Finally... blue skies!!!

Hola,

We finally had blue skies and were able to get out!! We began our morning with surprising, yet disappointing news. We went to breakfast and the couple from NYC told us that they were leaving for Bogota in 1 1/2 hours... I had tears in my eyes. If we were not in a public place, I would of cried. Joanne told me that when they came here two years ago, this happened to them. A couple arrived eight days after them and left before them; she said she did cry. They arrived here one week after us. Come to find out, they were in Court #3 (the fastest court) and we found out today that we are in Court #13 (the slowest court). They found out their good news last night at dinner. Come to find out Eduardo and Fanny drove to get their baby's birth certificate without the couple knowing about it; Fanny wanted to surprise them.

When we went to Casa de Maria today, Fanny was there and told Gloria that our papers are ready except for one (1) signature. The person that is supposed to sign it should come in tomorrow and sign our documents. We met Eduardo today when he came to pick up the couple from NYC to take them to the airport. He is Racquel's (director of the orphanage) son and he was able to clarify why we need to stay here additional time after we receive Sentencia. He said that Fanny's sister will take a bus (not a plane) to Putumayo and pick up Belicia's birth certificate. Putumayo is very far from here and that's what takes so much time.

While speaking with Eduardo, he asked how things were going and we explained some of what we were dealing with. He suggested that since we were going to Casa de Maria, we should speak with Belicia's counselor. Again, it was a wonderful opportunity for us and for Belicia. Basically we were told that what is going on is very normal. They said that she always did a great job following rules. She has never had material items or options regarding what to eat, wear, play with, etc. Now she's learning that there's more out there in this world than what she's been accustomed to. They said that she's trying to figure out her place in our family and how she has to behave to get what she wants... where are the boundaries? We were told that we are doing an excellent job with being firm and standing behind what we expect out of her. Her counselor talked to her and told her that she needed to obey us and do what we ask... without whining. She needs to use words... no whining; she's a big girl. It's been great having the orphanage close by; they've been wonderful.

FYI - We will be referring to Windy from now on as Belicia (Bay lee see ah). She absolutely loves the name; she told Gloria today that she thought her new name is very beautiful and she likes it. That's an answer to prayer!!

This afternoon was absolutely gorgeous, so the girls got to spend time in the pool. Later we went across the street for dinner and then, Bethany and I had some "Mommy/Bethany" time over coffee and dessert. Jim and Belicia played games together.

Lori, to answer your question about her glasses... actually, she's doing great without them. She does have 20/20 in her right eye. We have an eye doctor's appointment scheduled for her when we return. I showed our doctor the Colombian report and she said it was no big deal and that the condition can probably be corrected with the proper glasses. If not, she said it would be a minor laser surgery. Yep, I've got all kinds of appointments for her when we return... doctor, dentist, eye doctor, and hair stylist.

Laura, have a great flight tomorrow and I'm looking forward to hearing from you and finally getting to meet you!!

Well, going to close... we'll see if we get Sentencia tomorrow.

Chao,
Kathy