...a few seconds later...sweet Camila began to weep. You have to understand, she sees a lot of families come in and out of this hotel,this is her life, she develops friendships with a lot of kids, and then they leave to go home...for 8 weeks, I have never seen her show any emotion. Camila wept for 30 minutes right along with Caroline...Caroline weeping for her Papi, Camila weeping for her good friend ...Katya was hugging Camila and crying, too...I was hugging Caroline crying right along with her. Then Camila went running to her mom, screaming, "You tell me when I'm going to see Isabel again, I need to know...you tell me mom!" It was heartwrenching...our sweet 6 and 7 year old girls have become very fond of each other. Good-byes are never easy...and oh, how good it felt to have a good cry! Since then, Valeria and I decided something sweet and a movie may be a good idea...right now the 2 girls are eating brownies and icecream while watching a "Hermie" dvd in spanish. Whew! I think we made it through the worst part...before this Camila has been by my side all day asking questions about Isabel, Michigan, where I think she is on the airplane, when she can skype her...

Ok, so, on to the sweet...the beautiful thing about Caroline's tears is that for the last week she has shown very little emotion towards John, Isabel, and Silas...and today it is evident that she is bonding with them (even Silas)...distance makes the heart grow fonder...and even better, she now has a Papi, big sis, and big brother to cry for...that she soon will see again!

Also, it was so sweet to see Silas flying around the hotel this morning on cloud nine. He barely even wanted to hug me...so ready to get on that airplane...this gives me such a good feeling...he is going to thrive when he gets home! And for John, too. Six weeks was a long time for him...I felt really good saying good-bye to my 2 boys this morning...they are returning home...right where their heart desires to be...

So, here I am...it felt good to cry, and I now feel good about where we are at. I think our case will go rather quickly from this point. We know we made it through the first 2 signings which typically take the longest, and we have 2 more reviews and signatures in order to get Sentencia. It is going to be a lot less work with just Caroline and Marta. The 2 of them together are extremely easy. We are almost through this "heavy" day...fitting that it's raining out right now...tomorrow a new adventure and the sun is supposed to shine!

Special Dates

It's been a great couple of days. I was able to take Isabel and Silas out on seperate "dates" on Monday. I had a sweet time with each of them.

Isabel and I went to Jaques French Resturaunt for a pastry. I was able to talk to her about our time in Colombia. She shared with me that every day was her favorite day. I went back through the things that we did, and she could not pick a favorite, she has enjoyed it all. I asked her if there was any day she did not like, and she said, "remember that 1 night when I cried and told you I wanted to go back to a family of 4?!" She said that was her only bad night, and that she is very happy that she has 2 new sisters. That was about day 4 into our adventure. She has loved it all, and poured her little heart and soul into it all! She shared that she does not want to go home without me, and saying good-bye to Camila was going to be very hard. These are very real feelings, and she has been a bit "out of sorts" these past couple of days...she knows what is coming, and is a bit nervous, and sad. I could keep her here with me so easy, but, I know it is time for her to return home, to school...It is time for her to go...I am going to miss her so much!

Silas and I went to his one and only favorite place...Mimos Ice Cream shop and play area. Silas always speaks what is on his mind. So, I told him I was going to say a word, and he had to tell me what he thought. We made it a game. I said, "Mimos," he said, "Mi favorito, Mama!" I said "Los Pisingos," he said, "My head hurts." I asked why...and he said, "por que cuando yo soy (because when I am) there, I feel very sick like I am never going to leave Bogota!" I said, "Camila" he said, "Es muy bonita!" I said, "Colombia" he said, "Don't like." I asked why...he said "because Caroline is now en mi familia." I said, "Avion" he said..."Cuando, manana?!?!...can I go tomorrow?!" You get the picture. Many parts of this journey has been extremely hard on our little man. But, even through the mess and difficulty of bringing 2 four year olds together, visiting the place that he lived for the first 9 1/2 months...playing with only girls...although, very difficult...he has grown... His Spanish is unbeleivable. He mixes it with his English, but, is not afraid to try and make mistakes. He understands and comprehends everything and is always correcting me. I feel very good about sending him home...only because I know that is where his heart is!

So, yesterday we wrapped things up, did haircuts, and one final outing with Camila. It's a bit surreal that part of us is heading home and part of us is staying...one thing is for certain, after 8 weeks we definitely "feel" more like a family, together no matter what, no matter how hard or easy it gets...no matter how much one likes each other or dislikes each other...we are a family...that is just how God planned us and made us to be...so we press on...

Parks, Parks, and More Parks

It was our last weekend as 6 in Bogota. The hotel continues to be quiet (come on Michigan families)! We have been very blessed by our Colombian friends. They have given of their time, their life stories, and shared in our experience!! If the hotel was full, we would never have had the many adventures that we've been on, we'd be to busy hanging out with all the families going on our own adventures. Don't get me wrong, we absolutley have incredible memories with our friends from the states that we have done this with in our previous adoptions...and have made lifelong friendships...but, with this being not only an adoption, but, also a "heritage" experience for Isabel and Silas...God knew that hanging out with our Colombian friends was just what we all needed! Katya, the owner of Paris, took us to an awesome park! We would never have discovered it on our own...one of very many things this woman has done for our family...

Silas has been very difficult these last couple of days. He is very homesick, tired of playing with only girls (that is the biggest bummer of our trip...there were no boys at the hotel...all the adoptive families have been adopting girls), his meltdowns very intense again...so, when Katya said she was taking us to an amusment type park, we were very happy to say yes...and as you can see...the cars were a big hit. It was very entertaining for John and I to watch Silas. His imagination is very big, as he had himself in a "Nascar" type race. He was in his glory!! It was a much needed break from all the "girly" stuff he has had to endure the last couple of weeks!

Caroline enjoyed it too...going to any park is her favorite thing to do...she asks every day if we can walk to the park...this park trumped them all!


Silas and Caroline still have some really rough moments, especially since John has been back...every once in a while you will find them enjoying each other...


Isabel is sad to leave Colombia...she and Camilla have had a wonderful time together...

Camilla is definitely the stronger personality...but, when we go to parks like these, Isabel is way more adventurous encouraging her to try new things...

It's fun to eat "real" Colombian food...it is typical for all the food to come on a large platter, and you just take what you want...lots of Carne (beef), Papas (potatoes,) Corn, and who knows what...

...we have really enjoyed Katya's hospitality at the hotel, but, even more, her graciousness to just hang out with us, and take us to places we would never have known about...

We also discovered a great (free) park and Museum for kids called Parque El Chico. We had a fun afternoon there too, until the rain came in...

John is going to miss snuggling and bonding with Marta, they have a strong connection, even though he is the much firmer one of the 2 of us with her...she is very stubborn...I will admit I'm pretty soft with her...she makes us both laugh!

I'm going to miss the kids running around the hotel after dinner doing their little songs and chants...Camilla the ring leader, has a lot of followers...

I have now begun to pack Isabel, Silas, and John up to leave on Wednesday. I am so happy that Silas is going to be home, he is beyond ready...and it will be good for Isabel to get back into the routine of life. Many have been wondering why we have not heard anything on our court case...actually our Representative has been very good keeping us informed...this is where we are...

We entered the courts on January 12 (because of the 4 week Holiday Shut down), that puts us 10 buiness days into the courts. The judge and Defender of Minors legally have 30 business days to review our case and sign (4x)...it could go much quicker, or not. We are known to be in a good court, so I don't anticipate the 4 stages will take the full 3o days...but, I also know I am in Colombia and anything can happen...

The bright side, Caroline and Marta have had to share me with Isabel and Silas for 8 weeks now...it will be very good for me to be able to key into just them before we head home to Michigan. It will also be good for Isabel and Silas to "settle" in to home before we all come home together. I have a feeling Isabel is going to be very tired being back at school the first week...and Silas and Caroline could use a little space from each other for a few days...John and I feel that the "intensity" of coming home will be cut in half by not all arriving at once...it is going to be a huge adjustment for all of us!!!

Ultimately God knows what is best, and has given me an unusual amount of peace with it all...there are a lot of MI families preparing to travel, and I look forward to seeing the Houseman family this weekend!

So, please pray for safe travels for John, Isabel and Silas on Wednesday...and ultimately that we all can be united again as a family of 6 in God's perfect timing and way! We made it almost 8 weeks! Wow!!! And our journey continues on...

Monseratte

Monseratte is the most famous peak in Bogota. This is a favorite for tourists and Bogotenos as it has incredible views of the city. Our kids really enjoyed taking the tram ride up...

...there is a church that is claimed to be the "place of miracles." That is why most every adoptive family end up making the trek up the mountain during their adoption in hopes that the miracle of "Sentencia" will take place. We obviously, just went because we wanted to show our kids how vast the city of Bogota is...

...the walk up to the church tells the story of Jesus' suffering and death on the cross...

...John again, my hero, pushing the stroller up the steep hike...

...once up, the kids took a break and enjoyed seeing "policia" and people watching on the steps...

...they all really enjoyed overlooking the city...

...Isabel the most intereted trying to figure out what hospital she was born in, where our hotel was, Pisingos, the park...

...both her and Silas freaked me out a few times looking over the edge...

...and Isabel doing what she does a lot..."dancing to her own beat"...off she went down some path, looking for another adventure...

...When she saw me, she said, "Come on Mom!" I opted to let her go on ahead by herself to see if she would really go down the steep rocks (and I wasn't up for this adventure)...sure enough...off she went...later on wanting to do it again...she begged Silas to come...he opted not to go...

Once we got Isabel back from her adventure, and out of the church (let me tell you, she soaks it all in, she just wanted to sit in a pew and listen to the Lord's prayer)...we then headed to the markets...the girls finding some cheap purses...

...had some lunch, made a wish in the wishing well...and back down the cable car...

another beautiful sunny, 70 degree day in Bogota!

More from the Barrio

I've had a few emails from Adoptive Colombia families with more questions regarding our visit to the barrio the other day...thought I would blog more instead of responding to all the emails.

We learned about Esperanza from the Knibbe family, who, also were able to visit with our Adoption Representative, Isabel Romero. So, we of course, asked if we could go visit. For many in the Adoption profession in Bogota, their jobs are so much bigger than their paycheck. They have a genuine concern for the children of Colombia and those living in poverty. There are several representatives that are encouraging their families to help Esperanza, that is how she has become known and helped among international families. In fact, we were prvileged to visit this barrio with the Danish Representative, Helena, and a wonderful family from Denmark. I have an even great respect and love for our Representatives, Isabel and Carmen...when you are doing "business" with them, of course, they have to act professional, but, we have seen a side to these beautiful caring women that we have not seen in previous adoptions...

How did our kids handle being there?! Isabel, again, taking it all in, very much understanding the reality of life here in Bogota. It was a great thing for her to experience...as she has the raw real pictures/smells in her mind...she will always have her birth family in her heart...I do not think that she will go through life "romantisizing or fantasizing" her birth story. She saw it, smelled it...and has a very deep understanding and gratitude as to why her birth mother made an adoption plan for her...from this experience, I think she has more love for her birthfamily, more love for us...and in her prayers every night, she is showing her gratitude to our loving Father for caring for her so very much...

For, our two 4 year olds, it was a very scary thing to experience. Silas, not showing fear, just expressing how badly he wanted to leave every 2 minutes...for Caroline, it was probably an all to familiar feeling, and she was very afraid being there...had I known the effects, I probably would have left her at the hotel with Valeria and Camilla...we had no idea what we were getting into when we left...so, of course, we went as a family. I am glad Silas was able to see it and smell it and walk it, even though he didn't like being there...I believe giving our kids reality, even at age 4 is a very good thing. Silas will remember this...and hopefully, Caroline on the other hand will soon forget this...

So, if you return to Bogota, and want to visit...it's worth asking...just no guarentee that you will be able to visit. I would encourage each of you in some small or big way to think of how you could gather donations (preschool supplies) or money to give to Esperazna...all of it will be used wisely and for God's glory. I would highly recommend bringing your kids of all ages, just not the ones you are adopting if they are a little older, and have a difficult life story (which, is probably all of them)...

So, hopefully I answered some of your questions...

I want to encourage each of you returning to adopt, to at least visit, take a taxi, and walk through a poor barrio...where we stay gives us all a "false" picture of what life could have been like for our kiddos...there is nothing more powerful than stepping foot into and touching the reality of it all.

Hope this helped! Email if you have more questions!

Esperanza's Casa

Today was even more sobering than our Pisingos tour. Today we walked a barrio where many of the children come from that enter the child's welfare system here in Bogota. We visited a village that makes their living "recycling." We see them on the busy streets of Bogota every day, in fact, the horse and carriage that I posted previously, could have belonged to a family that "recycles." It was a 30 minute van ride out of the city, which to me, blew me away that these people walk their "cart" or ride their horse and carriages into town, to pick up all the card board and junk...just to make a few pesos to feed their families...

... driving into this village gave us a very real picture of what many of Colombia's children coming into ICBF (children's welfare) came from...severe poverty...and where there is poverty there also is a lot of stealing to survive, abuse, neglect, alcohol and drug addiciton...Colombia has a crisis of this with so many older children in the system experiencing such a life. It is so easy to want to "romantisize" our children's birth stories...but, today, we had a raw picture, of what life could possibly have been like for each of them...we don't know for certain, but, we do know this is very real . . . and it was heart wrenching...

But, in the midst of heartache, poverty, and brokeness, there is this most amazing woman we met, named Esperanza. She has opened a house for children to teach, love, and care for, while their families are out trying to make a living "recycling" on the streets. This is a safe place for these children, and we could see the joy on their faces in being there. The town has great respect for her...and we learned nobody messes with Esperanza. One time she sent a dad to a local doctor, and he stole the doctor's computer and phone...when Esperanza found out, she was livid! She demanded he return it, and apoligize to the doctor...the dad could have wrote her off...but, sure enough, off he went back to the office, doing what she told him to do! Everything she does for the kids and the town (and let me tell you, she is one of them, poor, with very little) is all in the name of Jesus...and I wondered how can she run such a place?! After spending time with her, it's not her running the place...she is God's instrument...faithful, selfless, and full of His love for the people, especially the children, around her...

...the kids happy to be in the "Daycare" of Esperanza's house...for the most part it was clean, and neat...only smelling of strong urine and such from all the little ones...none had diapers, they just sit in their stench all day, because they are not old enough or trained to go to the potty...she does the best with what she has...Isabel and I thought this little one in the corner was a doll...laying all bundled up in one of 2 cribs that she has...I had to touch her face to make sure she was still breathing...

...she took us through some of the homes...here is a home that 3 families live in...this is their kitchen...

...and laundry...no clean water of course...coming from the river of sewage, or when it rains...from the dirt roads...


...to see the flies around, the uncooked chicken, the gross water, and dirty laudry was one thing...but, there are no words for the "smell" of poverty...none...

...in Bogota and surrounding cities it rains a ton...this family was happy that someone from Denmark donated $500 so that they could have a nice roof...but, as you can see, there are still holes in the openings...where rain can just pour in on a rainy day in the city...you can imagine the musty moldy smell we experienced while being in this home...and below this is considered a "palace" among the poor in this barrio where several families live together to pay the $200,000 pesos ($100) per month...

...and back to the kids...again, to see the faces...touch these faces, kiss these faces. . .

...this little girl drenched with urine...I couldn't help but put my arms around her and hug her for a short moment until we had to go...

...this little guy...looking lost...although this is all they know...to some, it is good, they are in a loving home, cared for by their parents, although they do not have much, they have the security of a loving family...but, for others, these children are victims of abuse, neglect, and a very difficult life...it does not seem fair...one thing to live in such a poverished surrounding...but, to see the bruised faces on some...again was too much to write about...

So, today, I am thanking God for Esperanza! Some, relating her to Mother Theresa. She has a heart of gold...and because of her faith...God has provided these kids with a safe, clean, shelter for at least 8 hours each day! It was so great to see all the donations from the uniforms, to the supplies, tables, food, that so many other caring families international and Colombian have offered to help out with! One poor woman's dream...trusting in one very BIG God..,and God bringing an army of His people to surround her and help her love and care for His most precious children!!!

We have to dream big friends and family!! And we must move in faith...even if it means jumping out of the boat, getting out of our comfortable life and getting our hands dirty...God has not promised this journey to be an easy one...but, He has promised to walk along side us wherever we go...God is with Esperanza! And she now has a whole village and support behind her!

Approaching 7 Weeks...

I realized in the taxi ride with Isabel, picking John up from the airport, that after 6 weeks, I still was not ready to come home. It felt so good to be picking John up, but, my heart was relieved that it was not us with our luggage in hand...listening to Isabel in the car, hearing how much she loves the big city, how much she has learned on this journey...was overwhelming to me, and I just said a prayer of thanks that God was giving our family 2 more weeks together in Bogota...

So, what have we been up to?! We actually haven't been up to a whole lot, it's the day to day...being "in it" that has been so rich and beautiful for me. Still it is not always easy, that has been part of the journey. When John was gone, I truly experiened the presence of the Holy Spirit like I have never had (your prayers have meant everything to me)...had family come to visit, it would have been fun, and wonderful, but, I would not have had to rely on my God each moment of everyday to get through the "grind" of being in a foreign land, trying to love and care for 4 kids, and experience the friendship of the wonderful people here happy to help. It was a great time for me...

Now John is back, and we are in a sense "relearning" how to parent together. We are wired very different, that is why it is so wonderful that we are doing this together! I love that we have uninteruppted time to "figure" things out, talk things through, as different issues arise with the kids. He can't just leave and go to work, we have to work through everything...and with 4 kids in the same room for almost 7 weeks, you can believe that issues arise. It is what it is...and right now, it is where God wants us! We have learned to not take each other so serious, and it is good that we can laugh about our difference...it is so good!! John is such an amazing dad, and to see him having to do it full-time for a few more weeks, has shown me how blessed I am to have him by my side on this journey...

The kids are well, the girls the most well...Caroline is slowly getting ready to come to the "states." She periodically will bring it up, as she will still bring Pisingos up in situations where she is feeling sad or things aren't going her way...but, every day she is trusting and feeling more secure with us. Since John has returned, she is much more affectionate towards him, and the bed time issue is completely not even an issue any more. 2 nights ago, I had tears in my eyes, walking into the room, seeing John snuggle with her, and her rubbing his face...so precious! We can't quite figure out why her and Silas have taken 2 steps backwards since John has returned...both wanting daddy's attention...

Silas is VERY ready to return home...Today at breakfast, John and I announced that they (him, Isabel, and Daddy) only have 1 more week left in Colombia...that we are going to make each day an adventure (even if it's just getting ice cream)... Silas instantly jumps up on his chair, does a little dance, and shouts "I'm going home! Woo Hoo!!!" Forget the the adventures...lets talk home! He and John are very much alike! They love home, like a nice plan for the day, and have a sensitive spirit...I love the boys in my life!!!


Isabel on the other hand...sat in her chair, had a big old frown on her face...clearly showing she is very content here. She just has had such a rich time, developed a sweet friendship with Camilla, and truly enjoys the big city of Bogota. She is so much like myself, enjoys the moment, and the little"adventures" we go on each day! I know she will be very happy to go home, she, like me, just won't think about it much until she is on the airplane...


The girls have a lot of fun after dinner at night...Isabel "sharing" her new friend very well with her little sister, Caroline. That is only if they are running around playing hide and seek. If it's playing dolls, house, or legos...well, let's just say that's another story...


John and I both discovered we would never have the patience to home school. So, glad that is not one of God's callings on our life...to all my home school friends...you are AMAZING!


Isabel likes going in the room we stayed in when we adopted her...she had the smallest little crib...we on the other hand, can't believe we survived in that little 10x10 room for 5 1/2 weeks...realizing we were covered in the grace of God...

Marta is SLOWLY eating a few more solids. Yesterday I fed her a Mango, and she ate most of it without spitting it out...

...but, her favorite...popcorn! Now, we know it is her stubborn personality with food...if she can eat popcorn with out choking...she must be able to eat more...every day we try...slowly very slowly she is coming around...

I (and Isabel) are going to miss the markets...it's a fun experience, even if you don't purchase anything. Walking around, smelling the food, listening to Latin Music...we really enjoy this...

We also enjoy the old architecture in Bogota...

...the walk to the markets is a peaceful, Colombian experience...artists on the streets selling their art, bands playing for a $$...

"Ciclovia" Sundays still remain my favorite...the kids really enjoy running on the streets...

Isabel gets a kick out of what people do to earn a $$...

John prefers hanging out at the parks watching a little "street futbol."

...this is typical in Bogota...seeing all sorts of new and very old cars on the streets, along with cows, and yes, many horse and carriage...

So, as we approach 7 weeks, I am so very grateful for yet another Colombian experience, with now our family of 6!! God has cared for us, protected us, and given us some rich time, not just going out on our "adventures" but, more importantly a rich time seeking His face on this journey...being a parent of 4 kids is very humbling...especially parenting two 4 year olds!

Many have asked, "How are you, really, Kristi?" Let's just say, I know I am here until God wants me to go home. I trust Him with my whole heart, and my prayer all along is that each one of our kids is here as long as God desires them to be...so, if that means that John, Isabel, and Silas need to travel home before the rest of us, than that is what it means. It is out of my hands, and I trust God completely. Would it be nice if we could all fly home together...absolutely! Is it God's will for us?! We won't know until next week...it's not looking that way, and I am ok with that. But, I also know that miracles can happen...I hold it loose!