First, we will post pictures and contact info for the apartment we are staying in later tonight, we strongly recommend them.
Almost 4 years ago when we first came to Colombia we were not very well prepared for the waiting period between gotcha day and sentecia. It can be difficult if there is not as park within walking distance. In any case you should expect to spend quite a bit of time in your apartment or bed and breakfast. We recommend an apartment if possible as it allows just your family to bond without outside disruptions.
Interact with the people. We didn't do a lot of that last time- our loss for sure. This time I am attemting to interact more with the apartment staff, they appreciate me trying even with VERY bad Spanish. We are finding the people in Cali very welcoming, and I think this may be in part to us trying harder. Obviously, most are not used to seeing a family with 11 kids walking the streets of Cali- this time when we notice people talking about the famila grande, if they are close enough I am saying Buenos Dias! And am getting a good responce - I think!
Becase you will be closed in a lot you really need to bring a lot of things for the children to play. Toys books ect... are very expensive here - at least in the places we found in both Bogota and Cali. Last time we brought a few videos, a couple of coloring book type things and not a lot else. We went stir crazy because the kids had nothing to do- that made it hard on everyone. Bring more activities and less clothes! Here is a listing of most of the things we brought this time:
1) Card games (uno, old maid, phase 10, go fish, memory match, playing cards, i spy, blink)
2) Bilingual Zingo (bingo like game)
3) 24 pack of playdough (I know it's messy, but worth it)
4) Play foam (like pladough but not messy)
5) About 10 coloring books with around 5 boxes of crayons
6) a couple dozen matchbox cars.
7) 4 dolls + some doll cloths
8) spiral note books with pens and pencils
9) Videos you can play in your computer DVD drive. This time our TV has an HDMI port - bring HDMI cable
10) Books for the older kids to read
11) Music CDs or the digital equivelent; about 2 doven videos (and we are not a TV kind of family!)
12) A bag of toys for our two - two year olds
And probably other things I have forgoten!!
Don't be afraid to try the things you find in the super market- we did not buy anything from street vendors.
We have washing machine in our apartment- this is amazing last time we did not and having the hotel do you laundry is VERY expensive.
You want all the contact you can get from back home while you are here. Even if you don't normally use social media, get on Facebook for your time down here. We are haviing 15- 20 times more contact with friends and family because of FB. It means A LOT to hear from home while you are here. We have found people more willing to comment on our facebook entries than our adoption blog. If you don't know how to use Skype, you need to learn before heading down here. If your laptop has a biuld in camera and mic you can video call back home and it is free, software download is also free. You can also but a camera and/or mic for your lap top that plugs in a USB port. Make sure to make a test skype call before you leave home.
We have some picky eaters and one with a milk alergy, we brough snacks for each of these. Also, this time we brough a nalgene water bottle for each child, so we can be sure they have reliable water anywhere we go - also brought one of these for the two new guys, but fill theirs from the tap since they are used to the local water supply.
During your first week, expect your new children will test your rule and boundries, don't let them disreguard your rules. The first trip we let too much go the first week because we worried they might reject us at integration day- don't do that. Enforce your family standards. We have done this from first minute this time and things are much better. Don't worry- they will love you even with rules!!! Maybe even more because they realize you care. Just because they try you doesnt mean they dont love you, just trying to figure out what they can get away with- like every kid!
Learn about google translate. Bring a picture Spanish English dictionary- one that includes verbs if you can.
Enjoy the climax of your adoption journey!!! God has brought you here and has marvelous plans for you and your new ninos.
God bless- Jim and Betty
Why "Eight Is Not Enough"?
When we were younger, there was a television sitcom that was called "Eight is Enough". The television watching world was entertained with the thought of a family with eight children. Most of us were shocked at the prospect of such a large family- myself included! Then ever so slowly, God began to work on our hearts, until we surrendered to Him all of our lives- yes even gave Him sovereign control over the size of our family and He has blessed us immeasurably, with eight biological children. Each of these children have been an amazing gift to us and we cherish each of them. And we praised God for them and felt to ourselves "eight is enough" - at least for a time.
Then God began to stir our hearts. It was as if He spoke to say to us "these 8 precious children I have given to you, but what have you given to my orphans in return?" A burden began to build on our hearts to adopt. We knew that for us God still had other plans for us as parents if we would be faithful to His calling- that eight is not enough. And so, we followed this call to adopted and He has continued to blessed us through adoption. First a sibling group of three from Soacha, Colombia. They joined our family in November, 2008. In May 2010, we adopted twin infants from Texas. In September of 2012 we were privileged to return to Colombia and adopt a sibling group of two from Cali. At this time, we anxiously wait for our travel date to depart for China where a very special girl and boy wait for their forever family. By the time they all reach adulthood, we will have had the amazing privilege to be parents of children in our home for a half century. Our life is full beyond measure, beyond our wildest expectations, yes even beyond anything we could have ever hoped. Truly, eight is not enough. As of late we have wondered if God's plan for us as parents all along was not for eight children, but rather eight plus eight. Our heavenly Father knows and His word assures us "I know the plans I have made for you, plans to prosper you and not to harm you." We trust He knows the number of His children He wants us to love and to nurture on His behalf, and whether that is eight or eighty times eight we stand ready and say speak Lord, your servants are listening and are prepared to be father and mother to your fatherless on earth.
Then God began to stir our hearts. It was as if He spoke to say to us "these 8 precious children I have given to you, but what have you given to my orphans in return?" A burden began to build on our hearts to adopt. We knew that for us God still had other plans for us as parents if we would be faithful to His calling- that eight is not enough. And so, we followed this call to adopted and He has continued to blessed us through adoption. First a sibling group of three from Soacha, Colombia. They joined our family in November, 2008. In May 2010, we adopted twin infants from Texas. In September of 2012 we were privileged to return to Colombia and adopt a sibling group of two from Cali. At this time, we anxiously wait for our travel date to depart for China where a very special girl and boy wait for their forever family. By the time they all reach adulthood, we will have had the amazing privilege to be parents of children in our home for a half century. Our life is full beyond measure, beyond our wildest expectations, yes even beyond anything we could have ever hoped. Truly, eight is not enough. As of late we have wondered if God's plan for us as parents all along was not for eight children, but rather eight plus eight. Our heavenly Father knows and His word assures us "I know the plans I have made for you, plans to prosper you and not to harm you." We trust He knows the number of His children He wants us to love and to nurture on His behalf, and whether that is eight or eighty times eight we stand ready and say speak Lord, your servants are listening and are prepared to be father and mother to your fatherless on earth.
Thursday, September 27, 2012
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OK I'M WRITING ALL THIS DOWN!!! HE HE-GOOD STUFF-THANK YOU FOR SHARING THIS INCREDIBLE JOURNEY WITH US-MAY GOD BLESS YOU-
OH YAH- AND LET YOUR LIGHT SHINE!
WHAT A BEAUTIFUL EXAMPLE OF JESUS YOU ALL ARE!
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