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!