Our First Week Home

For me, it was a week of being very tired, letting the suitcases sit, letting my house be a total disaster...getting "reaquainted" with the kitchen, the wash machine, the school and church schedules...John and I figuring out how to do this thing called "family." It was a week of visitors, fellowship...and amidst all of that...a week nothing short of sheer JOY!! We had no idea how all our kids were going to respond, 2 of them to a new culture and way of life...life in Michigan is a much faster pace for our girls than what it was in Colombia...and things could not be going better!! Not to say that we don't have challenges, but, in reflecting on the last 11+ weeks much progress has been made...Here's a glimpse into our first week as 6 in Michigan...

Isabel and Silas were very excited for Caroline to play in the snow with them...she braved her first venture out in the freezing cold for about 10 minutes, and then decided it was nice, but, would rather watch the kids play out back from the kitchen window where it was cozy and warm...bless her little soul, the next day, she wanted to venture out with Silas while Isabel was at school. 2 minutes later, she came stomping in with blood all over her face...Silas had accidently hit her in the mouth with a shovel...she is a brave one...handled the episode with a few tears and forgiveness...and now very happy to venture out in the snow when big bro and sis come home after school (the shovels are put away)!!

Caroline could not wait to meet her new extended family...as you can see below she is very fond of Sawyer and Ally. She has already had an outing to their house, where John and I had to leave for 2 hours, and had a blast!! No fears, no worries...happy as can be!! This is the Caroline we are seeing more and more, as she is showing so much security with us, now that we are home. She does not test us like she used to, no more tantrums, less whining...I am so proud of her. Healing is taking place, trust is being built stronger...

Uncle Kevin and Aunt Marcy stopped by first...and after a minute, it was like the kids had known them all their lives...a big help to this was all the photos I could pull up on the computer of family while in Colombia...it was one of Caroline's favorite things to do...

...Cousins are the best...

...and then at night Uncle Curt and Aunt Kim's family came over with Grandpa and Grandma VS...they were all excited and happy to meet more new boy cousins...

Uncle Curt has a special gift with little ones...and within 2 minutes he already stole Caroline's heart...she did not want to let him go when it was time to go home...she keeps asking me when she gets to go visit their house...

Ahhh...our family and friends continue to amaze and bless us! From a freezer full of meals and goodies, to my cousin just making a meal for us tonight...to John coming home with a special gift from my friends at school...I could go on and on...one night we had so much fun opening the mail, where we each had a little note, a special request for each of us...and then a gift card for each of us to share with the rest of the family, from Captain Sunday, to Sweet Treats...Melinda and Brent, we had a blast with that...so creative!!!

Isabel has had a bit of a hard time wanting to let her little sisters in her room. Caroline is very curious, and wants everything that she has...Isabel has been pushing especially Caroline away...but, when bath time hits...it is a very special bonding time for them, and I can tell that in their hearts, they are really becoming "sisters."

Silas and Isabel have always enjoyed putting on "shows" for John and I. They both LOVE music, Isabel loves to dance, Silas loves making us laugh...and we are very happy to see that whenever they go off and "practice" they always include Caroline in this...another fun thing that is allowing them to slowly bond...we have found that Caroline is our "pleaser" and she wants to do everything well...encouragment goes a very long ways with her...

And yes, I did not forget about Marta. How could we?! She has done some very amazing things this week...our little strong-willed wonderful one has given us a few surprises...

She is WALKING...solo...no help...

She is always making all of us laugh...it's her mischevious personality, her buck teeth, her temper tantrums...It is not in John's personality to tease and pester, but, with Marta he just can't help it...

And...she is not spitting every solid food out anymore. We have witnessed her eating lasagna, soup, chicken, cereal, fruit...she still can get upset with her choice of foods, BUT, in 1 week, with not giving her any choices (hotel Paris was great...but, they loved serving her big helpings of oatmeal when she sqwaaked loudly...she learned quickly that wasn't going to happen at home)

...and if she is thirsty enough, she will drink out of a sippie cup...we have won this battle (most days)...and we all are happier!!!

When Silas is home, he and Caroline can play well together. I still have to put out a few arguments a day, listen to Caroline tattle repetatively, watch Silas come unglued on her or me when he thinks we just aren't being fair, and always keep a very close eye on 2 very curious 4 year olds...

When Silas is at school, I will find Caroline "mothering" Marta...although Marta does not respond well to her "mothering" as Marta likes to be in full control of their play...as you can see below, Caroline just wants to help Marta with the stroller...she approaches her very gently and kind...

...Marta does not like any help or any instruction...although she can not talk, she uses her grunts, screams, and facial expressions to get what she wants with her siblings...letting out a naughty giggle every time. I'm just waiting for Silas to not find it very cute, just once, and come unglued on her like he does his other 2 sisters...

After being home 1 week, I turned a corner...it was a really hard transition for me that first week. I expected it to be. Thanks to my parents for babysitting, getting all 4 kiddos down, so John and I could just sit and talk for a few hours...that really helped both of us get our "bearings" and together are now ready to face life as a family of six...

God has been so good and kind to our family...giving us our hearts desires...a home full of laughter and chaos!! His ways are not our ways, sometimes the road to follow is long and difficult...but, man, it is so worth moving towards Him in obedience when He lays something, big or small, on our hearts!! Worth it all!! So worth it!!!

Welcome Home Caroline and Marta!!

Detroit Airport...

No need to journal this post...as you can see...it is SO GOOD to be reunited as a family of 6!

Our Day of Travel

Our day of travel didn't start off as we had expected. When Johnny took us to the airport we discovered that our flight was cancelled. Bags packed, kiddos excited to go to "Estados Unidos..." What were we going to do...

Well, showing a little (ok a lot of ) emotion, and a lot of effort from Delta,we were soon put on an Avianca airplane to Miami, FL. It departed the same time as the Delta flight was suppossed to depart...but, after 1 1/2 hours of trying to switch everything over, I was literally running with the girls in the stroller through the gate, entering the plane with only 5 minutes to spare.

The girls were absolutely amazing the the plane, sleeping the whole flight to Miami (ok, I confess, a little kids dramamine calmed the spirits). From there we went through immigration (which went very smoothly). It's a different feeling arriving in the Miami airport than Atlanta. It did not feel like I was on American turf just yet...I think I was the only American in the airport until I went to sit at our gate that was headed to Detroit.

With 30 minutes to spare, we had a snack and boarded the airplance. They upgraded us to first class for the "hassle" Delta put us through...this flight went quickly, only 1 little meltdown from Caroline....and then we landed in Detroit. The only bummer was that other than Grandparents, famiily and friends couldn't come to the airport...I played that up with the girls, so, Caroline was wondering where everyone was. But, it really went well...and was so fun to arrive home at 11pm and watch Caroline and Marta take in their new home. By the time Isabel and Silas showed them around...we hit the pillows at 1 am...and all slept sound late into the morning!!

It's good to be home!!! So GOOD!!!

Sentencia Party

This is it...our last photos taken in Colombia...

We spent our last week in Bogota with the Houseman family, Thompson family, and a family from France...precious children...

...the band...

...Guillermo and Marta...

...Dave and Tammy...I am going to miss you...

...my sweet daughter was determined to have a front row seat...

...Valeria getting Dave on his feet...

...precious Camila forever in our hearts...

...Camila's Papi...

...Caroline enjoying the night (once she overcame the loud music)...

...the best cook in Colombia...Juanita...

...Katya loving on my girl...

Good bye Colombia!!

Good-Byes

I wanted to end this journey with one more blog entry before I am home. With my internet still down I can not post any pictures, but, I want to journal my thoughts, as always, the last day in Colombia is a very bitter sweet day for me. I have tears streaming down my face as I am typing. It is hard to say good-bye to so many dear friends. It is hard to say good-bye to the place that has been my daughter's home for the last 4 years (and of course, Marta, 20 months)...take a breath, Kristi...not only has this been our home for the last 10 1/2 weeks...but, Colombia has been in our hearts for the last 7 years...and will forever have a place deep within us! It is where God has formed our family, it is where our Representatives and Hotel staff were once just that, but, now life long friends...it is a beautiful country full of joy and despair...poverty and hope...

So, to give you a glimpse at the lat 24 hours. Last night we had our Sentencia party! Everyone taking lots of photos, Juanita making my favorite meal (Rice, Carne, Queso, and the BEST guacomole/advocado dip)!! And as dinner was winding up, Katya, again surprised us with the Colombian band that came in...more desserts...lots of dancing...at this point my heart was overwhelmed with gratitude for all that the hotel staff has done for our family...and yet it was such a special time, I couldn't help but ache to have the rest of us (John, Isabel, Silas) here. Isabel would have had so much fun dancing and meeting Camila's papi. Caroline and Marta enjoyed it...I think Marta is going to be the other dancer in the family.

And then today...we had a quiet morning of packing...still can't close my suitcases...ay!! And after lunch it was a quick run to Mimos for Caroline and Jacob Houseman, one last stop at the bank, and a pastry store to buy treats for the Hotel and Isabel Romero. Isabel then picked me up this after noon and we headed back to the Embassy. We couldn't really look at each other when we talked because neither one of us wanted to cry. We picked up the girls visas. She took me back to her home to meet her grandson, Julian because I was giving her the business that he wasn't at the Christmas party, and he is very special to her...when his mother died,he lived with her...and she has raised him the last 5 years. It also gave me a chance to say good-bye to Carmen. She was so precious...she handed me this small little pouch, and in that pouch was something small for each of the kids to give to them in the future to remind them of their roots, and encourage them to be all that they can be in the future...precious...then Isabel and I said our good-byes...that was very hard...her and I have connected in a very different way this time around...she is like an aunt and a very dear friend to me...then Katya comes upstairs...closes the door, and just hugs Marta and cries. Katya still calls me "Mrs." A while ago I told her she could call me Kristi, but, it is a sign of respect to call someone "Senora or Mrs." We hugged and cried. She can come across a bit abrupt and bossy at times...but, has found a special place in my heart.

And again, tonight, they made my 2nd favorite meal...lasagna Camila took a bath with Caroline...and then dined with us. She told her mom that she was going to come live with us in Michigan...oh she wants to live in the states (and so does her mom)...and then I said my good-byes to all the wonderful staff (Juanita, Guirellmo, Valeria, Carolina)...expained as much as I can about our big day tomorrow for Caroline, tucked them in...and sat in the room and cried.

So, I've said many good-byes today. That was hard...last time with Silas we knew we were going to return for another adoption...there is something much more final about this time...even if we return in the future...a vacation or mission trip is so different from an adoption experience...This journey truly has been a journey of faith, maybe that is why it is hard to say good-bye...I had many "desert" days here (when john went home the first time...and the last 2 week stretch), where I had nothing but a desperate need for Jesus to get me through...there is something beautiful about that...and letting my Jesus fill me up...some days it took all that I had...and then God surrounded me with amazing friends here...and amazing friends back home praying...I still am overwhelmed with emotion when I think about that...

And ahhh...on to the next part of this venture. I am SO excited to see my family and friends it almost hurts!! I miss John, Isabel, and Silas so much that I flood with tears when I think about them! Although flying is not my favorite thing to do in the world...and taking 2 new little ones on the plane, through immigration, sitting at layovers is a dreadful thought to me...I am READY and I think able to get through tomorrow...prayer warriors please don't stop. I can tell Caroline has such a mix of emotions. She is excited, very nervous, one minute talking all about it, the next, not so sure....Marta, well, you never know with Marta...she is our stubborn one, with a bit of a temper, so, hopefully will keep her cool tomorrow!

That's it from Colombia! Again, faithful followers and prayer warriors...I could not have done this without you! I praise God for you...and can't wait to see many of you at home!!!

We're Coming Home...Saturday!!!

It's 12:30...and everything has gone as hoped this morning.  I had an interview with the US Embassy, and the girls visas are being processed... Isabel R. and I will go to pick them up at 3:30 tomorrow afternoon.  

Family, my computer is still down, so, I can not skype you to go over the details.  I could not open our flights on this computer...I do know we will be arriving in GR Saturday Night!!!

Keep little Caroline in your prayers...she has been a roller coaster this week...so much for her to take in all at once (including a measles immunization and  a visit to the dentist...with Isabel's nephew-in-law...we accomplished 2 fillings on the 2 worst teeth that were really bothering her...but, she still has a mouth full of cavities!!!  Poor things)!

This afternoon will be spent packing, packing, and packing...and tonight a party to celebrate!!!

The Paper Chase Continues...

My computer is down right now...so, I am borrowing the Housemans computer (they have been my angels this last week...just when I felt like I was going to fizzle, there they were)!!!

But, I wanted to give family a heads up as to what is going on...

Tomorrow morning first thing we are off to pick up our "conformity" letter from ICBF.  If that happens by 10:30, we head to the US Embassy with the girls for a long appointment...it takes 24 hours to process the girls visa, but, if that goes well, we can pick them up on Friday.  

So, I tentatively booked our flights for Saturday.  That would put us in GR airport at 9:20.  If the above does not go as planned, then it will be Tuesday or Weds. as Friday the Embassy is closed for processing...and Tuesday flights are "iffy" as the plane is almost full...so keep praying.

I'll keep you posted once I know more!!

Moving Along...

What a long day! You haven't heard me talk much about Carmen. She is by far one of my favorite people in Colombia! She is Isabel's assistant (niece), and typically helps families get through all the Sentencia paperwork. I adore this faith-filled, soft-spoken, wear her "heart on her shoulder" kind of a woman! So, today it was her and I on a grand mission.

She (and the taxi driver) picked me up at 8:30, we drove downtown Bogota to one of the worst parts of town. That was the notary where the girls were relinquished, and that is where we needed to get their new birth certificates. We entered into this run down notary (much different from previous adoptions) and it was jammed packed full. We looked at each other and thought it may be days before we receive their birth certificates...well, after standing for 2 hours...again, correcting a few mistakes...leaving for an hour...waiting for another 2 hours...we left with the girls new birth certificates (1st miracle of the day)...with little time to spare we called Valeria at the hotel, had her get the girls ready and out the door, so we could take them to get their passport photos and passports...the clock was ticking. We arrived 2 minutes before they closed. We ran in, rushed the girls to the photo center, and were the last ones that they let into the passport application center. Because the workers were anxious to leave, they did not check through our Sentencia paperwork (which we found 2 more errors after we left the courts yesterday)...this was good, because within 5 minutes our girls were issued their Colombian Passports...we were the last ones to leave the building (miracle #2)...Isabel quick called the Embassy Doctor to see if he could squeeze us in...and received a yes...off to the Doctor...he too, looked passed a few errors, checked the girls all over, gave Caroline an immunization for Measels, etc...and told me how "gorda" Marta was...and then issued what we needed to take to the US Embassy (miracle #3)...during that period Carmen was off to Pisingos to get the docuements sent off to ICBF...our paperwork chase ending at 7pm...the girls and I hungry and tired...

Big things happened for us today...and if ICBF continues to cooperate (new step in the process)...we will be able to go to the US Embassy tomorrow, pick up the girls Visas on Thursday...and be home by Saturday (if flights aren't full)...this is best case...it all hinges on whether or not ICBF issues the document we need for the embassy...we'll know tomorrow!

Carmen...she is sooo special...we had a lot of down time today as we waited...I learned so much about this dear woman who loves God so much...her life...living in South of Bogota which is known to be full of poverty and despair...I thanked her at the end of the day for all that she did for us...and she said, "I didn't do anything...that was all God!"

Answered Prayer...SENTENCIA!!!

That's right...God heard our prayers...and SENTENCIA came our way today!!! It's been whirlwind of a day. I was in the middle of getting my haircut at the hotel when Isabel called. She was very calm at first, sharing that she talked to our attorney this morning...the attorney had already spoken with the judge, and the judge told her that courts were closed...as you can see below (if you understand Spanish) that indeed Court 6 is closed the whole month of February...

...and the judge said NO. Isabel pushed harder...the attorney tried one more time with the judge, and the judge then agreed to meet her at the courts this morning. We still needed the Defender's signature (which they are allowed 5 business days)...but, the judge then convinced the Defender to sign off our case...I cried so hard when I hung up the phone. Caroline was right with me...I told her "Mami es muy feliz para usted es mi hija siempre!" She understood exactly what I meant (even though it was all "spanglished" up in emotion), and we hugged for a very long time...but, then she freaked out when she saw me getting ready to leave because she thought I was leaving to go to the United States without her...no kids allowed to come to the signing...thankfully Valeria was right there explaining everything to her...Caroline is still taking it all in! (please pray for her...I was gone a long time today and have to leave first thing tomorrow...her emotions are all over the place right now)!

At 1:oo pm, Johnny, Carmen, and myself headed downtown to court 6...after 4 hours of correcting errors on our final decree (like John's name, Caroline's birthdate, the girl's birth last name, my maiden name...) You know, we were actually in a good court, I discovered it was our attorney who dropped the ball on us! What she did in one day, Isabel and Carmen had been trying to get her to do 2 weeks ago. But, I signed, and that is what matters!!!

So, it's official!! Caroline Nicole and Marta Tatiana are offically Vander Maas'...we made it through the first step of many to come home!! Tomorrow morning first thing, Carmen and I are off to the Notary where the girls were relinquished. Please pray the documents we need turn in 1 day (usually takes 2)...if it does we have a good chance to come home by Saturday...if not, I'm quite sure I will be here until Tuesday or Wednesday of next week...regardless...it's a happy day! And once we get through all the paperwork hurdles (notary, passports, US embassy Doctor, Us Embassy, Visas)...we will be coming home!!! Prayer warriors...you're awesome!!! God heard...and ANSWERED!

BLESSED

To my El Puente friends, I'm sure you remember the face below with our girls...Nico! Last year Nico lived with the Fennema family in Holland, as an exchange student for 10 months. I got to know him a bit, as he always showed interest in our kids when he'd pick up Sammi (Isabel's friend) from Kindergarten. God blessed me on Saturday, and I had no idea that it would be through an exchange student that lived in MI, that I barely new...I was feeling a little blue from our discouraging news the day before and Nico was able to bring a little home my way (like telling me how much he didn't like the snow-I needed that reminder-how much he loved Russ'-and how special his little "hermanita" Sammi was to him)! He also shared more of this great country with me...

This day also reminded me what a gift our school is for the kids (and us as parents)...we read often in the Blue Notes... "Blessed to be a Blessing!" Last year Nico was blessed forever by the Fennema family...today God used him to bless me! Amazing that in a foreign land, seeing a familiar face from school was just what I needed being away from home...not only was he a familiar face, we had non-stop conversation for 4 hours...in MI I could barely communicate with him, but, the fact that he has learned more English, and I Spanish, allowed us to have a wonderful time getting to know more about each other's home lands...and that is why El Puente is so special...Saturday I experienced first hand the true meaning of El Puente ( "the bridge")...my world was opened up when I wasn't expecting it...Nico blessed me on Saturday...

And then on Sunday, Tias Isabel and Katya, took me out for the afternoon. I always wanted to go downtown Bogota. I've been to the "old" downtown, La Candeleria, and loved it...but, I wanted to see more of what went on in the heart of the city...it is not a place "foreigners" can just walk, as Isabel said she would never let a family come there with out her. So, again, I was blessed by our Representative, Isabel Romero. We took her car, had a blast walking the streets, having a pastry at some shop, walking the antique markets, having a goofy "old fashioned" photo taken of the 3 of us, and then ending with lunch. These 2 women have given of their time to our family...and today, I could enjoy just the 2 of them on a personal level. It was overwhelming once again taking in the heart of the city...the poverty great, the junk, pornagraphy every where (men here do not have a chance)...but, amidst all of that, the smell of the corn roasting, children laughing, music playing...there was beauty in the mess of it all...and I was so blessed!

And then that night I opened an email from my mother-in-law...and she shared some pics of the kids from Saturday. They are always on the back of my mind...and it was so fun to see what they have been up to that Saturday...Grandpa and Grandma VM took them on a scavenger hunt through the mall...

...and ended up at "Build a Bear" to make a special animal for Caroline and Marta...

...then back home to show daddy what they did...

Right now, while I am away...I have 2 sets of parents working hard every day to help John out with the kids...getting them off to school, helping with meals, doing laundry, homework, etc...and again...God reminded me...that I am so BLESSED!! And it doesn't end there...the emails I have received from friends and family (even total strangers) were so overwhelming...they brought me to tears and my knees praising God for all that He is doing and has done!!! "Blessed to be a Blessing"...a simple statement said over and over and over in my world...but, it is what we are here for, I don't think we can say it, or work on blessing others enough!!

Faithful Prayer Warriors...We need a Miracle!!

Yes, I received some discouraging news this afternoon. Our Represenative stopped by the Hotel while I was out having fun with the Houseman family, and then called when I returned...I found out our court (Court 6 - a "good" court mind you) is going through some changes and will not be open until the END of February! Isabel, our Representative, shared how our attorney is going to work very hard to get our case signed early next week. She also shared how the Director of Pisingos told her on Monday that we were going to get Sentencia on Thursday (yesterday)...she did not tell me, because she knows he can say these things but, then they do not happen (future families, he is the most wonderful man-but a people pleaser)...well, it has not happended for us...and it will take a miracle to sign Sentencia next week! A MIRACLE if I am home by the end of the month!!!

So, how are we dealing with this?! I'd be lying if I said I wasn't mad...and sad...and my mind starts going back to our agency and the big "oopsie" they made with our paperwork in early September that costed us 5 weeks (yes, that would have put us in Colombia in early November)...and my mind can go to the "oopsie" Pisingos made with our Defender of Minors appt., costing us to not get in the courts until after the holiday shut down on January 12...I could really sit on this and become bitter and angry quickly...but, where would that get me?! No where...so, I just began to pray scripture and let it fall on my heart...and the Holy Spirit has poured over me shalom!! Is my saddness gone? No...I'm pretty heavy right now. How can I be peaceful and sad at the same time?! Peaceful because my God is faithful, He is my hope, my refuge...He is here, and this is where HE WANTS ME (and Caroline and Marta)...my HOPE is in Him, not the courts, or the judge...when I learn that I could be here until March, my heart longs to be home...and that is what makes me very sad!!!

So how can my feelings shift with one conversation from my Representative?! It's not a done deal yet...mentally, I prepared my mind to be here 10 weeks...I thought that is legit...gives the courts plenty of time, even with the "shut down." So, I can't jump to conclusions just yet. It just is a possiblity that never has crossed my mind. Having my visa expire?! But, even that...I feel I can handle...I am surrounded by some very special people encouraging me along the way (that would be Isabel, Carmen, Valeria, Juanita, and now, the Houseman family)! The hard part is when I'm tucking Caroline in bed at night and she is crying for her Papi and telling me she wants to live in Michigan...her heart is so ready...like I have never seen it...how does a little 4 year old comprehend what is taking place. Tonight I just wept right with her...her cry was painful, deep, one I have not heard yet, probably like the cry she had for her birth mom when she never came back for her...it's to much to hear, it does not seem fair that this precious little girl needs to ever wonder about if she is going to see her Papi again...she longs to see him! She is at a wonderful place to come home! And then, John and the kiddos back home...doing it...but, it's been hard...So, there you have it...a day ending with heavy hearts...hoping for a miracle early next week! We'll probably know by mid week if the judge will sign or we have to wait...

On to our adventures...the last couple of days have been fun. We met with Ernie, Christy, and their 3 boys, Jaider, Jerson, and ChooCho! Caroline lived with them at Pisingos for over a year...they were her buddies. She was so happy to see them for a bit and finds it very great that they are moving to the United States, too! She comprehends all this, and the whole walk home talked a hundred miles a minute about them, Pisingos, Michigan...she continues to amaze me how well she speaks, shares her thoughts and feelings...she is a leader I am discovering (sometimes a bit bossy according to Jacaob Houseman)...it was fun to see her interact with her amigos!

Caroline and Jaider...

And today we took a taxi to Park 93. It's a peaceful park, nice to see a new site...and the Houseman Family were gracious enough to let us eat at an American Resturaunt-Fridays. I have just started craving it a bit...the park was relaxing, the food tasted really good to me, and then we walked to "Atlantis" Mall (an upscale Mall a few miles from the park)...again, I was amazed how we navigated to the mall in our broken Spanglish...I was rather proud of us! The real adventure didn't begin until we were ready to head home. We tried to flag a taxi, but, for some odd reason none of them wanted to stop and pick us up...so, we began to walk, and walk, and walk...a few stopped, saw the big daddy stroller I was pushing, shook their heads and drove away...ok, at this point I'm feeling a bit angry with the taxi drivers...so, I stepped down into the road, saw a nice big taxi car (some are very small)...flagged him down, he slowed down, I walked towards him, he started shaking his head no when he saw the stroller, I got right up to his window, and don't even remember what came out of my mouth...but, soon, he got out of us car, loaded us up, and drove us back to the hotel...just in time before the rain came in...What a hoot! I'm not sure Dave and Tammy are going to want to flag a taxi with me again...the big double stroller gets a lot of rejection on the town!!

And on to Marta...oh she is just a riot! She remains stubborn, mealtime a total challenge yet, she loves to push her limits and then smile at you, she wants to talk so badly...she giggles all the time, sqwaks all the time during meal time (sorry Dave and Tammy)...her eyes bright, she's sharp, just can't express herself yet! Today when I heard the discouraging news on our case...she is right there slapping my arm, trying to tell me to tickle her and make her giggle...she totally has the ability to walk, just doesn't want to...a bit lazy...so, her clothes are always dirty...she's going to put holes in all her pants before we come home...she continues to be busy and into everything...she "power" crawls and is a speedster strolling along furniture...

She is getting bigger and rounder...and totally breaking my back...so, the other day, I did get a massage ($20 for an hour)...her eyes are always watching me...and they melt my heart...

Luciana is a little peanut next to her...Katya wants me to start slapping her hand when she sucks her thumb...I don't think so...I know a good orthodontist who can take care of her buck teeth...it's to precious...in Katya's defense, her thumbs are rather raw...no I should say bruised and puffy from all the sucking...

I love this picture...because she can't express herself she has become very animated...below she is saying "I don't know?!" Neither do we little Marta, neither do we!!!

"Consider it pure JOY, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because the testing of your faith develops PERSERVERANCE. Perserverance must finish it's work, so, that you may be mature and complete, not lacking ANYTHING! If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him! But, when he asks he must believe and not doubt, because he who doubts is like the wave of the sea, blown and tossed in the wind...BLESSED is the man who PERSERVERES under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him!" from James 1

My new focus has become perserverance! Family, I NEED you to not get down and frustrated right now...I NEED you to perservere right along with me!!! This is God's way...let's end this well!!!!

9 WEEKS!!!

Wowza! Did I just type NINE WEEKS?! I just flipped my calendar yesterday...funny how I have lost track of time and days while being here...my days are based on "Oh, it's pancakes for breakfast, it must be Sunday." I officially feel like I am becoming a citizen of Colombia!! I go to the bank and somebody tells me the machines are down, and I understand every word he is saying, I check out at the Carulla Grocery Store and I understand every single word they are speaking to me...amazing! Caroline tells me big imaginative long stories, and I get about three quarters of it! 9 weeks of being immersed in the Colombian culture, 3 adoptions later (equals a total of 20 weeks)...and I am FINALLY able to take in the culture in a way I always have wanted that I love so dearly.

My communication skills are very "elementary" but, I have navigated my way around, and have become very comfortable being out on the town...solo with my 2 precious hijas! This is no small town, either...9 million people from all different walks...it is just an experience to walk the streets. I love it!

If I were told when we adopted Isabel that I was going to be solo with a 20 month old and a 4 year old who do not speak a lick of English (well, one doesn't speak at all), that have had a traumatic past..I would have wanted to run to another life. I remember that it wasn't even an option in my mind for John to go home in our 2 previous adoptions...no way could I handle being alone in a foreign land with my baby...well, God has done a mighty work...it has taken 2 adoptions, and a 3 year journey to our girls...a total of 6 1/2 years...and here I am...laying in bed blogging, looking out at the mountains and blue sky, while my 2 little girls are sound asleep napping...I'm not home, I am here....this is where God wants me right now. And I am good. I want to be where my God wants me...everyday! If I did not have this faith, I would be very weak..because myself alone, I am so weak...I am walking on God's grace, relying soley on His strength, experiencing that His mercies truly are new every morning...and His grace is sufficient! God is my rock...and in Him I put my whole trust!! I am looking at my 2 precious ones sleeping peacefully...The last 6 1/2 years has brought 4 amazing Colombian born kids to the Vander Maas family...and I have to ask myself...who am I to deserve such precious treasures from heaven!?

I keep getting asked..."Kristi, when are you coming home?! Have you heard anything?" Well, let's just say today I heard it is going to be very soon...hmmm...what's soon?! Today?! A week?! Colombian time is so unpredictable...soon could mean anything (a family we're hanging out with tomorrow, arrived the 17th of January and going home on Friday, there is no rhyme or reason to the judicial system here, other than God has a plan for each of us)...I am ok with this...because God has been faithful on this journey and is slowly preparing our hearts, especially Caroline, to return home...

Family and faithful friends following along...I just love you all! Thanks for walking along side of us on this journey. The emails I have gotten are overwhelming, and in my down time have so enjoyed having contact with you...it is going to be so wonderful to see you all!! God bless you for your prayers and encouragement (you know who you are)!!! It truly is because of you that I am still smiling...I know what the girls and I have to look forward to when we return home...I find joy in the anticipation of it all!!

"Do you not know, have you not heard, the Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He will not grow tired or weary. His understanding no one can fathom. He gives strength to the weary , and increases the power of the weak...But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint." Is. 40:28-31

Fitting how this chapter in the Bible is encouraging me right now. 3 years ago while John and I spent an hour of prayer in the Boiler Room in Grand Rapids...we prayed over this chapter. It was the very beginning of our journey seeking God's face on this adoption...that night we new God was stretching us to something more than a healthy baby...and wow, has He stretched us in a beautiful way! Glorify His name with us!

The Star of the Day

Introducing the newest Colombiana amiga coming to Hudsonville, Michigan...

Luciana Valentina Houseman!!!

Dave, Tammy, and Jacob have waited a very long time for their precious daughter and sister...and it has been fun to share in this experience with this awesome family!!

And Caroline has thoroughly enjoyed Jacob. He is such a little gentleman. Playing with him has helped in her excitment to coming to MI. I think she is going to learn more Engish from him in the next week than she has from John and I this whole trip. Amazing how kids communicate and can have fun playing in different languages!

So happy the Houseman's are here! I couldn't be with a more laid back easy family during my last days in Colombia! (Charps, they remind me of you guys)...a gift as this journey continues to become long...

You can follow their journey at www.thehousemanfamily.blogspot.com