Well I HAD a nice long post all ready to copy over to the blog and apparently it got erased. Things are going well I suppose. I am sick of the rain (today we got a break form it though) but it has really cramped my style. It also doesn't help the fact that I am so very, very homesick. I just want to go home and get on with our lives. Maybe it will get better but, it is what it is I suppose. Angie is doing much better as far as misisng her friends and such. They both seem like the playful kids we knew three years ago.
Our past few days have been spent going to Maloka ( science museum place) and watching the latsest Pirates movie in 3-D (and Spanish) and we went to the park and the usual shopping at the Mall Slitre Plaza. I think the people at Exito (think Walmart) know us by now. Unfortunately it is as the Gringo's who don't know a lick of Spanish and let the 15 year old handle their money that they know us by;-)
Anyway I will post about our great day at Monserratte tomorrow sometime as I am tired and a bit disgusted that I didn't save my original post. But please enjoy this video by Mr. Camilo himself!
Keep this in mind. Camilo is in the room alone. He asked to use the camera and off he went. He filmed it all as it happened. LOL
Tuesday, May 31, 2011
Saturday, May 28, 2011
Day Two!
Yesterday was a little rougher. Angie is missing her friends and I think that the reality of leaving everything she knows hit her yesterday. She is smart and aware of reality, she knows that she will have a life with a family with us in the U.S. but, up to this point her life has been here in Colombia. Angie is very social and she is 15 regardless of the situation her friends are so important to her. I think if it wasn’t for her immense feeling of responsibility to Camilo she might reconsider leaving everyone she knows. Camilo is doing seemingly well. He is enjoying his own room and his own space. Since he is so shy anyway I think this is heaven for him. It’s just he, Angie, Jim and I. There is no sharing a huge room with bunk beds lined up, there is no open bathroom, he can eat when he’s hungry and most of all there is quiet.
My impression of San Mauricio (orphanage) was that the pictures did it justice. I believe the people there care for the children and do the best with what resources they have but, it is just sad. There are children everywhere and I don’t know how they keep track of them all. The facility itself is generally clean but with so many children and in such a small space it just seems substandard. This is not to dismiss all that Gloria (the director) has done. She is apparently a wealthy woman who puts her own money into San Mauricio- it is considered the best facility for these kids. She also will not kick out a child who has aged out of the system. They have, I would say, between 5-10 adults on campus who are disabled to several degrees. They live there and “help out.” I definitely do not want to see what the other orphanages look like!
It is raining today and I think the plan will be to go to Maloka which is right by Salitre Plaza mall. It is a science center/museum sort of thing. I believe they have an I-max theatre too. We need to get out of the apartment today and away from televisions, computers and any other technology and just do something fun.
My impression of San Mauricio (orphanage) was that the pictures did it justice. I believe the people there care for the children and do the best with what resources they have but, it is just sad. There are children everywhere and I don’t know how they keep track of them all. The facility itself is generally clean but with so many children and in such a small space it just seems substandard. This is not to dismiss all that Gloria (the director) has done. She is apparently a wealthy woman who puts her own money into San Mauricio- it is considered the best facility for these kids. She also will not kick out a child who has aged out of the system. They have, I would say, between 5-10 adults on campus who are disabled to several degrees. They live there and “help out.” I definitely do not want to see what the other orphanages look like!
It is raining today and I think the plan will be to go to Maloka which is right by Salitre Plaza mall. It is a science center/museum sort of thing. I believe they have an I-max theatre too. We need to get out of the apartment today and away from televisions, computers and any other technology and just do something fun.
Friday, May 27, 2011
Pastelito
Angie's nickname with her friends in Colombia is Pastelito which means cupcake. this suites her well be cause she is sweet but also fun, cheerful and energetic. I think it fits her well. Immediate after arriving at the apartmetn she grabbed our camera and started shooting video of the apartment. Apparently this apartment is a HUGE deal for her. It is a very nice place very secure and great for our purpose. Many thanks to Martha Mayorga for giving us a great deal! We would highly recommend if in Bogota! http://www.welovebogota.com/
Got 'em
We got ‘em. We were at court first thing this morning and now they are ours for the moment. To take it back a day….We visited them at San Mauricio again first with Camilo then with Angie and then went to the Sante Fe mall. The one thing that I underestimated is how nice all of the public places like malls are in Colombia but anyway, we then went back to our apartment again without them. Our visit was so nice yesterday but completely overshadowed but our bank issues…
We told the bank several times we were going out of the country for an adoption and no one ever mentioned that we needed to call and make arrangements with them about our credit card use. Makes sense but, with everything that has been going on we really didn’t think much of it. So our credit card got blocked because of suspicious activity in Bogota, Colombia. Wonder what that was all about? So after many trips back and forth to the mall two blocks away to try to use the ATM and make purchases and then walking back to call the bank SEVERAL times (I’m sure the security guard thought we were totally sketchy) in between our visit to San Mauricio. It seems we finally got it figured out (let’s hope.) There’s nothing more frightening than being in a foreign country and being without access to money.
Any who, our visit was nice yesterday but I think we were all so excited for the big day today. It was such an emotional day for all involved. Angie and Camilo were all smiles and a few tears. It has been what we have been waiting for for so long. Angie hugged me for such a long time, it felt great. There were a few anxious tears as they explained that we should not go back to San Mauricio or to see Vivianna and her son Daniel which is one of those things that is said out of formality. Carolina explained to Angie why we had to agree to this and that we will agree with them to get the adoption to go through but then…….It has to be so hard for her. She is 15 with so many friends here and now she has to leave everything she knows, pretty scary if you ask me.
So Angie and Camilo were ready to go back to the apartment after only a few minutes so we got outta there ASAP. We then came back to our apartment and spent some time waiting for the rain to stop (it didn’t) seeing as how I must have left our umbrella in the cab two days prior. So, we gave up and went to Salitre Plaza mall got soaking wet and still came back without and umbrella because we couldn’t find a store that sold basic inexpensive ones. I refused to pay $50+ dollars for an UMBRELLA that I may or may not leave on a cab. So we came back to the apartment after lunch and more shopping.
After lunch and shopping we just hung out for while. It’s so funny because it really is like we just took up where we left off. It’s really weird yet so natural at the same time. We made some phone calls then the weather cleared up so we went outside and played in the courtyard for a while. There was a real sense of community as many of the other children and families were outside enjoying the sunshine and visiting the local shops etc. Another day I will clear up many of the misconceptions about this country, Americans could learn a few things from them.
We ended up having Pizza for dinner we ended up being saved by finding a pizza shop (accidentally) that had a man that spoke a little English, talk about relief. This was serious stuff, this was pizza. Anyway the rest of the night was that same typical stuff that families do but, it made me miss my children at home (real one) so very much. I just wanted to have everyone together under one roof right that very moment. Well enjoy the pictures all! Buenos Noches!!!
We told the bank several times we were going out of the country for an adoption and no one ever mentioned that we needed to call and make arrangements with them about our credit card use. Makes sense but, with everything that has been going on we really didn’t think much of it. So our credit card got blocked because of suspicious activity in Bogota, Colombia. Wonder what that was all about? So after many trips back and forth to the mall two blocks away to try to use the ATM and make purchases and then walking back to call the bank SEVERAL times (I’m sure the security guard thought we were totally sketchy) in between our visit to San Mauricio. It seems we finally got it figured out (let’s hope.) There’s nothing more frightening than being in a foreign country and being without access to money.
Any who, our visit was nice yesterday but I think we were all so excited for the big day today. It was such an emotional day for all involved. Angie and Camilo were all smiles and a few tears. It has been what we have been waiting for for so long. Angie hugged me for such a long time, it felt great. There were a few anxious tears as they explained that we should not go back to San Mauricio or to see Vivianna and her son Daniel which is one of those things that is said out of formality. Carolina explained to Angie why we had to agree to this and that we will agree with them to get the adoption to go through but then…….It has to be so hard for her. She is 15 with so many friends here and now she has to leave everything she knows, pretty scary if you ask me.
So Angie and Camilo were ready to go back to the apartment after only a few minutes so we got outta there ASAP. We then came back to our apartment and spent some time waiting for the rain to stop (it didn’t) seeing as how I must have left our umbrella in the cab two days prior. So, we gave up and went to Salitre Plaza mall got soaking wet and still came back without and umbrella because we couldn’t find a store that sold basic inexpensive ones. I refused to pay $50+ dollars for an UMBRELLA that I may or may not leave on a cab. So we came back to the apartment after lunch and more shopping.
After lunch and shopping we just hung out for while. It’s so funny because it really is like we just took up where we left off. It’s really weird yet so natural at the same time. We made some phone calls then the weather cleared up so we went outside and played in the courtyard for a while. There was a real sense of community as many of the other children and families were outside enjoying the sunshine and visiting the local shops etc. Another day I will clear up many of the misconceptions about this country, Americans could learn a few things from them.
We ended up having Pizza for dinner we ended up being saved by finding a pizza shop (accidentally) that had a man that spoke a little English, talk about relief. This was serious stuff, this was pizza. Anyway the rest of the night was that same typical stuff that families do but, it made me miss my children at home (real one) so very much. I just wanted to have everyone together under one roof right that very moment. Well enjoy the pictures all! Buenos Noches!!!
Tuesday, May 24, 2011
We Meet Again!
This has been a day that I will never forget. After we found our way to the mall and grocery store (we bought milk in a bag that was at room temperature) we eventually made it to San Mauricio and to our Angie and Camilo. It was great, emotional and the best part ever was that it was just like we had not missed three years of their lives. They had grown and matured in their appearance but they were still them. Camilo so shy and easily embarrassed and Angie who is so full of energy you can practically see the sparks come off of her. We stayed at the orphanage for a while and walked around and Angie and Camilo showed me where they sleep, eat and basically live. Jim and I both felt that the pictures we have seen actually DO it justice. Not that it didn’t appear clean but it was so depressing. Children everywhere (they said that there was 160 there) preschooler being trotted in lines across the grounds. It was sad so sad. We actually went to the baby area where there were about a dozen one to two year olds in a small room that smelled like dirty diapers. They were all over the place watching something on TV. We came in an a little boy walked right up to me and held his hands out so I picked him up and he laid his head on my shoulder and snuggled in. Then little girls went to Jim and he picked her up. Angie finally pried away the boy from me and Jim sat the girl down and said we needed to go. It was hard to see. Then I look at my children Angie and Camilo and see how much they have to contribute to the world and I thank God that we are able to give them a shot at it. It changes a person.
I’m off to finish off the night; I’m exhausted and want to rest up for another day at San Mauricio. Chao.
I’m off to finish off the night; I’m exhausted and want to rest up for another day at San Mauricio. Chao.
Arrival in Bogota
We made it! We probably got to our apartment around midnight as best as I can gather. Our apartment is small- despite having three bedrooms and one bath- and the area seems very secure. The apartment complex seems more like a compound with a little park for the kiddos (which there seem to be a lot of in this areaJ) and even a little outdoor stage with seating? Will have to see what that is all about. Over all it’s nice and seems convenient but, definitely not home. We woke up early again to all of the big city noises and smells. I have to say that from what I see so far it is clean and beautiful. Our “helper/driver” Jorge was telling me they are doing a lot of construction around here and planting a lot of trees.
Now on to more important things….After we figure out how to get some groceries (thank goodness I packed that oatmeal and Starbucks via coffee) I will call a taxi and go see my kids. I am so excited to see them. I can’t wait to see how much they have grown but, more importantly to get them back “home.” I hope that we can spend a good portion of today and tomorrow trying to catch up before our court appointment on Thursday when they will be living with us.
I miss my children back in Ohio too it’s really hard. But, one normal thing was that I got to call them this morning just like I would when I am at work. It made it seem more normal. Which leads me to the magic jack thing…it works great. We have a Kent number so all we have to do is dial as if we were home, no extra numbers or anything. And it is basically free. Good idea Jim!!!
Thinking of every one back home....
Pam
Now on to more important things….After we figure out how to get some groceries (thank goodness I packed that oatmeal and Starbucks via coffee) I will call a taxi and go see my kids. I am so excited to see them. I can’t wait to see how much they have grown but, more importantly to get them back “home.” I hope that we can spend a good portion of today and tomorrow trying to catch up before our court appointment on Thursday when they will be living with us.
I miss my children back in Ohio too it’s really hard. But, one normal thing was that I got to call them this morning just like I would when I am at work. It made it seem more normal. Which leads me to the magic jack thing…it works great. We have a Kent number so all we have to do is dial as if we were home, no extra numbers or anything. And it is basically free. Good idea Jim!!!
Thinking of every one back home....
Pam
Friday, May 20, 2011
Last work day before travel!
It's finally starting to sink in and my head is spinning. I am on my last day of work before leaving for Colombia. I have so much nervous energy right now it's crazy! I have this running list of things I need to do before we leave and feel the need to get it all done but, yet I am almost missing my job, good friends and my whole life here. I think ambivalence sums it up well. It's that feeling of wanting the day to fly by yet for time to stand still. I suppose the day will happen one way or another and it will be another chapter in the journey. To all of my work friends I will miss you terribly!
Pammajamma
Tuesday, May 17, 2011
Chicago
Well here we are in Chicago it's visa day! After the near miss that I discovered at work on Friday- piece of paper that had to be apostilled- we seem to be here and in one piece. Now if we can get into the city in three hours time- we are about an hour out at our hotel- get a money order and find a place to park. this will be a challenge. If worse comes to worse we will have to do what we did yesterday. I will run into the various offices while Jim drives around the block 500 times. With the price of gas (paid $4.45/gallon in Indiana) and the price of parking it's kind of a six one half a dozen the other sort of deal. Well off we go here's hoping!
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