FANA Celebration 2/4/2012

Where to begin...you might think we planned to be here for the 40th Anniversary celebration but it was all in God's planning.   Due to it being the 40th Anniversary no expenses were spared and it was a very festive day.  We woke up and got ready and were out the door around 9am.  For those of you with little ones, know that wasn't an easy task but we did it, along with numerous other families in town.  I must admit I was surprised how few infants were along for the trip.  Besides the other family staying with us, all of the children were older, 5yrs and up.  I don't know if those children were being adopted at this time or were just visiting for the celebration but it reminded me of how fortunate we are to have a healthy little one like Michael :)

Once we arrived at FANA we were seated for Mass.  And yes we were asked to sit in the second row from the front, an anxious experience for a new mom ;)  Michael did very well reading his book for over two hours.  It makes me smile to see him being entertained by something as simple as a book at this point, with all the technology available I hope he can retain some of the simplicity of life.  You might be in awe of a two hour Mass but that was only part of the presentations.  We had a video shown, Thank Yous, and a picture was taken of every FANA baby there, no matter what the age ;)

It was a very humbling and honoring experience for me to stand up with all the other FANA babies and know that this is where I came from and how far I have come.  All of us were given up in hopes for a better life and by the looks of it we are all so blessed.  To give up a child for adoption is one of the greatest expressions of love I can ever imagine.  To know you can't provide all you want to for that child and being completely unselfish to give them more is "Agape".  The essence of "Agape" love is self sacrifice (1 John 4:8). 

It is so incredible that FANA was founded by one couple after having adopted two daughters on their own.  The accomplishments and self sacrifice that they themselves made has enabled them to touch childrens lifes in such a meaningful way for 40 years now. 

 

The reception that followed was beautifully catered and decked out in Colombian colors.  They had a petting zoo, jump houses, coffee stations, full buffet, Colombian dancers,etc...The dancers were a real treat as they preformed dances from all of Colombia's various regions.

Mikey even got to see some of his previous caretakers.  It was such a neat experience to look up at the windows of FANA and seeing nurses above asking me to turn the stroller around.  I know they wanted to see who I had tucked away after caring for so many little ones.  In my heart I want to say they knew exactly who he was and how well he was being taken care of now.  It is rare for the infants to return to FANA during the adoption process due to outside germs so it was a very special moment for all of us.  I really can't say enough about this day but that I hope you enjoyed getting a glimpse into what FANA is all about.  Sending all of our love!

One Month!

We have gratefully had Michael in our arms for One Month now!  It's doesn't seem like that long but at the same time I don't remember what it was like without him.  He brings so much joy into our lives everyday and we are so thankful that the Lord chose him for us.  It has been neat to see over time how all the babies here seem like a perfect match for their families.  Sometimes it may seem like the Lord works in mysterious ways but his ways are greater than ours.  Adoption is a "Faith" journey.  You never know what is around the corner or what obstacle you might face, but the reward in the end is worth it.  I will never say it was easy or that paper chasing was fun, but I can say the blessing we have received is beyond words.  Being a parent to a child who needs a home is a calling from God.  Not all people receive that calling, but if you do, it is a journey you will never forget.  Over the past few years I have had friends create families through foster care, embryo adoption, and domestic adoption and we all have different stories but so much in common at the same time.  To share this experience with other families is humbling and comforting at the same time.  We weren't the only ones waiting and for now our wait is over.  I am so glad you are sharing it with us along the way. 

Ephesians 2:10 For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.

Nemecon

This past Friday my Dad and I got the opportunity to travel to a typical small town called Nemecon.  The trip was arranged by FANA as part of their 40th Anniversary celebration weekend.  My Mom and Michael stayed at the hotel due to it being an all day event.  I am so glad we went.  The countryside was breathtaking and I was able to see more due to being in a very high tour bus.

 They had a tour bus for 40 people but only seven of us went so it ended up being a very personal tour.   The other families that went consisted of two mothers and daughters both FANA adoptees like myself.  One daughter was adopted at 11, just a few years ago and the other was visiting for her first time after 18 years.  It was very meaningful to share the experience with them.  They were all from NY.  We also had a French gentleman who came for the celebration alone.  His wife and adopted (3yr old) daughter stayed in France.  He was very friendly and spoke all three languages (French, English, and Spanish) very well.  The highlight of the trip was the Salt Mines ( http://www.minadenemocon.com/sitionuevo/ ).

 It is still an active mine supplying 15% of the product it originally produced.  The mine was closed for seven years due to instability but recently reopened in 2003.  The trip down into the mine was about a mile and half and we had a tour guide the whole way.

 After the mine we walked down to the town Plaza where children were getting out of school.  In the center of the plaza was a Church which is very typical for Colombian towns.  It was so neat to be out of the city walking on the cobblestone roads and seeing what the Colombian countryside is all about.

On our way back we stopped at a local restaurant and had a very nice meal.  The decor of the restaurant was very unique and I was so glad they chose it for lunch.

Overall the day created amazing memories for me. I wasn't sure I would get to see this side of Colombia while staying in Bogota and I feel so blessed that I did.  Luv, Kristin

Adoption Tax Credit

After my long post below and now that I have your attention I would like to ask you to sign the "Adoption Tax Credit Petition" to the right of this post.  Every year they talk about not extending the credit to adoptive families and it is much needed.  If you would be so kind to take the time to sign the petition by clicking on the link it would be much appreciated. Thank You :)

Multiparque (Sunday Funday)

How do Colombians enjoy their Sundays?  They get out of the city smog and visit outdoor amusement parks with everything a kid could want.  This past Sunday a group of us from the hotel got to experience exactly what a "Multiparque" is all about.  It was about 25min outside the Bogota city limits and the fresh air and sunshine made the experience complete.

Countryside

When we arrived we had lunch "family style" that consisted of grilled meats, plantains, cornbread patties with cheese, you name it.

Michael waiting on his Sopa

 Before the rush

 Lunchtime

After we stuffed our bellies we walked around the park and saw everything from llama rides, go carts, trampolines, and more.  I will let most of the pictures do the talking.

It was a very neat experience and I am glad we got to go.

Familia

 Mujeres

 Hombres

Michael did very well and even got his first close encounter with live animals.  I haven't found too much that scares him yet.  He loves to try and fly off my lap without warning, loves being thrown in the air, and tries to roll just about anywhere.  He is also so ready to crawl and his favorite thing to do is stand.  I can only imagine what trouble his Dad and him might get into ;) But until then enjoy his baby photos while we can because we all know they grow up too fast.  Below are some pictures from yesterday at the nearby park.

Can't they see I am too small for this ;)

Loving my new sun hat from my grandparents

Chilling

Luv, Kristin & Michael

Passing the Time!

We are currently waiting on the courts to process Michael's paperwork, so I thought I'd share some pics of a typical day. We go for coffee at Juan Valdez (their equivalent to Starbucks) and to the park for some fresh air then back to the house before the afternoon rain.  It's enough to keep us busy with having a little one in tow.  I must say having a cleaning service and meals prepared daily is very nice however being in our "own home" will be even better ;) 

We have booked our return tickets for the end of February, once all the paperwork is complete we will know if we get to change them one way or the other.  The Colombian court system is known for taking it's time and  has almost an entire month in business days to go through it all.  We are just thankful that this waiting time is with Michael. 

You might have noticed from the recent pics that Matt is absent due to his return trip overseas. We thank you all for your prayers as we are so grateful he was able to come.  We miss him already but should be able to Skype which makes a world of difference for all of us.  My parents are still here and my Mom will be flying back with me when the time comes.  Thank goodness for Grandmas ;)  We miss you all and hope that you are doing well.

Enjoying the mild weather in January :)

No, Dad did not see the hat Mommy put on me ;)

Love this little man XOXO

Enjoying some Colombian cafe!

Parque

Today we took a trip to the park.  It was nice to get outside after being cooped up the last two days with thunderstorms.  Bogota has very warm mornings (i.e. sunscreen needed) and rainy afternoons.  Locals say you can look to the mountains to see if there are any clouds overhead.  If so, then it will most likely rain that day.  Mikey enjoyed the walk and sun and we felt like we got some much needed exercise.  Bogota is at 8600 feet so even the simplest task can be more challenging.  I hope you enjoy some of the photos from our outing :)

  

Yesterday he had a play date with his friends at El Refugio

Sending Luv Your Way XOXO