tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-52076798444894308832024-02-19T05:03:46.145-06:00Bigs, Littles and More LittlesOur family's adoption story. Join with us as we begin another adoption. This time from China! We are so blessed in this journey. Elesha Maynardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13054547823368885050noreply@blogger.comBlogger52125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5207679844489430883.post-56615625736952193912016-11-09T09:26:00.001-06:002016-11-09T09:26:26.725-06:00All good things must come to an end!Continuing on with the play by play:<br />
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<strong><u>Sunday 11/6/16</u></strong><br />
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Today we went to a part of Guangzhou called Shamian Island. It has beautiful architecture and is a favorite spot for all the locals to come and practice their photography. Sunday also happens to be the day when many weddings are held on the island so we were able to see some happy new couples...at least 15 - 20 of them. Shamian Island, in the past, was the home to the embassies of many countries(including the US.) Because of that, in earlier years most adoptive families stayed on the island to have easy access to their appointments. Now it is still a popular destination for adoptive families because of some great gift shops, the beauty of the surroundings and the symbolism it holds for adoptions. We were able to pick up several souvenirs and gifts from A Gift from China. It is a non-profit gift shop that uses it's proceeds to help orphans in China. They also source their items ethically. Most of the items they sell come from programs they have helped develop for women in China to learn a trade. It was a great visit, and they even presented us with a gift after we made our purchases. Sweet ladies. <br />
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We found a restaurant, a Chinese restaurant, to eat at for lunch. Crazy I know! This was one of the ones where they speak only Chinese. Also crazy. Since they only spoke Chinese and we didn't, we stumbled through the meal. We kept waiting for someone to come and take our orders. Finally we flagged a server down and she pointed to an order form on our table. Obviously we were supposed to write down what we wanted from the menu...which was all in Chinese. Characters I can't write. We convinced them to write it down for us as we pointed to the pictures. The food was good although the table was noticeably napkinless. And we have messy little eaters with us. At a restaurant later in the week we were offered packs of napkins to purchase. So maybe that explains it? BYON or buy some.<br />
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As we were walking the island after lunch, we were drawing a lot of attention as usual. Dakota was stopped and asked if she would mind having her picture taken. So she obliged a group of girls with a mini-modeling session. So random. Then as we were trying to take some pictures of the boys, we started being inundated by a group of students asking us for autographs and pictures. I would love to know what makes us that interesting to them!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fun with bubbles!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sweet Jake</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dakota looking grown</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A Gift from China</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dakota's photographers ;)</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">What we didn't order for lunch</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jake and his lunchtime tea</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Seriously, that smile though</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Brant giving his autograph!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The required picture that all adoptive families do on Shamian Island</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Milo's turn</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Brant's moment of fame</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Little Mama</td></tr>
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<strong><u>Monday 11/7/16</u></strong><br />
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Today was a "mama disappeared into the bedroom" day because sometimes you just need one of those. Downside = Netflix doesn't stream very well here. Upside = Brant bought me chocolate. Brant also took himself and the boys minus Jake for haircuts at a local barbershop. He said it was quite the experience. He and Gavin had the full works with the shampoo, warm towels, oils and everything. Milo was in desperate need of being relieved of his dear mullet and fabulous sideburns. He looks like quite the little man now!<br />
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<strong><u>Tuesday, 11/8/16</u></strong><br />
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Today was the day the boys officially became Maynards! We started the day at 7:30 so we could run by the medical office and pick up their medical reports that had to be included with our visa requests at the embassy. Then we walked over to the embassy and stood in line until it opened. We went through security where the guards made Brant drink from both of the boys' water cups to prove they weren't poison. No....really they did. Security is tight. We could not even take our cell phones in for pictures. We went through the formalities of the oath that our information was correct and the interview about our boys and it was done! Never again orphans. Ours forever. We are blessed beyond measure!<br />
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We celebrated with lunch at a hot pot restaurant. Think Chinese fondue. The meat part of fondue. It was one of the best meals we had thus far. Jake and Milo were in heaven over the food. Their favorites were the stir fried green beans and the fish balls. The fish balls were....different. But everything else was pretty amazing. I am going to miss the food. China has been good to us.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjX750n-JryQZvKpKMN7l_YI4qzY9-Cq7sDW0x4jTJG9MsioIr2mD2NAEVLNYYrhHFeKxbsltLGoLD47wgMoCqJp953wBNesUVWOVh3IsbBTjAWezntJvCNOa27YRW877YmW2rx9rIZcdE/s1600/IMG_4818.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjX750n-JryQZvKpKMN7l_YI4qzY9-Cq7sDW0x4jTJG9MsioIr2mD2NAEVLNYYrhHFeKxbsltLGoLD47wgMoCqJp953wBNesUVWOVh3IsbBTjAWezntJvCNOa27YRW877YmW2rx9rIZcdE/s640/IMG_4818.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">About to become a Maynard!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi48HiYbtor0OUMq-2TY6Az9fFmWhNwcPG0jCOe27GfUae_pa1frzmQzi3KAzL3MhY1Cr_mepbDnVW4m-5QxIu8gSdzNYDxgHl6G8w3ieZE0fi0IGFJ1kerQcZT8vQyWflWsvH9oLrC_xs/s1600/IMG_4820.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi48HiYbtor0OUMq-2TY6Az9fFmWhNwcPG0jCOe27GfUae_pa1frzmQzi3KAzL3MhY1Cr_mepbDnVW4m-5QxIu8gSdzNYDxgHl6G8w3ieZE0fi0IGFJ1kerQcZT8vQyWflWsvH9oLrC_xs/s640/IMG_4820.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Meet Milo Maynard and his shoes!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUc3RYal_5e4Nh3WEZsB8nyRHIPNQ8rTuh3HkFcCF1wtTMId_s98ljrKYT4PU0y7U3e5_eljOuG7sL4cOWbmnmVufZQtrDnrSs2w0pggEqNsnjlINck29YPir3-UnOrDtq5jcRp12hJpU/s1600/IMG_4822.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUc3RYal_5e4Nh3WEZsB8nyRHIPNQ8rTuh3HkFcCF1wtTMId_s98ljrKYT4PU0y7U3e5_eljOuG7sL4cOWbmnmVufZQtrDnrSs2w0pggEqNsnjlINck29YPir3-UnOrDtq5jcRp12hJpU/s640/IMG_4822.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">If you get stressed during the adoption process, help is nearby.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgz0EVlkfVENEgAMf3vhunrijGB6kk9Imi7bjq1ezr_C5zNLXpNHvLhIzaMPSh-yRUOksIyLYOo6vQjACf5lB-kDepHKDLzRdSRpp1cFxTERkBwKDIYLROPzZ_8hyphenhyphenPGL-PrQ4-mEVGL7M8/s1600/IMG_4827.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgz0EVlkfVENEgAMf3vhunrijGB6kk9Imi7bjq1ezr_C5zNLXpNHvLhIzaMPSh-yRUOksIyLYOo6vQjACf5lB-kDepHKDLzRdSRpp1cFxTERkBwKDIYLROPzZ_8hyphenhyphenPGL-PrQ4-mEVGL7M8/s640/IMG_4827.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hot pot!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAfN4R-rS6TZv81TOfA6nCCLBP6FAiVjDaaI_1Opd3C3VIBB19z9J-JcbV1d60FQgZD0UGyPoW6nm422J6CYT0nPKFCGGysi7fRJUmkkmdK5mcFA0jBeLoySJ__5s1qLAUE9Ar-1nwc9Y/s1600/IMG_4829+%25281%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAfN4R-rS6TZv81TOfA6nCCLBP6FAiVjDaaI_1Opd3C3VIBB19z9J-JcbV1d60FQgZD0UGyPoW6nm422J6CYT0nPKFCGGysi7fRJUmkkmdK5mcFA0jBeLoySJ__5s1qLAUE9Ar-1nwc9Y/s640/IMG_4829+%25281%2529.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our guide, Lily, getting us started. Because Chinese.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNJxYMPHbrBf_RyxfQUjWSyMugPYM9Q2WRwfGxtnZ7CiRWacVBDgRzLrv7ZhkaE9Io54Jp7aN5pWhxEQWC7N7BVEEwTjLW9JFwo5tuHIht8iB_5U1KWqWw8To0M82oZTnYfreNz1Qx3Fc/s1600/IMG_4857.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNJxYMPHbrBf_RyxfQUjWSyMugPYM9Q2WRwfGxtnZ7CiRWacVBDgRzLrv7ZhkaE9Io54Jp7aN5pWhxEQWC7N7BVEEwTjLW9JFwo5tuHIht8iB_5U1KWqWw8To0M82oZTnYfreNz1Qx3Fc/s640/IMG_4857.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">They have the BEST big brothers</td></tr>
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<strong><u>Wednesday, 11/9/16</u></strong><br />
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Today we pack to leave. We have mixed feelings. Of course we want to be back with our family and friends, but our time here has been so special. The boys are doing well. They are bonding. Jake especially is coming out of his shell. He is going to be hanging really well with the boys. He is a tough one and so full of life and personality and words. Lots of words. Milo is happy if he is held so I see a lot of baby wearing in my future. We leave our hotel at 9:00 am in the morning. That is your Wednesday night at 7:00 pm. Be praying for our safe travels and sanity as we endure over 26 hours of getting home! I'll try to post brief Facebook updates as we move from Guangzhou to Beijing to Detroit and then finally home Thursday evening if all goes well. Pray it goes well. <br />
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Thank you for your support. The financial blessings that came pouring in were so overwhelming and encouraging. Our hearts are moved. I know I haven't contacted you each individually. I want to. I am so grateful. Be patient with me as I find our new normal and know that I haven't forgotten what you did to help us get our boys. We love you and can't wait for you to meet them. They are precious and so much more than their orphan status or special need said they were. They are God's children that He has now entrusted to us. May we do His will raising them and may we show them His love so they may share it with others. God bless you all!! See you in Huntsville!<br />
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<br /></span>Elesha Maynardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13054547823368885050noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5207679844489430883.post-78389939470957715452016-11-08T01:13:00.001-06:002016-11-08T01:57:00.739-06:00Guangzhou, China<strong><u>Tuesday, 11/1/16</u></strong><br />
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Tuesday morning we ate some rolls and fruit we managed to score at a local neighborhood grocery about a block down from our apartment in Guangzhou. We went there after the kids went to sleep for diapers and a few other necessities. Quite clearly we didn't know what we were doing because we were kicked out of line for not handling our produce correctly. Finally finished up though and gave the employees some good conversation for later. Today we settled into our new digs for the next 10 days. Here we have a two bedroom, two bathroom apartment with a full kitchen and living area. Still cozy but better than a hotel room with no doors. Did I mention that our last hotel in Nanchang had only a GLASS door between the bedroom and the bathroom? Awkward. Here we have solid wood doors. Winning. <br />
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We needed many more groceries than what we purchased at the local market so we walked a few blocks to the nearest mall (Grandview Mall) which has a store called Aeon covering the entire basement level. It is a mix of a Walmart type store and a supermarket. We arrived just as the mall was opening and headed down with the masses to begin stocking up. Um...not sure what was going on. But I am certain that Tuesday morning at 10:00 is NOT the time to get your groceries. Not if you want to maintain any level of sanity. I have never seen anything like it. Pushing, crowding, no space to walk. It was like Black Friday grocery edition. Crazy town. I have no idea how long we were there. Seemed like forever (with everyone in tow of course.) We ended up with all sorts of things in the cart. It was laughable...or cryable....or something. Not only are there tons of customers, there are also multiple employees in every single aisle trying to "direct" you toward certain items. No, just no. The check-out process is eternal. Your grocery cart has spaces for the small handled baskets. Then you individually place each basket up on the counter with the cashier. He removes the items one by one from your basket, places a sticker ON EVERY SINGLE THING to show you purchased it. Then he places the item in an identical basket on his other side. You take the new basket and move it to a table at the end of the line. With all of the other people in China doing the same things. You bag your own groceries. And you better have bags with you, because they don't offer any. Thankfully, I had heard about that and brought some shopping totes. Never was a I so glad to be out of a store in my life. But we survived!<br />
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We got the boys down for a nap and did some unpacking and relaxing. After nap, Brant and I had to take Milo to the civil affairs office here in Guangzhou. He is originally from this province (Guangdong) so his paperwork could not be completed in Beijing even though he was living there. I would love to explain some of the strangeness that occurred during our visit this morning but I don't want to put anything out there criticizing any government agency and causing any future issues for adoptive parents. Just suffice it to say a lot of unnecessary steps for some people to save face. Sigh. <br />
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When we returned to the apartment we took the kids down to the indoor playground and let them run off some steam. Then back up for a good American dinner of spaghetti, butter and parmesan. I will not even tell you how much I had to pay for some Kerrygold butter or the tiny, tiny canister of parmesan. But the taste of home was worth it for the kids. <br />
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Bedtime was ok. Jake continues to sleep in our bed since it is what he is used to. He is a great sleeper once he gets there. Milo continues to wake up during the night. We are working oh so diligently to figure out his magic sleep formula. So far to no avail. <br />
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Our new apartment has a washer and dryer! We were so ready for fresh clothes. Spent a while getting caught up on the laundry. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVGkqdbxj_V2ifeUQZiF3D0ub8G6Mw3v3OsmUZXVwZ9vzP-Be-wDHdZHLD1yUuT2Hf22AW7RaNlGcZiXHVJYEaCc2wSkczFU7TDnXzlMmoK9XN7mNnc3vG74iSLY2XbhaLMcH_Ta0lnOw/s1600/IMG_6977.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVGkqdbxj_V2ifeUQZiF3D0ub8G6Mw3v3OsmUZXVwZ9vzP-Be-wDHdZHLD1yUuT2Hf22AW7RaNlGcZiXHVJYEaCc2wSkczFU7TDnXzlMmoK9XN7mNnc3vG74iSLY2XbhaLMcH_Ta0lnOw/s1600/IMG_6977.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A rousing game of hide-and-seek</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiCRXnPP7g4hE1YtdUIqQ1_inlhiVdeLfOQ0z5MzBWCVaKR0Er_GFdkxz2x_mssnJmL-6JQQ1wiuHLnzSPgwCzI23H3HeOGHey8yvYps2qD6hhF2OfIjlM7A2NmGUNUwRELQbEjNIz3jQ/s1600/IMG_6984.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiCRXnPP7g4hE1YtdUIqQ1_inlhiVdeLfOQ0z5MzBWCVaKR0Er_GFdkxz2x_mssnJmL-6JQQ1wiuHLnzSPgwCzI23H3HeOGHey8yvYps2qD6hhF2OfIjlM7A2NmGUNUwRELQbEjNIz3jQ/s1600/IMG_6984.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Just say "no" to Tuesday morning grocery shopping.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3ntr9QqqvWd-ga4oePWzLP1rHxnJwhwCkGRC2c0XDctW0mcWCoUEJD0ANkfzro90ZeGy3nu4u57_htV44bdpcmHFbmWtFdxG8geGaypWCOjSxd-rADwXDhCTEuQYOoy5NJ-tgo0CWnK0/s1600/IMG_6985.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3ntr9QqqvWd-ga4oePWzLP1rHxnJwhwCkGRC2c0XDctW0mcWCoUEJD0ANkfzro90ZeGy3nu4u57_htV44bdpcmHFbmWtFdxG8geGaypWCOjSxd-rADwXDhCTEuQYOoy5NJ-tgo0CWnK0/s1600/IMG_6985.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The checkout lines go on forever and there are SO many of them.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjOBqLTI6jc4vof92tv8J-8Z7B3mBb24m3_HcYjI1nqt_s4FEBhhQUZ1aBSKcLhvRaLHFwFVlprSkb11gbYOdLjrq5GL5ZxOo9wI2w5E8mrfUQDBZc0dQ5AC41Bep6AkHQ0YN7cqdy2B4/s1600/IMG_6987.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjOBqLTI6jc4vof92tv8J-8Z7B3mBb24m3_HcYjI1nqt_s4FEBhhQUZ1aBSKcLhvRaLHFwFVlprSkb11gbYOdLjrq5GL5ZxOo9wI2w5E8mrfUQDBZc0dQ5AC41Bep6AkHQ0YN7cqdy2B4/s1600/IMG_6987.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Boredom buster: Blue painter's tape on the hotel floor for a racetrack, train track, follow the leader line, etc.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJ7lt_e0sGT5vb1_uBwAVYmwQUQWxaqSkFR22CeI0u-bWx0VTedNAHiUH2W7Di6ecwErHK-arIFtQb_j_1MXQi6-ntKTS07MrQjcRSCPcuq3Knyo6HF0PuynnAlXTWIZDXM9b07WmciC0/s1600/IMG_7002.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJ7lt_e0sGT5vb1_uBwAVYmwQUQWxaqSkFR22CeI0u-bWx0VTedNAHiUH2W7Di6ecwErHK-arIFtQb_j_1MXQi6-ntKTS07MrQjcRSCPcuq3Knyo6HF0PuynnAlXTWIZDXM9b07WmciC0/s1600/IMG_7002.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">What happens when you don't speak or read Chinese and you try to by dishwashing detergent. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRp0QBeg7CUEbjFyOn71qwe0AXUf6Q10jvr31D2lqN0apzhPZhNxwamRX_4xr4c4D5zf-MIhoywHgxK7Ff_jfHq6KbnBxA9WK9EyNSIi0Ku2CzlEHs0XgPgGrPU-R39viO7F3zSSQijDg/s1600/IMG_7003.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRp0QBeg7CUEbjFyOn71qwe0AXUf6Q10jvr31D2lqN0apzhPZhNxwamRX_4xr4c4D5zf-MIhoywHgxK7Ff_jfHq6KbnBxA9WK9EyNSIi0Ku2CzlEHs0XgPgGrPU-R39viO7F3zSSQijDg/s640/IMG_7003.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Taste of home</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWmXDm0MJ3psY65rHBb0rDJCQbNT-4wNL8uFZuxm4UG7SHuZoywCAbfl6qiRF-OXdswXlPiBa6v0FKDV5bZoFOOyj1zow5Vk4xNqqussZHBzxXXDd5S6KsjjlVbsXrtKVFq_SFJbL2-eI/s1600/IMG_7017.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWmXDm0MJ3psY65rHBb0rDJCQbNT-4wNL8uFZuxm4UG7SHuZoywCAbfl6qiRF-OXdswXlPiBa6v0FKDV5bZoFOOyj1zow5Vk4xNqqussZHBzxXXDd5S6KsjjlVbsXrtKVFq_SFJbL2-eI/s1600/IMG_7017.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fan favorite. They NEED these in the states!</td></tr>
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<strong><u>Wednesday 11/2/16</u></strong><br />
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More appointments today with Milo in the civil affairs offices and the notary. Jake did well staying with Dakota and the other kids today at the apartment while we ran the errands. He struggled a little yesterday with Brant being gone. Because he is ALL about Brant. Based on his behavior on the train ride to Guangzhou, I'm okay with him (temporarily) being Brant's buddy. They can be designated airplane partners. *cheese*<br />
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Hung out the rest of the day and did a little shopping with Dakota during the boys' naps. Because no one else in this place wanted to do that but us. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxzNsxHzL8kz46Z7bv7IW8PrAAZEU6mRNBb1tM4cTwDEbCKPV6_LGDgGZBBJz3ZQL1KlqT5NgMARaLRY-JQuJMsQav28GuX8gHvSEFRp7MCjNkUezIk0BEPMYHVIPBm6JLOAe1Vu3O0sw/s1600/IMG_4698.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxzNsxHzL8kz46Z7bv7IW8PrAAZEU6mRNBb1tM4cTwDEbCKPV6_LGDgGZBBJz3ZQL1KlqT5NgMARaLRY-JQuJMsQav28GuX8gHvSEFRp7MCjNkUezIk0BEPMYHVIPBm6JLOAe1Vu3O0sw/s640/IMG_4698.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Appointmenting</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDodD3_L1yuOXsd29CL3LgDN-NHFeZJQ_H6d550NdRiawvthrlE-aNLSNu8kOeh5Z7mTfq6MO7VqTGLvJ2QUBTdYRVlJFbC6oU08gbAH0gCJhrQUV87f1WUr7A4tgtYse4uNqUNC9X8K4/s1600/IMG_4797.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDodD3_L1yuOXsd29CL3LgDN-NHFeZJQ_H6d550NdRiawvthrlE-aNLSNu8kOeh5Z7mTfq6MO7VqTGLvJ2QUBTdYRVlJFbC6oU08gbAH0gCJhrQUV87f1WUr7A4tgtYse4uNqUNC9X8K4/s640/IMG_4797.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">10 story mall. Took forever to look around!</td></tr>
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<strong><u>Thursday 11/3/16</u></strong><br />
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Today we had the medical appointments required by the United States for the boys to obtain their visas to enter our country. They were relatively painless and the boys were great. Jake is 23 months old and weighs 26 lbs. He is wearing 18-24 month clothing for the most part. Mile is 20 months and weighs 18 lbs. So tiny. He is wearing 9 month clothing. Such a baby doll. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnGurqyBIp0UakIBgQcr8hBiqc-y3L748pF0jLLNjkuZItt3vFFc9bqHoZsFwo7SBP6vy4bgjjLMSX6LU0eujGBEgj7BYqVt9V-RcpWy_DqnXBAIyWzE9jpASinopd61Oyi4b7m_uedWE/s1600/IMG_7034.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnGurqyBIp0UakIBgQcr8hBiqc-y3L748pF0jLLNjkuZItt3vFFc9bqHoZsFwo7SBP6vy4bgjjLMSX6LU0eujGBEgj7BYqVt9V-RcpWy_DqnXBAIyWzE9jpASinopd61Oyi4b7m_uedWE/s1600/IMG_7034.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jake's medical exam</td></tr>
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</u></strong><strong><u>Friday 11/4/16</u></strong><br />
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This is one of the days we have been waiting for!!!! Safari Park! It is recognized as the leading zoological park throughout all of China. They have over 20,000 different animals and over 500 species. And they are extremely close to you. Monkeys were roaming free in the park as well as toucans and other birds. They are the only zoo in the world to have twin koalas and triplet pandas! They also have over 100 white tigers. It was really something to see. We explored there most of the day and ended the trip with the safari train ride around the park to see additional animals roaming free. Much like Animal Kingdom at Disney. So much fun for all the kids. We were exhausted by the end of it all and headed back to the apartment after we found some ice cream in the park. We haven't found ice cream in a grocery store yet so some people in this family are struggling. You know who you are.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2kKebdBcprHikyZHjCavpZ54KjGTgyUd_u9rcxpxGTpVYOhVPg-6s3_dfheIhhbYw01K2vvQB-mn0B7F8QZoD63Nkv4PiT2LkI9TA0SNFZBIzFwG4h-VzhekwEK7oxdIStjQ-0VoSPFw/s1600/DSC_0252.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2kKebdBcprHikyZHjCavpZ54KjGTgyUd_u9rcxpxGTpVYOhVPg-6s3_dfheIhhbYw01K2vvQB-mn0B7F8QZoD63Nkv4PiT2LkI9TA0SNFZBIzFwG4h-VzhekwEK7oxdIStjQ-0VoSPFw/s640/DSC_0252.JPG" width="424" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One of my stroller pushers</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOKUgy5yaZy8hB6hXi_H6MuNLTJ2TxEAVUdT5LbtOtIySTBQykG1DFGCKhZZJ3lyD2f5ooDUOCWFdS49Cg8zRwiZrUgXd1t9LIH_Grvx8eMRot1k8UHZmANOmjmsrFkW_R7W3VNqgBOHQ/s1600/DSC_0253.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOKUgy5yaZy8hB6hXi_H6MuNLTJ2TxEAVUdT5LbtOtIySTBQykG1DFGCKhZZJ3lyD2f5ooDUOCWFdS49Cg8zRwiZrUgXd1t9LIH_Grvx8eMRot1k8UHZmANOmjmsrFkW_R7W3VNqgBOHQ/s640/DSC_0253.JPG" width="424" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Stroller pusher number 2</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVRvJvMC8iOVmxFj_qpeUqk5tfnSD2Wj0Wa1hhkuWj8IxHwFzBrPcGHjaGFhaDIhWhxTgOIpVZ2XfZzf8MoMSrQsFJHV8Yj9ySSgWDyATRZd58jDcScPjj1Gl4yXSjfaigUyKH9vo95jg/s1600/DSC_0267.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVRvJvMC8iOVmxFj_qpeUqk5tfnSD2Wj0Wa1hhkuWj8IxHwFzBrPcGHjaGFhaDIhWhxTgOIpVZ2XfZzf8MoMSrQsFJHV8Yj9ySSgWDyATRZd58jDcScPjj1Gl4yXSjfaigUyKH9vo95jg/s640/DSC_0267.JPG" width="424" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jake with Daddy. Always with Daddy.</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnRGST51SIfgbjaXEocxTZN9OOdmULU856sguBebk7LjR_TwZp0YB-vKJZNmtNncUStalDams_eNgxhfvcBk1k8Y2Ul_aZ0q7e4o5MumtW-4TMyhUsRoVB9X_wA59a-VPIsQkYzVPMdFQ/s1600/DSC_0268.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnRGST51SIfgbjaXEocxTZN9OOdmULU856sguBebk7LjR_TwZp0YB-vKJZNmtNncUStalDams_eNgxhfvcBk1k8Y2Ul_aZ0q7e4o5MumtW-4TMyhUsRoVB9X_wA59a-VPIsQkYzVPMdFQ/s640/DSC_0268.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">They were actually this close!</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMf5isYr24TFN9qWr0snXKITsbPQbYyyAGfaXkL_EniZwIm2EgvN8aLmF-kZJT0TQ3x0ibP62AHRCtwul8rpXESVCvcAbN8ro4MR_CJzcGn6xCsI8ndWj6PFJddu1FIBKRRTAKxoj-41U/s1600/DSC_0271.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMf5isYr24TFN9qWr0snXKITsbPQbYyyAGfaXkL_EniZwIm2EgvN8aLmF-kZJT0TQ3x0ibP62AHRCtwul8rpXESVCvcAbN8ro4MR_CJzcGn6xCsI8ndWj6PFJddu1FIBKRRTAKxoj-41U/s640/DSC_0271.JPG" width="424" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Reese has been so good on this trip. A travel trooper.</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXmH4LC6wSRdl5CV5z5gW2ckWaPAN20XHIB6jRst8PN7UQ5tUMSJ8FNRnXWZMG3J4DIsjJhdc7OHmDJBVa2777TLEUV7HhLA7OVN1IwQkRTjveTEPLPniXf8006WhaZ9AYC5K5b-uUhlA/s1600/DSC_0292.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXmH4LC6wSRdl5CV5z5gW2ckWaPAN20XHIB6jRst8PN7UQ5tUMSJ8FNRnXWZMG3J4DIsjJhdc7OHmDJBVa2777TLEUV7HhLA7OVN1IwQkRTjveTEPLPniXf8006WhaZ9AYC5K5b-uUhlA/s640/DSC_0292.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Impressed?</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgEaIoK_0NRzHLpN4ybXSwCJKAuMzPJ8uF1Oip8hzcn6B5uiNnid3LG95Olf0W9BEKN2O0ovxRTJYA7cEhVlM48XDCmAOuJjkt7vFY_odiOz1S9-1_b2lWoUjhoth3sAjBaOQWyl0o-KM/s1600/DSC_0304.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgEaIoK_0NRzHLpN4ybXSwCJKAuMzPJ8uF1Oip8hzcn6B5uiNnid3LG95Olf0W9BEKN2O0ovxRTJYA7cEhVlM48XDCmAOuJjkt7vFY_odiOz1S9-1_b2lWoUjhoth3sAjBaOQWyl0o-KM/s640/DSC_0304.JPG" width="424" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjX_YFEcnrH13qv3tl6hgtHvdY6xmRiXfFtsGLMf_3cAxRhHJVdzRHUbTZZoGeG4UW2dc_OWwuiNEKkrpmC5iQdwDdPvIpt8yWb-d8xm4nxbeuKHyPp5Vo70ycFGT51l1EGoF1TXPcYNfM/s1600/DSC_0309.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjX_YFEcnrH13qv3tl6hgtHvdY6xmRiXfFtsGLMf_3cAxRhHJVdzRHUbTZZoGeG4UW2dc_OWwuiNEKkrpmC5iQdwDdPvIpt8yWb-d8xm4nxbeuKHyPp5Vo70ycFGT51l1EGoF1TXPcYNfM/s640/DSC_0309.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVS5YKMmSqQwtZlCCTuU-T-f6fVOB1BAk8q5AezOBQoHTSWqMt0WbNbsrVa1CISL5NYRGUijLoCbwZVDidjQ3YDWnnEENWdOmKfOBRg6NOjiUAYdnT0eXGehGygcv-tjpq_k7Eg2pj4rU/s1600/IMG_4667.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVS5YKMmSqQwtZlCCTuU-T-f6fVOB1BAk8q5AezOBQoHTSWqMt0WbNbsrVa1CISL5NYRGUijLoCbwZVDidjQ3YDWnnEENWdOmKfOBRg6NOjiUAYdnT0eXGehGygcv-tjpq_k7Eg2pj4rU/s640/IMG_4667.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Van rides with Reese :)</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5nZJEhMm7Q4WjNna4qcl3Kz62GDItiOK89_TRZsTs2S9CmBPUZSzOJIWoAtgkaH55nfOD3Z-kbBDLdi9EcNypyC0UwParJRRbBfRyJ_TJM0FdT4VA8ZOnSAAQENc3cHjCfPuTatz-bu4/s1600/IMG_4713.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5nZJEhMm7Q4WjNna4qcl3Kz62GDItiOK89_TRZsTs2S9CmBPUZSzOJIWoAtgkaH55nfOD3Z-kbBDLdi9EcNypyC0UwParJRRbBfRyJ_TJM0FdT4VA8ZOnSAAQENc3cHjCfPuTatz-bu4/s640/IMG_4713.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Such a good big brother</td></tr>
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<strong><u>Saturday 11/5/16</u></strong><br />
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This morning I sent Brant, Gavin and Jake out to run some unnecessary errands while Dakota, Reese, Milo and I went to pickup Gavin's birthday cake I had ordered! Earlier in the week when Dakota and I went shopping, we also picked up a few balloons and a small Nerf gun from the mall. We brought the cake back to the apartment and did what decorating and setup we could before the boys returned. Surprise!!! Gavin is 12 today. What a blessing he is to us. He has a kind, sensitive spirit. He loves his family and is the life of the kid-party. Hard to believe this will be his last year before the teen years! It just goes so fast. <br />
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While the new littles napped, Brant took Dakota, Gavin and Reese to the mall where there is an arcade that takes up an entire floor. Fun day for them celebrating Gavin. This just so happens to be Gavin's second birthday to celebrate abroad! His 9th was celebrated in Colombia when we went to adopt Julieta!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgid2I1jfvsl6GXeHjMOKLgI9zcgbc0UHuQFQtocU5URx0xeIwnKNYdxy5qmWqxJyRrPVZBGA9mlHL-XOGbdvqlMN-l0NMZQgQNroCyQxdzuDgx6O08ajRwoVdry3KxEDPSHrNDKZ_laVc/s1600/DSC_0329.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgid2I1jfvsl6GXeHjMOKLgI9zcgbc0UHuQFQtocU5URx0xeIwnKNYdxy5qmWqxJyRrPVZBGA9mlHL-XOGbdvqlMN-l0NMZQgQNroCyQxdzuDgx6O08ajRwoVdry3KxEDPSHrNDKZ_laVc/s640/DSC_0329.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our cake from Breadtalk. It was SO delicious. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaEKkhTLo0WOYQzkVcmkBkwiEs8x2JcoddEDN0JcBSLO5Fc_dRgnW-UnV9n9A-x_lPoQifoQO6ZdkJwssPTWjRt3_yjgU9whdmvIHjwpbNhVdqkOWPKuGxC1j6Rz_ZJNFA4mu7zebzffU/s1600/DSC_0330.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaEKkhTLo0WOYQzkVcmkBkwiEs8x2JcoddEDN0JcBSLO5Fc_dRgnW-UnV9n9A-x_lPoQifoQO6ZdkJwssPTWjRt3_yjgU9whdmvIHjwpbNhVdqkOWPKuGxC1j6Rz_ZJNFA4mu7zebzffU/s640/DSC_0330.JPG" width="424" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Surprise!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvzc2nxSs9ryrk63AnKGEIjAO2Hlp1-elqfLQpox41a1Pi0-sNYwypCky7zuCNMSUZPg-9Uzmo2fSUeJ4T21j8AgTiLOTiaPCCAzTjvskPawjEtxoIQOJHI-yW_4bPSoWi9RmTGRuAisI/s1600/DSC_0343.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvzc2nxSs9ryrk63AnKGEIjAO2Hlp1-elqfLQpox41a1Pi0-sNYwypCky7zuCNMSUZPg-9Uzmo2fSUeJ4T21j8AgTiLOTiaPCCAzTjvskPawjEtxoIQOJHI-yW_4bPSoWi9RmTGRuAisI/s640/DSC_0343.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Milo is not patient when it comes to cake. Also he isn't being held. </td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Happy 12th birthday!</td></tr>
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More updates to come!!!Elesha Maynardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13054547823368885050noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5207679844489430883.post-47519393744592592672016-11-05T01:53:00.000-05:002016-11-05T02:38:17.614-05:00Hello Jake!<strong><u>Sunday 10/30/16</u></strong><br />
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We got up Sunday morning anxiously awaiting the arrival of JAKE! He was scheduled to arrive at our hotel between 3 pm and 4 pm. We had some breakfast at the hotel's buffet. It is seriously amazing. Full meals including noodles, dumplings, cereals, made to order eggs, pastries, yogurts, cheeses, fruits, and anything else you could possibly want. It has been a life saver to have that each morning in our first two cities. After breakfast, we went down and walked along the river for a little while and explored. We happened upon a convenience store that had some ice cream bars, so we indulged the kiddos and ourselves with a treat. On our way back to the hotel, we found some more "exercise" equipment in the park to amuse ourselves and all the people around us :) I wish I could count the number of times someone has taken our picture or engage in a full on stare. We must be quite the sight. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Do you even Crossfit?</td></tr>
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Went back to the hotel to get Milo a nap before Jake arrived. He was brought to the hotel by our guide Shirley and by the director of his orphanage which was Nanchang SWI. He was so scared. Jake has been with his foster parents for a very long time. He calls them his grandparents. According to the orphanage director, he was very loved by them. We were told the foster parents took him for some special adventures in the days leading up to his adoption. He had fun and when they returned to their home he said, "Whew, I am just exhausted!" Very verbal little one we have here. While they were happy he was going to a family, they are devastated. They asked many questions about our family and if we are a good family. They want us to send pictures to them regularly. I will be happy to oblige. So, he left their home and rode with the orphanage director to our hotel. I can not imagine what was going through his mind. We met him in the lobby and my very first thought was....Um....he is HUGE. Seriously, it was my first thought. After my shock wore off, I held him while they gave me a quick run down of his schedule, eating habits, medication, etc. Then they left and he was ours. Whether he liked it or not!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Poor sweetie</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Daddy's 1st Jake hold</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Daddy calmed him down. This has been a continuing theme.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhE5KuOaT3LRmwko7XT9c4lUzSDgKIbTExTWIc45sTRw_FqRsvKtUAXIvGISTIDQjGKez6i5Oe2tDxKU075Kd511c392omm4V750gYZ3Ihnxsv4FZIG0kKXdvSwntZDTeDVif74nImXFSY/s1600/image1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhE5KuOaT3LRmwko7XT9c4lUzSDgKIbTExTWIc45sTRw_FqRsvKtUAXIvGISTIDQjGKez6i5Oe2tDxKU075Kd511c392omm4V750gYZ3Ihnxsv4FZIG0kKXdvSwntZDTeDVif74nImXFSY/s640/image1.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jake with his foster parents. </td></tr>
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Back to the room for a little play time and getting acquainted time while I finished some paperwork with our facilitator. We then headed to the hotel's playground for a bit of fun.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kota getting in some Milo cuddles</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp9zltvS8Kku4z5IwvoWs4bijQ9aKilERHXJIHU1_eMopQvDHA6wDV7UjWJY5Z9OuscjIGGVaHf54Kn2E0TVUFhyphenhyphenaafnhHtLqJ_0T_YvfCvJqQ78S8QiMfXtHlQJBD39mSfQaDJdX68Ww/s1600/DSC_0221.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp9zltvS8Kku4z5IwvoWs4bijQ9aKilERHXJIHU1_eMopQvDHA6wDV7UjWJY5Z9OuscjIGGVaHf54Kn2E0TVUFhyphenhyphenaafnhHtLqJ_0T_YvfCvJqQ78S8QiMfXtHlQJBD39mSfQaDJdX68Ww/s640/DSC_0221.JPG" width="424" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our sweet boy in all his many Chinese clothing layers. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEighDLrIXgozlwYlWnpFNq2T9SFKW9NFOT6aMlCOls5y54WKxZcN4Bg-2O7jJhehLKAdUq23sNoMnsVQSGee4N5wXQBlQu9xCfHGXkKFXDG0aU5zB8N9eL-WE_fLwINhvdc1w444XZNS-k/s1600/DSC_0222.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEighDLrIXgozlwYlWnpFNq2T9SFKW9NFOT6aMlCOls5y54WKxZcN4Bg-2O7jJhehLKAdUq23sNoMnsVQSGee4N5wXQBlQu9xCfHGXkKFXDG0aU5zB8N9eL-WE_fLwINhvdc1w444XZNS-k/s640/DSC_0222.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Do you see the difference in the boys' sizes??? Craziness. </td></tr>
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After some playtime and rest time, we walked over to the mall to look for some dinner. We looked at several menus that we couldn't read before we saw a place that looked like a buffet. I ventured inside to check it out before we committed and saw they had labeled things (mostly correctly) in English as well. I thought it might be the best way for us to find some foods we liked as well as explore what the boys like. It was really delicious but a bit comical. The staff followed us around smiling and offering us foods. There were at least 100 different selections. Much of which we did not attempt. We found out that Jake likes food. Pretty much all food. He also hates a mess and tries to clean up his hands and table constantly. Thank you, Jesus. In addition to all the buffet items, they did the Brazilian steakhouse thing to and brought all of the mystery meats in the world by our table. All of them. Finally, they found a piece of paper that explained some of the items they were offering. The titles also validated our many "no's." They also insisted that we eat the "hairy crabs" that came with our meal. I guess as a dessert since they insisted at the end of the meal? No idea. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifYZjnvFg6tozDq8EXjwqn6EQPeS8EUoDQmZWSxOnvF-ex2Tbij8Y2pNBkRuw3xduyJ1UcnUEgtZnYvMYizWgv5fv2tyTEzWgAp3o9b-xlGVaxzR04eNd67XC57Oj7hev0oVWUEdNtgy0/s1600/IMG_6957.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifYZjnvFg6tozDq8EXjwqn6EQPeS8EUoDQmZWSxOnvF-ex2Tbij8Y2pNBkRuw3xduyJ1UcnUEgtZnYvMYizWgv5fv2tyTEzWgAp3o9b-xlGVaxzR04eNd67XC57Oj7hev0oVWUEdNtgy0/s1600/IMG_6957.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Not necessarily "international"</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The "hairy crabs"</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Always ask, "What is it?"</td></tr>
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We headed back to the hotel to get everyone ready for bed. Milo insists on being walked to sleep before we put him in his crib. Jake slept with his foster family in their bed. Given the limited sleeping arrangements in our room, it seemed like the best fit for us as well. He cried quite a bit but finally settled down and slept a full night's sleep. While we have struggled some with bedtime with the boys. I am SO thankful that they do sleep. All. Night. I'll take it.<br />
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<strong><u>Monday 10/31/16</u></strong><br />
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Today we had to get all packed up to leave Nanchang very early in the morning. Between leaving the hotel and making our train to Guangzhou (our next city) we had a full morning of appointments. Thankfully the other children were able to stay in the van and play games and rest instead of sitting in government offices waiting. We had to go to the civil affairs offices and the notary with Jake for his passport and visa photos and all our other paperwork for the China side of the adoption. We were strapped for time, so our guide ordered some pizza for us to eat at the train station while we were waiting on the train. Once again we were the center of attention while we doled out our pizza to 5 children. They are just so curious, I imagine. First of all the idea of such a large family is completely foreign to them. Plus two are clearly Chinese. So there's that. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Waiting to checkout of our Nanchang home</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Right before Reese got in trouble for climbing the railing.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgr2b6sSXchyYrpmYh6A66kWZl0Sq8RB_k9RfPnSSfkN1eBK3ee5kjATNYbis87RT1796AQyJCmJQF7B8UM0nXHKDfQJMMWvlO-D5UL1yUixYG7DIlrN2RUS7o6SvGEL4SPKd-c6KLh9wE/s1600/IMG_6966.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgr2b6sSXchyYrpmYh6A66kWZl0Sq8RB_k9RfPnSSfkN1eBK3ee5kjATNYbis87RT1796AQyJCmJQF7B8UM0nXHKDfQJMMWvlO-D5UL1yUixYG7DIlrN2RUS7o6SvGEL4SPKd-c6KLh9wE/s1600/IMG_6966.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Van with table. Perfect for games and cards while riding and waiting. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjay_aHojzGSw7D0cjcsSOBpELVnFV11_4uMoe7fDsuGOtQr-YV25oL4w9kyx3dvislG7AKtAQX0AuXUJzG-QItFEdeIG4E6Uu6TQMJN8WaOJODwNp0o4UOS_PsWQdq1gCUo4UGYaa13mY/s1600/IMG_6967.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjay_aHojzGSw7D0cjcsSOBpELVnFV11_4uMoe7fDsuGOtQr-YV25oL4w9kyx3dvislG7AKtAQX0AuXUJzG-QItFEdeIG4E6Uu6TQMJN8WaOJODwNp0o4UOS_PsWQdq1gCUo4UGYaa13mY/s1600/IMG_6967.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Waiting on the train.</td></tr>
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Now we get to board the much anticipated bullet train. Our first train in-country was a sleeper so it wasn't the fast variety. But this one went over 200 miles an hour! And we all go to enjoy it! Except Brant. Because today Jake decided that only Brant will do. Only. And only if Brant was standing up or walking him. And sometimes not even then. Brant enjoyed his train ride by standing up the vast majority of the 4 1/2 hour ride. He was so glad to disembark and go straight to the hotel for some sleep. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnsjES9QphiQtLrcDACuX2GzX1BTLJzvnTHmFLznNDSuCAvLtBkfOSfAPjIKMgzCnZo0n01CupLJbWpMFehhfG_JMa67H-jrsU1kbxNqCQ6SJ-XqmD37c7rOwiWfutAUKns2d1fKSNS1s/s1600/IMG_6969.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnsjES9QphiQtLrcDACuX2GzX1BTLJzvnTHmFLznNDSuCAvLtBkfOSfAPjIKMgzCnZo0n01CupLJbWpMFehhfG_JMa67H-jrsU1kbxNqCQ6SJ-XqmD37c7rOwiWfutAUKns2d1fKSNS1s/s1600/IMG_6969.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bullet train pulling in!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjNOhc2KZEyh5tToS7_BLfAzncqCoxlkTippFbv5t4zSzkT-iUp-VuimBdj4GXmwdkonc2JlWBbI7ot2hhCBuzY6DMfUDhR5BKreXEbEgm7yZPtwedPpmtbCVyFjJV-uXOkyC6s3wKAgA/s1600/IMG_6972.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjNOhc2KZEyh5tToS7_BLfAzncqCoxlkTippFbv5t4zSzkT-iUp-VuimBdj4GXmwdkonc2JlWBbI7ot2hhCBuzY6DMfUDhR5BKreXEbEgm7yZPtwedPpmtbCVyFjJV-uXOkyC6s3wKAgA/s640/IMG_6972.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Before it all went downhill ;)</td></tr>
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We have been settled in Guangzhou (in Southern China) since Monday evening. I'll get the rest of the updates up as soon as I can. Know we are well. The boys have their struggles. Milo has a cold and could use your prayers to get that cleared up. Jake is grieving. Some times heavily. Most specifically at bedtime. But throughout the day as well. He doesn't let Brant leave his sight. He tolerates me at most. But I see glimpses of him coming around. He truly has a smile that will light up the room. And those dimples....sigh. Milo is just a baby doll. He loves cuddles and kisses. What he doesn't like is being put down. We are learning about each other and figuring it out. Keep praying. More updates soon!<br />
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Elesha Maynardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13054547823368885050noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5207679844489430883.post-76657361099034291442016-11-03T18:46:00.000-05:002016-11-03T18:46:08.182-05:00Yes....we are still alive. I'm back!!! It is 4:00 am in Guangzhou, China as I start this post. Too busy during the day....too sleepy at night. Here is the recap of the past few days.<br />
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<strong><u>Friday 10/28/16 continued</u></strong><br />
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Our driver, Cindy, arrived at our hotel at to transport us and our luggage to pick up Milo. We ended up waiting in the lobby for quite some time because they came in a car instead of a van. The drive was about an hour to Morning Star which is located on the north side of Beijing. Morning Star is the healing home where Milo has been living this year. He is not actually from Beijing but from Yangchun in Guangdong province. After his first open heart surgery at 2 months of age, he was transferred to his first healing home, Little Flower, which is also located in Beijing. These homes have been so amazing for him. They have medically trained staff, loving ayis (nannies), and a small ratio of children to caregivers. I can not thank them enough for the love they pour into Milo and the other children there. Morning Star is located in a gated community. Looked very safe and well cared for. We were SO excited as we walked up to the house. Milo and the other children were outside in the courtyard playing with their ayis when we arrived so we didn't have to wait long to see his beautiful face. We spent around an hour there getting medical instructions, getting at tour of the home and visiting with the other babies. I have had the opportunity to connect with many of these sweet children's mamas online. They are working hard to get to them so I got some pictures of their babies to send on to them while they wait. Milo reached first for Dakota so that thrilled her! Milo is super-attached to his ayi so goodbyes were hard. He wept for a bit in the van as we drove off from the world he knew. Finally he slept peacefully. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-Ki0IC6oj7a_urZUwsdE9gNGN6up14MufZDoC9IwTaTn7rZ9QTFmr82S1J9pRN3TW7DzZTxg3OBWWndUfiDLZ-UQrmgeeKu_TcLD8dwNrwACvQd3ucBs-4NS8X_CJ_Nt1olEzHw-tzfw/s1600/DSC_0115.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-Ki0IC6oj7a_urZUwsdE9gNGN6up14MufZDoC9IwTaTn7rZ9QTFmr82S1J9pRN3TW7DzZTxg3OBWWndUfiDLZ-UQrmgeeKu_TcLD8dwNrwACvQd3ucBs-4NS8X_CJ_Nt1olEzHw-tzfw/s640/DSC_0115.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Guards at the gate of the community were Morning Start is located</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpNyq0C-v-mbGHlrrVNKo6FmEWVbF221OEFJMoh29lgrsxz8zY0ibM6VCJXcKv7DDezeMOf2sxxMDbgZEsQGWIJNIqaulefG-uYv-A1WPKqY30hocDJ4CfyB2qufg_IgMB5lb-j9JWKKg/s1600/DSC_0118.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpNyq0C-v-mbGHlrrVNKo6FmEWVbF221OEFJMoh29lgrsxz8zY0ibM6VCJXcKv7DDezeMOf2sxxMDbgZEsQGWIJNIqaulefG-uYv-A1WPKqY30hocDJ4CfyB2qufg_IgMB5lb-j9JWKKg/s640/DSC_0118.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Outside Milo's home</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiioSjA17i_Tlkk3G3hIBj9ShtjS2I0ucVoYrkdFh7xDNRz02OtDhuz-e6SOaZkf2Jd-CrzZDuGhfId5g0F60-renA7VyywqJBqXauaM0eAeq-bmfs29fyqzWVisnxEk3IDSjAnubdr0q8/s1600/DSC_0119.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiioSjA17i_Tlkk3G3hIBj9ShtjS2I0ucVoYrkdFh7xDNRz02OtDhuz-e6SOaZkf2Jd-CrzZDuGhfId5g0F60-renA7VyywqJBqXauaM0eAeq-bmfs29fyqzWVisnxEk3IDSjAnubdr0q8/s640/DSC_0119.JPG" width="424" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">There he is! Waiting for us!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dakota gets the first hold</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Visiting with the babies!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTk1Z-AnuH2bBpHo8ObskzoYmEaRi_jr87oa3OCv7Z1Pr6tGh3Prdwxsv655IvGaxSbvVHJKkOU95ww3MSbIkJMCyn1BbMSW6tG3tcXI88dGRlmRf2Jh74ZdJHEmUvc9c3kN9Ekva97PY/s1600/DSC_0165.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTk1Z-AnuH2bBpHo8ObskzoYmEaRi_jr87oa3OCv7Z1Pr6tGh3Prdwxsv655IvGaxSbvVHJKkOU95ww3MSbIkJMCyn1BbMSW6tG3tcXI88dGRlmRf2Jh74ZdJHEmUvc9c3kN9Ekva97PY/s640/DSC_0165.JPG" width="424" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Milo's sweet bed</td></tr>
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Now we were on a mad rush to make our sleeper train. And by mad rush, I mean sitting almost still in traffic. We went 9 miles in 2 1/2 hours. This is normal for Beijing. 23 million people. So many people. The train station was insanity. I mean just craziness. There are no formal lines in China. Whoever gets to the front is first in line. So that was interesting with all the kids and our luggage. Milo took it like a champ though and seamlessly fit in with our family and our craziness. We bought tickets for "soft sleepers" so we could all be in a compartment together. If you get hard sleepers, you are in triple bunks in a dormitory type environment. No thank you. We were starving by the time we got to the train station so we fumbled around trying to find food and finally settled on a fruit stand for grapes and bananas. Once we got settled in our compartment, we found out how to order food on the train and got some noodles for everyone (think ramen meets cup-a-soup). It filled us up nonetheless and everyone slept remarkable well. Our train left at 7:30 pm and we arrived in Nanchang (Jake's hometown) around 8:00 am. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The train station waiting area</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bottom bunk of the sleeper train</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">top bunks of our compartment</td></tr>
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<strong><u>Saturday 10/29/16</u></strong><br />
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Our new guide in Nanchang is Shirley. She picked us up from the train station and got us to our new hotel. It is the Holiday Inn Nanchang Riverside. I had enough points with IHG to book our room here as well and only had to pay for the breakfast. They gave us a studio suite with a whole entire wall of windows overlooking the river. It is an amazing room. They even let us check in 5 hours early and offered us complimentary welcome drinks in the cafe. So accommodating. We didn't really do much Saturday. We were exhausted and felt like Milo needed some downtime in the room. So we just relaxed until dinner. It was a short walk to a nearby mall where we found a Pizza Hut for our first taste of American food since our arrival in China. The waitress was so disturbed when we ordered a pepperoni pizza and a cheese pizza. She repeatedly told me "not delicious." I tried to convince her it is MUCH better than Peking Duck pizza to no avail. They laughed at us the rest of the meal I am sure. We are hugely entertaining to everyone we come across. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chillin' in the new room in Nanchang</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">First bath!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Can you tell who Milo's buddy is?</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">On our way to dinner</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is what happens when Dakota takes his fork. Bless.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cried himself to sleep in Pizza Hut.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">About to eat our delicious non-peking duck pizzas</td></tr>
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Going to have to leave you hanging for now. I'll try to post again tonight (your Friday morning) and let you see Jake!!! Elesha Maynardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13054547823368885050noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5207679844489430883.post-72471982052890658282016-10-27T23:55:00.000-05:002016-10-27T23:55:15.076-05:00We made it!!!! <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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We have been here almost 3 days and this is the very first time I have been able to sit down and update you all! I'll give you a brief recap:</div>
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<strong><u>Monday 10/24</u></strong></div>
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We woke up at 3 am (me at 2 am) to get ready for our trip. This is after going to bed around midnight because packing early is for people who are just not like me. Procrastination is how I roll. The kids were more than a little disoriented to be getting up mere hours after going to bed. Julieta (who never complains) stood in the middle of the living room floor and cried, "I AM JUST SLEEPY." Bless it. </div>
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We arrived at the hotel around 4:30 am to begin the check-in process. My parents and my sister met us at the airport to take Julieta and Jude with them after our departure. It was a seamless TSA experience but it was heartbreaking to leave the J's behind. Our flight departed at 6:20 am and was only a couple of hours to Detroit. Since we had a 6 hour layover, we took advantage of sitting down and eating our last American meal for a while. Then we boarded for our 14 hour flight! It was long. Oh, so long. I realized just how old my knees were on this flight. Because of my oldness and my excitement/adrenaline, I slept a grand total of 1 hour on this flight. By the time we claimed our luggage, went through customs, met our driver, got to our hotel to eat a little and grab some showers and fell into bed, I had only gotten 3 hours of sleep in the previous 49 hours. Zombies. We were mere zombies. Despite all that, I was restless all night. Excited? Nervous? Or just because Brant and I had Gavin and Reese in the bed with us all night? I'll let you decide. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Last photo as a family of 7!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">How Reese spent out Detroit layover</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Renaissance Beijing Wangfujing - Can you even believe we are staying here for FREE????</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View from our hotel window in Beijing</td></tr>
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<strong><u>Wednesday 10/26</u></strong><br />
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^^See what I did there? It was Tuesday when we arrived in Beijing which is 13 hours ahead of you guys back at home in Central time. So you don't get a Tuesday recap except: flying, then flying and some more flying. Wednesday morning we woke up and had a great breakfast at the hotel. We are staying at the Renaissance Beijing Wangfujing which is stunning, clean and modern. We were able to book our room for free using points we earned on a credit card (which we paid the balance on in full.) Then we added on executive privileges (full breakfast, afternoon snacks, dinner and drinks) for only $60 per night for all 5 of us! It is saving us a fortune on food. Our driver and guide arrived about 9:00 am for us to head off to the Mutianyu section of the Great Wall of China. It is a further drive than some of the other areas we could have visited (1 1/2 hours), but has more of the original structure, less tourists and has a toboggan ride down! By the time we had listened to quite a bit of the history of the wall, Reese was done so the adrenaline rush from the slide was much appreciated by all of us! Our guide then took us to a nearby restaurant and it was just simply delicious. The Bigs are so good about eating adventurously and tried everything put before them. It was all served family style, and they are becoming pros with their chopsticks. Reese is subsisting on white rice and Sprite outside of the hotel. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gavin and our guide, David, riding the chair lift to the Great Wall</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Simply stunning</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOJJNZ6BXXa259mS71G2Ax67nHVwFpV3JxB2QOcEcyJxN37mQjJB6pIZ0ByuClRKBpxLBN_L_-39brPXHCGC5tsrmzR8cJ1IZInyib1LqeulKyOPkNyrDPYAO7Z-X5W-tBooht7GNUgjs/s1600/DSC_0017.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOJJNZ6BXXa259mS71G2Ax67nHVwFpV3JxB2QOcEcyJxN37mQjJB6pIZ0ByuClRKBpxLBN_L_-39brPXHCGC5tsrmzR8cJ1IZInyib1LqeulKyOPkNyrDPYAO7Z-X5W-tBooht7GNUgjs/s640/DSC_0017.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">On the Great Wall</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgd08qcAT3IvJm0hCZmoe3svsHtqAYppnTpx61lHFfZN_68aJzQrmOQjxJbeELxTloFQiEfJ6ZW2BySvFbTs8eOqtwP-jGuraPOsDkr3gQY92Dljw9rHKmOfzBcbauTMwais9ApcGrUCXU/s1600/DSC_0028.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgd08qcAT3IvJm0hCZmoe3svsHtqAYppnTpx61lHFfZN_68aJzQrmOQjxJbeELxTloFQiEfJ6ZW2BySvFbTs8eOqtwP-jGuraPOsDkr3gQY92Dljw9rHKmOfzBcbauTMwais9ApcGrUCXU/s640/DSC_0028.JPG" width="424" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My boys!</td></tr>
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After battling the traffic in Beijing for several hours, we arrived at our next destination: an acrobatic show. It was obviously a local attraction as we were the only non-Asians in the entire theater. Before the show began there was some sort of live infomercial/auction/game show or something on the stage. We were seriously lacking some context which made it hilarious for us :) The acrobatic show itself was nothing short of spectacular. Reese was enthralled and it made for a good evening before we returned to the hotel for another night of trying to reset our body's clocks. We end up going to bed early and waking up WAY early, especially Brant and me. <br />
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<strong><u>Thursday 10/27</u></strong><br />
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We breakfasted again and then were picked up by David (our guide) at 8:30. Today's first stop was the Temple of Heaven. It is a 600 acre park originally built in the early 1400s for the emperor to worship. It is also a place where many people...mainly retirees during the day....come and play games, exercise, socialize and bring their grandchildren. Grandparents provide the childcare for the grandchildren while the parents work. It was one of my favorite places so far. I am SO impressed by the physicality of these grandparents and have decided this is why the Lord did not make me Asian. They are IN SHAPE! Seriously impressive. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tai Chi in Temple of Heaven</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Temple of Heaven</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">At Temple of Heaven</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggnk88Uk9OTWL_OGjbm1OTT6yPRZn_904pImnEh18GIvV2usqFtmEKT0Ed8qEeTTm3ghK-4bRIuP8PSoDG1vWbX2Ob-e8nD4SsBC9Lthl6hg_Wnuu4oNvo_tcLzoEQmGKx2Yon4g8h9O8/s1600/DSC_0058.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggnk88Uk9OTWL_OGjbm1OTT6yPRZn_904pImnEh18GIvV2usqFtmEKT0Ed8qEeTTm3ghK-4bRIuP8PSoDG1vWbX2Ob-e8nD4SsBC9Lthl6hg_Wnuu4oNvo_tcLzoEQmGKx2Yon4g8h9O8/s640/DSC_0058.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">They don't joke around with their games. I'm certain I heard "boo-yah" in Mandarin.</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy4_DvEjQUX4s9CcRTx_yZfbjxhwzPgQhNnxUHC_rq6ehf-XY9iPnnhmWbr-B8bLWet-_4AGd5dJjJjyefLDOqb2qaMGQ6RebnXYQZbP4cFRjEwmO3EDUJgk1Ov-9i23Ta17jDXTGc9KM/s1600/DSC_0059.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy4_DvEjQUX4s9CcRTx_yZfbjxhwzPgQhNnxUHC_rq6ehf-XY9iPnnhmWbr-B8bLWet-_4AGd5dJjJjyefLDOqb2qaMGQ6RebnXYQZbP4cFRjEwmO3EDUJgk1Ov-9i23Ta17jDXTGc9KM/s640/DSC_0059.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Exercise and massage park in Temple of Heaven</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ribbon twirling in Temple of Heaven</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Brant and Reese at Temple of Heaven</td></tr>
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After the Temple of Heaven, we headed off for a tour of the traditional Chinese hutong. This is a system of homes built around a courtyard that historically several generations of the same family would share. All but about 2 - 3% of the hutongs were destroyed during the cultural revolution so it was something special to see. Our guide arranged for us to eat in the home of someone who lives in one of these hutongs. It was, yet again, an amazing lunch and such a unique experience. I felt so blessed that they opened our home to us. The daughter of the man who cooked for us is a local artist who has carried on an ancient art tradition of painting (from the inside with a tiny brush) glass bottles that used to hold the opium for the emperor and his concubines in historical time. She was so talented and kind. She even let the children try their hand at it. From their hutong, we travelled via pedicab to look around the hutong area a bit more. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lunch at the hutong</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our Beijing guide, David.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqaazVMr1AXA8ewFbvitwuRLOrCScmd4pS1k_SAL0BckVCg_LAns6hkKrnh0G0U9hD0Ug3q4W-TbSPrS74VcCRC7prDQacbwegrmPhAMu5uBeO2svIZLaNSRRpdbnYeXteHzZTOjQs-r4/s1600/DSC_0085.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqaazVMr1AXA8ewFbvitwuRLOrCScmd4pS1k_SAL0BckVCg_LAns6hkKrnh0G0U9hD0Ug3q4W-TbSPrS74VcCRC7prDQacbwegrmPhAMu5uBeO2svIZLaNSRRpdbnYeXteHzZTOjQs-r4/s640/DSC_0085.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Local artist painting snuff bottles</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4S7vLVXfznCzUlCzKwZMDPoa02EB66Sid-8f3TrAqEaDuDtBICC-4DrauyOqCEAxvNStGFlyDNpoiVeYmo8dLLhVRnS6nW82lr-NxFWhobnuywffflMs6pFyBIYtUmx8ceL8A3QG5Dog/s1600/DSC_0086.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4S7vLVXfznCzUlCzKwZMDPoa02EB66Sid-8f3TrAqEaDuDtBICC-4DrauyOqCEAxvNStGFlyDNpoiVeYmo8dLLhVRnS6nW82lr-NxFWhobnuywffflMs6pFyBIYtUmx8ceL8A3QG5Dog/s640/DSC_0086.JPG" width="424" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Traditional hutong courtyard</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gavin and David in pedicab</td></tr>
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Next we went to the Imperial Garden to get an aerial view of the Forbidden City which was impressive to see. Then we went on to Summer Palace. I truly wish we had more time to spend at Summer Palace. It was a quick visit because it started raining heavily and was extremely cold. We took a dragon boat back to the other side of the lake and met up with our driver to head back to the hotel.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Brant and I on the dragon boat</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdtXUOLOZwbSjER4npXjp1AZGmNX5SWp1fugwTdFBbatoNKY16lOW94-f_TUBNMJu9vu4WkhynyfWQMwHG5KWSZb7xt5XvwGRgtQ3Ed8cXOQqTtwChHMjoXVeDFZMEpq1k5DkFxEMHfIQ/s1600/DSC_0077.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdtXUOLOZwbSjER4npXjp1AZGmNX5SWp1fugwTdFBbatoNKY16lOW94-f_TUBNMJu9vu4WkhynyfWQMwHG5KWSZb7xt5XvwGRgtQ3Ed8cXOQqTtwChHMjoXVeDFZMEpq1k5DkFxEMHfIQ/s640/DSC_0077.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View of Forbidden City from the Imperial Park</td></tr>
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After dinner in the hotel, Brant took the boys swimming in the pool while I helped Dakota with some laptop issues so she could get some school work accomplished. I think I crashed out at about 8:00 pm. <br />
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<strong><u>Friday 10/28</u></strong><br />
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So while I have been able to get to bed early each night, sleep alludes me around 2 am. That makes for a long day. I think last night it was simply the anticipation of MILO!!! Because today, yes today, is the day we get to hold him in our arms. We are all beside ourselves. While we are excited, I need you to pray with us. Because Milo won't be excited. He is 18 months old. He is not going to understand why his beloved ayi (nanny) is handing him over to some strangers and walking out of his life. He will be scared. I ask you to pray for his heart to heal. For him to attach well to us. For the grieving to come but be a healthy grief. Pray also for his dear ayi and his friends who will miss him. Their day will also be difficult. We are to pick him up at 2:00 pm. This will be 1:00 am your time. So you should wake up to a few pictures if all goes well. This evening we will board a sleeper train to head over to Nanchang (Jake's hometown.) The train ride will be about 12 hours. We are hoping Milo will settle down enough to sleep for a good portion of it. <br />
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We love you. . We covet your prayers. We will be in touch soon!Elesha Maynardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13054547823368885050noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5207679844489430883.post-47917365891873307812016-10-21T11:44:00.002-05:002016-10-21T11:53:10.226-05:00Last minute plea - Are you the missing piece?<div style="font-family: uictfonttextstylebody; font-size: 17px;">
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); color: #fce5cd;">Here is the kind of post I hate making. But I feel like I have to.....so here it goes. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #fce5cd;"><span style="background-color: rgba(255 , 255 , 255 , 0); font-family: "uictfonttextstylebody"; font-size: 17px;">Over the last few weeks family and friends have asked how they can help us bring Jake and Milo home, and through those conversations I have found out that I'm not good at asking for accepting help (although I did finally agreed to the childcare offered for Julieta and Jude mainly because they HAVE to stay somewhere.) I also have been very willing to ask for prayers. Honestly, it is what we need more than anything. But we have come to the point where I need you to share our story. T</span><span style="background-color: rgba(255 , 255 , 255 , 0); font-family: "uictfonttextstylebody"; font-size: 17px;">oday, I have to wire almost $18,000 to the adoption agency for the final payment on our adoptions. It is craziness. </span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255 , 255 , 255 , 0); font-family: "uictfonttextstylebody"; font-size: 17px;">Here is the breakdown so far:</span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255 , 255 , 255 , 0); font-family: "uictfonttextstylebody"; font-size: 17px;">Total adoption cost approximately $45,000</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #454545; font-family: "uictfonttextstylebody";"><span style="color: #fce5cd; font-size: 17px;">Amount we have fundraised $16,939</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #454545; font-family: "uictfonttextstylebody";"><span style="color: #fce5cd; font-size: 17px;">Amount we scrimped & saved since Julieta's adoption & paid out of pocket $12,056</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #454545; font-family: "uictfonttextstylebody";"><span style="color: #fce5cd; font-size: 17px;">That leaves us needed to come up with $16,005 to be fully funded. </span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #454545; font-family: "uictfonttextstylebody";"><span style="color: #ffe599; font-size: 17px;">In 3 days. </span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #fce5cd;"><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">We can't thank </span>everyone enough for the outpouring of support we have received. I know so many of you have already given. I know some of you simply cannot. But can I call on you to not just share this post, but add a personal comment to it so your friends and family know a little about who we are? </span></div>
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<span style="color: #fce5cd;">We can not wait to bring our sons home. We travel in just 3 short days! With this adoption has come many fees to both our agency and the government. EVERY penny has been worth it. $11,600 of the $18,000 we must wire will go straight to the boys' orphanages. I would love to raise that amount. These donations will help the children that they have grown up with to get the care and supplies they need to grow. Things like blankets and toys...things ALL children should have. Some of these children will never know the love of a family. They will spend their entire childhood in the orphanage. At the age of 13 they will be sent out on the streets. This breaks my heart. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #fce5cd;">So now...what can WE do? What can YOU do? Help us raise the money for the donation in the amount of $5,800 to each orphanage. This money will go directly to their orphanages. We are selling puzzle pieces for $10 each. If your family would like to purchase a piece, or a piece for each boy, or a piece from each person in your family, we will write your name on the back of the piece. Once the puzzle is put together we will frame it for Jake and Milo. We want them to know everyone that helped bring them home, and left a lasting mark on their orphanages in China. WE CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE!</span></div>
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<span style="color: #fce5cd;">Are you the missing piece??</span><br />
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<span style="color: #fce5cd;">Donations can be made via paypal to eleshamdm@gmail.com or tax deductible donations can be made <a href="https://www.adopttogether.org/maynard" target="_blank">here</a> by check or credit card. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #fce5cd;">May you be blessed for your sacrifice. We love you all!!!</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi43VOm5i9mnEuhebPhDeZKcPtQCA58mjOlaRibEKsBbNtAsLsSoQVMpMM2K1hu0E49wmtrLodE6ZEE5bEMAafZ6QVqrp3oSZRLKnMf6912orv3CWYEm1P6AQUNg8L2hIXMLZdqhL4pp24/s1600/14796181_10154237804818649_1671937831_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi43VOm5i9mnEuhebPhDeZKcPtQCA58mjOlaRibEKsBbNtAsLsSoQVMpMM2K1hu0E49wmtrLodE6ZEE5bEMAafZ6QVqrp3oSZRLKnMf6912orv3CWYEm1P6AQUNg8L2hIXMLZdqhL4pp24/s1600/14796181_10154237804818649_1671937831_o.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our Sweet Jake</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ2SA5sF4Ttct3EQTh_5LlMl-Hf8BF_vJlR32eR9scjtMuI4tGQkDk6WU8gyjyEC0fbhEDrSjNUglTatyWTUz_6iVR_vyYsBZ9v9G1GAdue4TPTf7-W4J8mzQSAOah0xPaLtwp-XID6d4/s1600/14610649_10153767321916510_687900096_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="425" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ2SA5sF4Ttct3EQTh_5LlMl-Hf8BF_vJlR32eR9scjtMuI4tGQkDk6WU8gyjyEC0fbhEDrSjNUglTatyWTUz_6iVR_vyYsBZ9v9G1GAdue4TPTf7-W4J8mzQSAOah0xPaLtwp-XID6d4/s640/14610649_10153767321916510_687900096_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tiny Milo</td></tr>
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Elesha Maynardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13054547823368885050noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5207679844489430883.post-26117313783500619222016-06-02T15:38:00.001-05:002016-06-03T07:40:02.599-05:00Baby Faces on Puzzle PiecesI am here to announce our next fundraiser!!!!! I am SO excited about this one because it has our babies' faces literally all over it. We had a 1,000 piece puzzle made of our new boys. We are giving you the opportunity to "sponsor" a piece for a suggested amount of $5 each. On the back of the puzzle pieces we will write your name or your family's name or whatever else we can fit! You decide what you want written. One the puzzle is complete, we will seal coat it and put it in a clear back frame and hang it in the boys' new bedroom. This will be an incredible reminder of all the people who came together to bring our boys home. It will also give us something tangible to remember and thank God for his provision of finances, support and love. I imagine I will shed a few tears as I show them the back, read all the names and "introduce" you to them. <br />
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Here is a picture of the puzzle box. Cuteness overload!!!!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjfDQbDt3wMDxYHpBC0Fsv32QobzdNr2ZKiPU1M_wEkfIx9RUps3k1Rxo9ncAUV1x62dVgGt51nLtgIcfljCwYS9C6xVCSg0I0oH8E_3FWJngVfZfq32VGKvOjwYCvxyoFHlgiD0tN0J4/s1600/puzzle.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="390" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjfDQbDt3wMDxYHpBC0Fsv32QobzdNr2ZKiPU1M_wEkfIx9RUps3k1Rxo9ncAUV1x62dVgGt51nLtgIcfljCwYS9C6xVCSg0I0oH8E_3FWJngVfZfq32VGKvOjwYCvxyoFHlgiD0tN0J4/s640/puzzle.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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The practical part: If all 1,000 pieces are sponsored that will be $5,000 raised. That amount is important because for each child we are adopted, China requires a $5,500 donation to their orphanage. This is to provide for those children still there who have not yet found and maybe will never find their forever families. You will be directly impacting these children's lives.<br />
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So....if you would like to be a part of this...you can snail mail cash or check to Elesha Maynard, PO Box 64, Brownsboro, AL 35741 or you can pay via Paypal using the button in the right hand margin of my blog post. Don't see a right hand margin OR a button??? That is because you are on your mobile device. You can either move to a desktop or scroll all the way down to the bottom of my blog and click "view web version". Easy peasy. **If you still can't fine it, my email address is eleshamdm@gmail.com and your Paypal donation can be directed to it. Please include a note that lets us know how many pieces your are sponsoring and what you want written on the back of each piece. You can chose to sponsor one piece for your family, or one for each of your family members or one for each of our new boys. You decide!!<br />
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Most importantly SHARE this blog post!!! It is a small way for people to help that can add up to a HUGE blessing. We love you all!!Elesha Maynardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13054547823368885050noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5207679844489430883.post-92028496670693456232016-05-11T15:18:00.001-05:002016-06-02T14:41:54.476-05:00I am not a good person"You are such a good person." I have heard that phrase more times than I can count during our two adoption processes. I know it comes from a good place and is meant to be a compliment. But I just need you to know, I'm not. I am NOT a good person. I am a woman and mother who feels every fear, concern and worry that you think you would feel. I am not immune to them. I have ALL the feelings. And absolutely every single bit of the stress. So why would I chose this path? <br />
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A few years ago, I began praying that the Lord would fulfill the desires of my heart. Not what I think I want, but what my soul yearns for. How hilarious to me that He led me to this path! Funny because I like order. And quiet. And reading. And personal space. And clean toilets. But God knows me better than I know myself. He gave me a deep-placed desire for these children. The thought of adoption and orphan care seemed radical to me, but I knew it was a call placed by God on my life. The more I prayed and studied, the more I thought, "why shouldn't I live radically?" Is there any better use of my time and my resources than this? Could I possibly find anything worth more of my life than loving on God's children?<br />
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So my husband and I made some life choices to begin saving. Nine years ago he started a second full time job. I was still working full time. We did not increase our spending and put over two years of his new salary away. We paid down all debt except for our house. Then I left my job and pulled the children out of private school. We budget. We scrimp. We do low-cost vacations. We rarely eat out. We skip travel ball. We buy used clothes or clearance items a season ahead. We do hand-me-downs. And I regret none of it. My children's lives are still rich. My job as a parent is not to provide my children with all the things they want. My sole responsibility is to help them grow up to look like Jesus. I want them to be willing to do whatever He asks and go wherever He leads. Now mind you, I fail every single day. I get busy and skip devotions. I get hangry. Oh, so hangry. I hide in my room in a Mommy Time Out. I squint my eyes and grit my teeth in anger. I fail. But Grace. Thankfully my role isn't to be perfect. I could never attain that. I simply want my children, at the end of my life, to know I lived for Jesus. <br />
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Another thing I hear is how lucky these boys are for us to be their family. Please know, they are not. They were abandoned. Maybe it was forced on their birth parents by a rigid government or by a financial situation that would not allow them to take care of the boys' medical needs. But there was a loss. The birth parents are losing a life with these precious sweethearts. All the kisses. All the cuddles. The boys will miss out on a life with parents who look like them. They will lose their language, their citizenship and their culture. As much as we will try to maintain these things for them, it will never be the same. We are not God's perfect plan for them. We are second best. <br />
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All are not called to adopt, but you can still be a part of orphan care. You can foster, become certified to provide respite for foster parents, mentor a child from a hard place, build relationships in a homeless camp, pay for a well to be dug for clean drinking water, donate to an adoptive family, help with fundraisers, babysit their children, sponsor a child, etc. There are opportunities if you look around you. Speaking of that....I know you think we are about to become parents to 7 children. But really we will be parents to 10!!! Here are our sweet sponsored children:<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7s9NVxD0lmw/VzOOPSMv52I/AAAAAAAACCA/OyxvrNtD9Hcvz-CNv7FJYgpuGbrANHTvgCKgB/s1600/FullSizeRender-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7s9NVxD0lmw/VzOOPSMv52I/AAAAAAAACCA/OyxvrNtD9Hcvz-CNv7FJYgpuGbrANHTvgCKgB/s400/FullSizeRender-1.jpg" width="252" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Asafu from Rwanda. She turned 4 last week!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UF071fo4q8I/VzOOPbxFhSI/AAAAAAAACB8/LEP6VKjpUok-iYjWirktedEuhcLRVLwZACKgB/s1600/FullSizeRender.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UF071fo4q8I/VzOOPbxFhSI/AAAAAAAACB8/LEP6VKjpUok-iYjWirktedEuhcLRVLwZACKgB/s400/FullSizeRender.jpg" width="267" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Joy from Bangladesh. He turned 7 last week!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Feng Wei from China. She will turn 14 next month!<br />
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I pray for these children and send them cards and photos. I love them because God does. I do not want them to have to settle for second best. I want God's plan to win over poverty. So we sponsor them. <br />
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It is easy to memorize scriptures and to know what the Bible says. It is so much harder to obey. As a body of believers, we often hear and ignore the command that we should care for "the least of these". We think we don't have enough financially. Or the time. Or the patience. Each time we ignore the opportunity for obedience, our heart hardens more toward that command. We become apathetic. <br />
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I do not want you who are reading this blog to be satisfied by a captivating story. I want you to be bold and courageous enough to ask God for a story of your own. Not just hearers of the Word but doers also. My personal goal for my story is that God would be glorified and others drawn to Him through the testimony of our family. </div>
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I love you all. Pray for us as we continue to work on our medical expedite and the rest of the fundraising and paperwork! <br />
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Elesha Maynardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13054547823368885050noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5207679844489430883.post-73051382399255992862016-04-19T22:53:00.000-05:002016-04-28T08:17:53.563-05:00Pre-approval #2!!!<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Today we received PA (pre-approval) on our 2nd child!!! ANOTHER BOY!!! Here are a couple of pictures because I just can't resist sharing his sweet face. </span><br />
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">He turned one in March. So the newest Maynards will be 1 year olds, just 4 months apart in age. It is such an exciting time for us. The kids keep asking when we can go to China to pick them up. They can't wait to meet them! </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">I've received a lot of questions about their physical needs. I'm going to give you a brief rundown mainly so you will know how to pray for us. I am also going to refer to them as boy #1 and boy #2. I hate to do that but I still can't share their Chinese names and we (of course) do not have American names for them yet. So that is what I will do for the time being. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Boy #1 - He has spina bifida with tethered cord. Spina bifida is a neural tube birth defect. He was born with an opening in the lower part of his vertebral column because it did not close properly during development in utero. He also had a lipoma at that opening. It is a lump basically. A healthy spinal cord hangs loose in the spinal canal. A tethered cord is connected somewhere at the end or another point in the canal. Last November, when he turned one year old, they did surgery to remove the lipoma and repair the tethered cord. There are a lot of unknowns about his medical condition. We will find things out as we go along, I'm sure. Some good news is he does not show any signs of hydrocephalus (accumulation of fluid in the brain that is common in spina bifida). He also was able to move his legs after the surgery so we have a really good chance of him being ambulatory. Things we might be looking at include: retethering of the cord, braces for his legs, possible wheelchair use for more active locations (theme parks), urinary incontinence (which means he would have to be catheterized for bathroom time), etc. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Boy #2 - He has complex congenital heard disease. His is a form of hypoplastic left heart syndrome (HLHS). A VERY simplistic explanation is he is functioning with half a heart. The other half is there but underdeveloped and not properly performing its job. When he was between 2 and 3 months old he underwent his first open heart surgery. He was transferred to a healing home in another city at that time and has been there every since. He is needing a second surgery very soon. It is called a bidirectional Glenn. A third open heart surgery will be needed around 3-4 years of age. It is called the Fontan. There is a whole lot to explain about all this but I'm still trying to wrap my mind around it well enough to convey the information with clarity. There is also the chance he will need a heart transplant sometime in his 20s or 30s. But time will tell as far as that goes. One blessing to me in his situation is for a short time Brant and I were in a Sunday School class with another couple whose son had a similar diagnosis and underwent the same surgeries. It is nice to have someone to discuss things with if I need it. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Our plan at this point is to have both boys evaluated at Vanderbilt when they get home. I'm hoping that most treatment can take place there. </span></div>
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<li class=""><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">The boys' health. Right now the most urgent prayer request is the heart of boy #2. He needs the next surgery very soon. Really sooner than we can get to China on a normal timeline. They will do the surgery there, if need be, but we would rather it be done here. </span></li>
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<li class=""><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Pray for favor with USCIS (United States Immigration). We need to get in touch with the immigration officer we are assigned to so we can attempt to get a medical expedite. They have become pretty stingy with issuing these in recent years. We have a letter from a pediatric cardiologist stating it is a life or death matter for him to get here quickly. I am hoping it will carry some weight with them. </span></li>
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<li class=""><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"> If we do receive the medical expedite that means we travel at least two months sooner. So rather than looking at a travel date of October or November. We would be looking at July or August. Much less time to raise the money. Pray for our fundraising efforts, share our story, our blog and our fundraisers! It DOES make a difference!</span></li>
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<li><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Pray for our family. We are such a mix of exhausted and excited. But sometimes exhaustion takes over. Pray for rest for our bodies and our minds.</span></li>
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Thank you for your support. We feel your prayers as always and love you all!!!<br />
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Tax deductible donations can be made <a href="https://www.adopttogether.org/maynard" target="_blank">here</a>. Or you can give locally at Redstone Federal Credit Union. The account name is Maynard Adoption Fund.</div>
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Elesha Maynardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13054547823368885050noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5207679844489430883.post-4912842375438271052016-03-25T18:09:00.000-05:002016-03-25T18:09:08.966-05:00Pre approval!!This afternoon we received PA (pre-approval) from China for our son! This is a preliminary approval. The official approval will come after our dossier is in China. He is 1 year old and his birthday is in November. Most likely we will travel before his 2nd birthday.<br />
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And here is his picture:<br />
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I mean. Don't you just want to squeeze his cheeks!!!! We are in love. Thank you Lord for your blessings.<br />
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Ways you can help:<br />
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- pray for our precious boy. Pray for his health and his caretakers.<br />
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- pray for our next referral to be just what it should be.<br />
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- continue using the Amazon link to the right when you place orders and we will get a portion of your purchase donated to us.<br />
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- consider donating to our adoption fundraiser yard sale.<br />
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- we will be having a Boston butt fundraiser for Fourth of July. Keep that in mind as you make your plans.<br />
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- if you feel led to contribute with a monetary donation you can click <a href="https://www.adopttogether.org/maynard" target="_blank">here</a> to do that. Donations are tax-deductible!<br />
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We love you all!!!!Elesha Maynardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13054547823368885050noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5207679844489430883.post-18625004431827119972016-02-04T17:43:00.001-06:002016-02-04T18:03:56.612-06:00Homestudy here we come!!!If I've seemed like I have been MIA for a bit, it is because I am DROWNING in PAPERS. You know how as a woman you tend to forget how awful your last pregnancy and delivery were and actually decide to do it again??? Adoption = Same. Except China wants 1,236 things notarized for every 3 Colombia wanted. I even needed a letter to prove that my outdoor cats were up to date on their vaccinations. Le sigh. <br />
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A quick update on our process: <br />
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- We are about to start home study with our agency, Villa Hope. I'm hoping it flies by.<br />
- We changed placing agencies. We were originally with CCAI and now we are going with AAC out of Colorado. Nothing wrong with CCAI. It was just going to be a longer wait with that larger agency than we should experience with AAC.<br />
- The sweet little girl, whose file we were reviewing, was matched with a family who viewed her file before us. Bittersweet. But SO happy she has a family on their way!!! <br />
- We are currently viewing another file of a little girl that just turned 2. We have a couple of phone calls out to different specialists who should be familiar with her medical condition to see what that would look like day to day in terms of care.<br />
- We should have a short match with our boy after our dossier is approved in China. Over 70% of children in China orphanages are male. This is why we are viewing girl files first since they are often harder to find at the younger ages without an extended wait.<br />
- We could be look at travel as soon as the end of the year. <br />
- We are about to start a couple of fundraisers if you would like to support us in that way. Posts coming soon.<br />
- We are still earning money when you click over to your right before putting items in your Amazon basket! Easy way to help out.<br />
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So, short of drowning in papers, we have just been doing life over here. Enjoyed a brief reprieve with a FREE reward trip for all of Brant's tireless work, trying to catch up on homeschool (insert eyeroll), getting the house ready to sell (want to buy our house??), and trying to start building a new one (because 7 kids). As with our other adoption, the minute we started praying about it and pursuing it, all H*LL broke loose. I mean a vehicle needing a $4,000 repair, health issues requiring extra doctor appointments for the kids, discipline issues above and beyond any we have dealt with before in our home, crazy psycho mommy moments, etc. One thing I have learned in the past few years is this: Satan hates families. He hates yours and he hates mine. He detests the thought of two precious, little children from China finding theirs. And he will fight it.<br />
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But here is the Good News: My God is a good, good Father. I have been dwelling on that song lately. Then it popped up as a new song we would be singing as a worship team this week. The Lord loves to give me those little drops of confirmation in my journey. I envision them as tiny paint drops on a canvas that eventually become a beautiful, undeniable work of the Hand of God. It's just who He is. <br />
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<b>How to Make a Tax-Deductible Donation:</b></div>
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Click <a href="https://www.adopttogether.org/maynard" target="_blank">here</a> to donate either by check or credit card. We are praying for provision. Please pray for us to have that financially, spiritually, and physically. We love you all!!!</div>
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<br />Elesha Maynardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13054547823368885050noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5207679844489430883.post-36194473726510610882015-12-28T14:28:00.001-06:002016-03-25T17:48:42.724-05:00What's a little more crazy??It has been just a few days shy of 2 years since my last blog post. In case you were wondering, I did not miss it one bit. But since I do feel compelled to journal this process, I am starting the blog back up. Before I get to the juicy details, let's review the ground rules for my blog. <br />
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1. I loathe writing. It is not something that comes easy for me. I'll do what I can, when I can. But there are no promises you will find it entertaining or interesting. It will, however, be authentic. The good and the bad.<br />
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2. Don't judge my grammar. If I am able to get a post up, it is strictly because Littles are sleeping or otherwise occupied. Those moments are brief so I will have to knock out posts quickly and probably won't proofread for run on sentences or comma splices. Complain about it on your Facebook page. #grammarnazis<br />
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3. I covet your prayers. That is one of the main reasons that I put up the blog. I truly believe that it takes a village to accomplish adoption. You are my village. If however you found yourself on my page and you have something negative to say or you are an internet troll, do us all a favor and leave now. Love you, mean it, bye.<br />
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HERE IS WHAT YOU CAME FOR<br />
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Many months ago, I began feeling a nudge (once again) toward adoption. I mentioned it to Brant and we agreed to pray about it. While that was going on in the back of our minds, we also began clearing our property to begin construction on a new home. And we started the search for a house plan. And began packing up our current house to prepare to list it. So the "back of our minds" is pretty much where it stayed. Plus Christmas and its presents, and Christmas card photos, and decking of the halls and such. :/ We had SO many big decisions going on at the same time. Fast forward to now. The land has been cleared, the preliminary house plan chosen and the Christmas gifts opened. I love closure. With some of the mental burden lifted, we were able to focus more on adoption. We are looking at international adoption again. This time China. We loved our experience with Colombia. The culture and the people are simply extraordinary. I do not, however, relish the idea of another 7-8 week in-country stay with an even larger brood. China will require a trip of approximately 10-14 days. Much more doable. We also appreciate that China has a very established adoption program. All adoption has uncertainty, but a tried and true program leaves less room for hiccups. <br />
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Where we are at the moment:<br />
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- We have mailed our application to CCAI. They are our adoption agency. Since they are located out of state, we must use a different in-state agency for our home study. That will be Villa Hope. We have also mailed our application off to them. We hope to hear from both agencies within the next 7 days. <br />
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- We are applying to adopt 2 unrelated children. You heard me right. See blog post title above. That does not mean we will be approved for 2 or that we will end up adopting more than one. But it makes it a real possibility.<br />
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-We have requested either gender and children whose ages are between 12 and 48 months at time of referral. They will most likely have special needs of some sort. We had to fill out a form stating needs we thought we were capable of handling both financially and time wise.<br />
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-Yes, we will fund raise again. Yard sale......not even sure about that.<br />
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- The process will take approximately one year. Please, please add us to your daily prayer list. <br />
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I told a friend earlier today that I'm not sure I am ready to commit to blogging again. I think I have already conveyed my disdain. But I am truly SO excited about this adoption and I cannot wait to share all our news with you!!! We love and appreciate each and every one of you.Elesha Maynardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13054547823368885050noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5207679844489430883.post-77310259166533829682014-01-27T17:14:00.000-06:002014-01-27T19:38:02.439-06:00Our VideoAll along I knew I wanted to do a little slideshow of some sort after the adoption to celebrate our experience. So here it is. Thank you for following us on our journey. You are all my heart!<br />
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Elesha Maynardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13054547823368885050noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5207679844489430883.post-81542821049296453902013-12-28T11:47:00.003-06:002013-12-28T13:40:15.159-06:00Home at Last!!!Saturday was a flurry of packing to come home! We did make a little time to run by our favorite El Corral for some milkshakes and fries. We also went to pick up a few small gifts for some of the people involved in speeding up our process. It was the least we could do. The kids were really getting excited about the reality of being in our house again. Julieta ran around all day saying, "Mi casa manana." (My house tomorrow) It was really cute :) <br>
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Sunday was a crazy day as so many in Colombia were. We left for the airport at 7:00 am. The flight did not leave until 10:30 but we had about a 45 minute drive and we wanted to be there early. Good thing we did. First we had to stand in line to get all of our passports stamped as being tax exempt so we would not be required to pay the extra fees involved with international airfare. Then we headed over to the Delta counter to check our bags. When we got there they could not find Julieta's ticket. I had purchased us all adoption fare tickets so we could change the return date if we needed to. But they do not allow you to actually pay for the adopted child's fare ahead of time. It has to be done at the airport. Unfortunately that cannot happen in the line we were in. So....I head over to a special ticketing window where they inform me they can not honor the fare I was quoted or give me the $200 voucher toward the ticket that I was promised. I said, "I don't care. I will pay whatever. Just give me the ticket." She politely ignored me and spent the next HOUR on the phone with different departments to get me the original rate. Finally, she finished up the ticket and we were on our way to finish checking the luggage. <br>
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We said our goodbyes to Diego and proceeded to our gate. By then everyone was starving and needed a bathroom break. I found some snacks in the gift shop while Brant started herding groups to the bathrooms. We only had a few minutes until boarding began so we all sat down on the floor at the gate to eat our chips. During our trip to Colombia, Jude has decided he no longer likes to eat from containers of any sort. He pours his food out and eats off the table. No table here. So he just pours his chips on the carpet right there in the airport. And I do not care. He then steps in the pile of chips. Still I do not care. That is your only snack until the lovely stewardess brings something by. Eat up! <br>
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We get everyone on the plane and we are on our way!!!! The kids were decent on the plane. Jude and Reese only melted down a couple of times each which isn't terrible for a 5 hour flight. When we arrive in Atlanta we make a mad dash toward immigration. We stand in the line for US Citizens until a man working there notices Julieta's yellow packet of papers I am holding. He moves us to another line that handles cases like ours. Much shorter line. We may make our flight after all!!! The man we are assigned to mentions that we were supposed to stand in line where we were first to process all of us except Julieta and then move to his line. But he will let us stay since we were directed to come there by an officer. Yay!!! That saved us a ton of time. Next we have to claim our luggage and then recheck it. I have no idea why they make us do this step but all international flights are like that. Time waster. The bigs scurry off to find us a couple of luggage carts. We begin loading it all up and I notice we are missing our two carry on suitcases. When we finished up at the immigration desk, Brant had asked Gavin to pull those two bags down to baggage claim so he could carry two Littles since they are such slow walkers. Gavin didn't hear him. So, Brant has to go back up the elevator to the immigration desk to find the suitcases. Thankfully, they were right where we left them! <br>
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While Brant was gone to find the lost bags, a dog began sniffing around the kids backpacks. He was particularly interested in Reese's. The customs officer asked me if we had any fruit in the bag. "Fruit Loops," I replied. Because any idiot knows you don't bring fruit across international borders. Unless you forget that you packed two pears for the kids to eat at the airport in Bogota until you got distracted by more time delays and crushed chips on the airport floor!!!!!! AHH!!! He flags my customs slip with the word PEAR. The officer later hears me groaning to the children about how we are certain to miss our flight now. He comes back over and questions me on our flight time and then crosses out pear on our slip, takes the pears and throws them away. Thank you! Brant gets back with the missing luggage and we head out with the luggage to clear customs. The man checking the slip does not care if "PEAR" has been crossed out. He sends us through the agricultural inspection room. I'm annoyed. Brant says, "I didn't even know we HAD pears." I imagine he is mad but I do not dare look at his face :) Thankfully, the man with the dog and the marker was in the inspection room when we arrived and flagged us on without anyone tearing through all our bags!<br>
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Next stop, security scan. Getting all the backpacks of the children on the belt along with removing jackets and shoes and belts and everything from their pockets was interesting to say the least. Only once did anyone have to say, "Um, whose children are these?" I pointed to Brant of course like any good wife would do. We all take our turns walking through the scanner and head back to the conveyor belt to reclaim our items. On the 5 hour flight to Atlanta, the kids got thirsty so the flight attendants offered us water to fill up their Nalgene bottles. Did not even think about needing to empty those back out before reentering security. So, litmus tests must be performed on 3 water cups. All the while Reese is in hysterics about putting his shoes back on. "MY FEET ARE HOT!!! NO!!!!!" During all the ruckus, a safety person with TSA comes over to us and wants to know if Reese has fallen and gotten hurt. The last thing we need is someone wanting to hold us up to file an accident report!!! "No, he is just very, very angry." She looks uncertain about the possibility that the reaction she is witnessing could seriously just come from putting back on shoes. But she lets us go. We run to the tram to get to our next terminal. I might be sweaty by now. And we make it! Amazing Race - Toddler Edition is almost over. BTW, we would totally win that version of the show should they ever decide to do it. <br>
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We were greeted in Huntsville by so many friends and family. It was wonderful to see the tangible love and support we have felt from so far away. I wish I had time to spend with each and every one of you who came by. It was such a whirlwind, we just did our best. Our families headed to the house with us to get some dinner and visit a bit. When we arrived, Brant noticed some Christmas decorations in our yard and then he could see the lights of the tree inside. I think he was more surprised and excited than the children were. He just loves Christmas. Many of our friends got together and decorated our house for us. I couldn't have asked for more. My family and some friends also brought by groceries, snacks, and meals. <br>
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Julieta was so excited and kept running from room to room asking if that was her bed. She was completely thrilled with the toys and new things surrounding her. The longer she wandered around and played, the more comfortable she became. Our families left and we settled in for bathtime and bedtime. She laid down nicely in her new bed and drifted quickly off to sleep. Like she had slept there all of her life. <br>
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The next few days were a flurry of activity. Laundry, Christmas with family and at home, a few visitors with meals and gifts, mail sorting, etc. Monday, Julieta had a hard time when she woke up from her nap and cried for a while. But other than that, she has adjusted amazingly well! She is eating better than she had been, although fruits and vegetables are still a struggle for her. Her comfort level is increasing with our parents and her cousins. The language barrier will continue to be a struggle for her for a while. She understands some basic instructions, but some of these we still give in Spanish. A lot of hand motions are used to convey our thoughts. Unfortunately, she is speaking less and less Spanish. She knows that we do not speak Spanish fluently and is starting to already lose her ability to. She is in that weird place of understanding Spanish and a little English but not speaking either one. I know that in 6 months time she will have made great strides. She is very bright and has learned so much already. <br>
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It has been so wonderful to introduce her to what we can only assume are many firsts. First time in cold weather, in a car seat, at a movie theatre, on a four wheeler, getting a ton of presents from grandparents, etc. I wish I could know the thoughts going through her mind. I have been surprised at how well she has adapted so far. I know there will be harder times to come. Periods of adjustment for everyone. But right now, life is so beautiful. Reese is particularly loving to her. He wants her to be served first for snack or dinner. He tries to comfort her if she is upset. He SHARES with her. What? I am so grateful she has found a soft place in his heart. Jude is another story. He does not discriminate when it comes to toy-stealing, food or drink stealing, biting or hitting. This too shall pass. So they say. <br>
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All the Littles currently have colds so I would appreciate some prayers for them. Especially for Julieta, as a cold can quickly turn to something much worse for her. Next week, we are hoping to begin our initial rounds of doctor's visits and blood work with Julieta. It should be busy! I will try and keep you all updated as best I can. We are back to real life. Work schedules, school, extra-curricular activities, church, family and friends will fill our time. Blogging will become less frequent. But I will still post. Keep an eye out. In the next few days I am hoping to put together a video of our adoption journey. You will be the first to know! <br>
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Love you all. Keep on praying for us. We cannot wait for you all to meet Ms. Julieta!!!<br>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgz8xZyZVeV4sypAox7srUeIHYyMuRZV_uhidIXoxT4gyQ_mpbZ01VTj7MrsCnwh2SmgNQJEfHvlzKLI43Je7Amsq5Un2glJmh_VVj147WX_s25eY3D-ALPmrmxSfeLPCzufMtd7t8mYA4/s1600/IMG_1718.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgz8xZyZVeV4sypAox7srUeIHYyMuRZV_uhidIXoxT4gyQ_mpbZ01VTj7MrsCnwh2SmgNQJEfHvlzKLI43Je7Amsq5Un2glJmh_VVj147WX_s25eY3D-ALPmrmxSfeLPCzufMtd7t8mYA4/s640/IMG_1718.JPG" width="480"></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRZ2GCj_SqXLGq5paI1xwL3mvAEjMVQ2Zy6o-_FfVRumE55cgleJDeEiYk46r_EMV9iCZ85noTga8oZG-612MZ7cpWN_a01dqfJKNxwMmLU2PY6GxmqtM8Yypcg7QxxDS524Ct4gzUN6g/s1600/airport+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRZ2GCj_SqXLGq5paI1xwL3mvAEjMVQ2Zy6o-_FfVRumE55cgleJDeEiYk46r_EMV9iCZ85noTga8oZG-612MZ7cpWN_a01dqfJKNxwMmLU2PY6GxmqtM8Yypcg7QxxDS524Ct4gzUN6g/s640/airport+2.jpg" width="360"></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our arrival complete with a Reese tantrum :)</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgz1lnGNHMd-GwcbiYr3Nvm1yfNz7aEfAe61ZNMXCqbOT2XwNgilcfCJfm4hc5QkWdMH0tm3RA3_MBXrghFAgDqoOeT5GHRhxahITYX3E4yRXxaO6r1pvRTUxkzYgBHcs-kybC1i5ubLXo/s1600/airport+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgz1lnGNHMd-GwcbiYr3Nvm1yfNz7aEfAe61ZNMXCqbOT2XwNgilcfCJfm4hc5QkWdMH0tm3RA3_MBXrghFAgDqoOeT5GHRhxahITYX3E4yRXxaO6r1pvRTUxkzYgBHcs-kybC1i5ubLXo/s640/airport+1.jpg" width="360"></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">First picture all together on American soil!!</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFaMo_RlXhPh4ptG1Et8KuzjLTBRBbNLUDlAczk2Tw5SB8zbwzkeWElKsriy6RJ44bdinHI_4BE1w83gaeDqHxSGpqDun6XeSQZ1JDWt182Jcv7-76YewmoQFj8QoloY4hga_osyWXCwk/s1600/airport+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFaMo_RlXhPh4ptG1Et8KuzjLTBRBbNLUDlAczk2Tw5SB8zbwzkeWElKsriy6RJ44bdinHI_4BE1w83gaeDqHxSGpqDun6XeSQZ1JDWt182Jcv7-76YewmoQFj8QoloY4hga_osyWXCwk/s640/airport+3.jpg" width="468"></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2OvNCblXQLjtQX6MEE7z6oCYKQvqreHA3oMMrX-Xgj-6fIpx9fG3OBMXPPD2XrqxUaCSM2_Hs9v0DHXZegMl2KqY_gbC9Gqy1mGVQpAe8mPOsgfsTmpX-TVygYWmQKrhVxCHnlHwWVh0/s1600/airport+4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2OvNCblXQLjtQX6MEE7z6oCYKQvqreHA3oMMrX-Xgj-6fIpx9fG3OBMXPPD2XrqxUaCSM2_Hs9v0DHXZegMl2KqY_gbC9Gqy1mGVQpAe8mPOsgfsTmpX-TVygYWmQKrhVxCHnlHwWVh0/s640/airport+4.jpg" width="468"></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Reality!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGWIXPRm3sEpYu8vpSnOBFk9OUuKfPGp9DJe3buDa3okt-GsBO9r967kyko88P7OzIZhTWTBT5yF4403kotI73mrrGYL5v6uhoRtQnfscKJ81FJY7rb69VirT2Uuk6hnTOoDnn03RVUFM/s1600/IMG_1742.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGWIXPRm3sEpYu8vpSnOBFk9OUuKfPGp9DJe3buDa3okt-GsBO9r967kyko88P7OzIZhTWTBT5yF4403kotI73mrrGYL5v6uhoRtQnfscKJ81FJY7rb69VirT2Uuk6hnTOoDnn03RVUFM/s640/IMG_1742.JPG" width="640"></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Car ride to the house</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMvxiXVIy7wjcMhfrVCuKHegwkghSvduE2ExK2yn9Tly703AP8ufkToo8nbPMkTEFqvivaxT-ihwM89sQcjmw_-r9uipkKkcl1vtYzOi7p6we9S7PkEhJ_f2UN44gtwDmWnAHd4gVChLE/s1600/DSC_0470-001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMvxiXVIy7wjcMhfrVCuKHegwkghSvduE2ExK2yn9Tly703AP8ufkToo8nbPMkTEFqvivaxT-ihwM89sQcjmw_-r9uipkKkcl1vtYzOi7p6we9S7PkEhJ_f2UN44gtwDmWnAHd4gVChLE/s640/DSC_0470-001.JPG" width="640"></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our yard decorations lovingly placed by friends!!</td></tr>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhienJVT8pX3aNKbaV9FbQb9OKdS4R2-ZSRsWABEa77d3kfXXUB5JVf937PuSNr7vFj5dzvkF1v_2ccZAxNaeftBD9edhJcTh5M1zzE8ESWPcLqTR7H0ByFQ7xLUAtoeQIaz9WCwcNYIac/s1600/DSC_0471-001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhienJVT8pX3aNKbaV9FbQb9OKdS4R2-ZSRsWABEa77d3kfXXUB5JVf937PuSNr7vFj5dzvkF1v_2ccZAxNaeftBD9edhJcTh5M1zzE8ESWPcLqTR7H0ByFQ7xLUAtoeQIaz9WCwcNYIac/s640/DSC_0471-001.JPG" width="424"></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitDtg5f_wvCggCLjuA7P4V2Hbk30M5-DXVdnB7ANfWAmFXb1nV6y5c4EsOwKKthOAML6GQ6OMYyoBvWnBrjVno7YYkiTi5H-VSEAqtmYcL-GE2bj9bq76H-O-I8kUDf2Kujf6o5QPjwNo/s1600/DSC_0475-001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitDtg5f_wvCggCLjuA7P4V2Hbk30M5-DXVdnB7ANfWAmFXb1nV6y5c4EsOwKKthOAML6GQ6OMYyoBvWnBrjVno7YYkiTi5H-VSEAqtmYcL-GE2bj9bq76H-O-I8kUDf2Kujf6o5QPjwNo/s640/DSC_0475-001.JPG" width="640"></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our friends even decorated the kid's rooms</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI8eeQVUXEqk720oUmxX7hdHSeyNCbWAIBoVpoF-GpbPasC8WMZPc79YglnbQd2DVlrltwd2vZlhrGHrVdJ1c3AmFoO3sYUx2IP_zjW1cSN09y05R4YtZcqylBGarZ_GMufu519yxRvuM/s1600/DSC_0483-001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI8eeQVUXEqk720oUmxX7hdHSeyNCbWAIBoVpoF-GpbPasC8WMZPc79YglnbQd2DVlrltwd2vZlhrGHrVdJ1c3AmFoO3sYUx2IP_zjW1cSN09y05R4YtZcqylBGarZ_GMufu519yxRvuM/s640/DSC_0483-001.JPG" width="640"></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And bought Julieta a stocking and had it monogrammed!!!!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbY-Eb2adj4KPO9ewGuilRuiZ3QFpMzvXp8ysFwlwl9cYmPetLOSUxRIQ48RZS2ld5F_SZ-s_VcDcG-9XX6Z_QHOfLB5K8E81udCzXqUZm4DR9PY4Hx7KEV31GDz2d2lR4Jrpmkv1KkSY/s1600/DSC_0484-001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbY-Eb2adj4KPO9ewGuilRuiZ3QFpMzvXp8ysFwlwl9cYmPetLOSUxRIQ48RZS2ld5F_SZ-s_VcDcG-9XX6Z_QHOfLB5K8E81udCzXqUZm4DR9PY4Hx7KEV31GDz2d2lR4Jrpmkv1KkSY/s640/DSC_0484-001.JPG" width="424"></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A greeting from our dear elf, Peabody. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHIBMfdpqfURlEsWskdmH9rmt-kYCRnXjmhry1O6U45Xq2D6pvdx9MlJjpnIOBkKgccSuFJmiHeytGeerOsLJHEKrGyvRwGqGAWuDjlvb6Qxb4JemVtj4YFrJ2RatEHknke_uACIRCzUI/s1600/DSC_0474-001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHIBMfdpqfURlEsWskdmH9rmt-kYCRnXjmhry1O6U45Xq2D6pvdx9MlJjpnIOBkKgccSuFJmiHeytGeerOsLJHEKrGyvRwGqGAWuDjlvb6Qxb4JemVtj4YFrJ2RatEHknke_uACIRCzUI/s640/DSC_0474-001.JPG" width="424"></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">She was a little happy about her "casa"</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9vZNW0J-eadurxOdz85vP1Ee9fCDeShB6RgIOwBwAjSJaksl16bbLIU6xq9kwIn9wNjAasdvV-KeoLd0nbfkBVy1SadR8hpVw0FmQcacFVPVoNm9mBqguaSCDtvCpAIP8OxoETE6kOlY/s1600/DSC_0485-001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9vZNW0J-eadurxOdz85vP1Ee9fCDeShB6RgIOwBwAjSJaksl16bbLIU6xq9kwIn9wNjAasdvV-KeoLd0nbfkBVy1SadR8hpVw0FmQcacFVPVoNm9mBqguaSCDtvCpAIP8OxoETE6kOlY/s640/DSC_0485-001.JPG" width="640"></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">First night in her new bed</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv4wNDS5ymnCmTZrloiv3bhMl0ToGq952JfQQlRqjr1DpmMc_0DgE9h1hcOeURKCVnrpWEx_TflP01DBwKCVGVhTtrqj3E3OdS8v7U-I6ILab3cyPPNcvlE4RHYxHbW6ElPFmxLdF3MQY/s1600/DSC_0514-001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv4wNDS5ymnCmTZrloiv3bhMl0ToGq952JfQQlRqjr1DpmMc_0DgE9h1hcOeURKCVnrpWEx_TflP01DBwKCVGVhTtrqj3E3OdS8v7U-I6ILab3cyPPNcvlE4RHYxHbW6ElPFmxLdF3MQY/s640/DSC_0514-001.JPG" width="424"></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My dear friend and neighbor had the Bigs over to make cookies and a real gingerbread house with her children.</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0L3UdRUQ31jBC-FxTjilxndqwcANNg-wjAzZO_RYZWvYvFkp17cMYUGJoFOhDOeL4c_CSVo3BwURHgWVjbwD7g_SFlwnh9S6FMGD0uc9NeXzIkj2l2os7XVqY2MmG5-m6_yhtxLAp9mU/s1600/gingerbread+train.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0L3UdRUQ31jBC-FxTjilxndqwcANNg-wjAzZO_RYZWvYvFkp17cMYUGJoFOhDOeL4c_CSVo3BwURHgWVjbwD7g_SFlwnh9S6FMGD0uc9NeXzIkj2l2os7XVqY2MmG5-m6_yhtxLAp9mU/s640/gingerbread+train.jpg" width="640"></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPMV5XtQgKvtNeB5jrwkxzAuHG3ik7U0lCFLHtx1IsSwIww19Zd9r2BU9kyUjukY5cLQ4z20TPsjAdnhSxQZH_OVt1Lzj7im9kHkiZMNL09jt4QDkJlhaMiK61U5a22Jjzb5Mja_1mDAE/s1600/gingerbread+train2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPMV5XtQgKvtNeB5jrwkxzAuHG3ik7U0lCFLHtx1IsSwIww19Zd9r2BU9kyUjukY5cLQ4z20TPsjAdnhSxQZH_OVt1Lzj7im9kHkiZMNL09jt4QDkJlhaMiK61U5a22Jjzb5Mja_1mDAE/s640/gingerbread+train2.jpg" width="640"></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And a gingerbread train!</td></tr>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht5PMIR_s2Hyr0je4nJNcgtN8d0CNCUVJPTT7EAA0zLJumA7nEquyp1Jx8u8n8fwg5L1BgxjfJdZnDhjIRsqhr03FGcFkmiQ0ngJPZxOSNj9rV1_jkv0i5DfflSUvBdHGe0VVsWWBEJuo/s1600/DSC_0518-001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht5PMIR_s2Hyr0je4nJNcgtN8d0CNCUVJPTT7EAA0zLJumA7nEquyp1Jx8u8n8fwg5L1BgxjfJdZnDhjIRsqhr03FGcFkmiQ0ngJPZxOSNj9rV1_jkv0i5DfflSUvBdHGe0VVsWWBEJuo/s640/DSC_0518-001.JPG" width="640"></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdo2i2TrotvlgGnoH9q_wEsSEMIci8n9qLidEorCa6qCvFm-K14Sx45GFfNZ0q5r4xREwt9XRpvF0NB2R9x2wpUMeyvdDd0Tv87HTqN3Q08UvKkIA-j_eELosz-i3tOWkm9jJMcmrJToM/s1600/DSC_0496-001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdo2i2TrotvlgGnoH9q_wEsSEMIci8n9qLidEorCa6qCvFm-K14Sx45GFfNZ0q5r4xREwt9XRpvF0NB2R9x2wpUMeyvdDd0Tv87HTqN3Q08UvKkIA-j_eELosz-i3tOWkm9jJMcmrJToM/s640/DSC_0496-001.JPG" width="424"></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dakota revealed the Barbie house :)</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhU-a2YDuxwLgLWL0WZkG-LA6GnIB6PZJKk_TneMpX_0bZKBuPYkvhzKc-eRSui_IpIqo_Y0G07i301hgbXP05LdcZ-H5pleVYCCAioh1EuM-zM7UL5Bh27aDB-BwrPXMyDxAeJrj-iU3g/s1600/DSC_0650-001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a> </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEEcOKrLeiB72mXajHQjxPHIPQMQ5Rio9EBW0dpMd7m4KeeP36sbBPkOBfe5rPxZufUcAAidC0BqcClZKLiN6g6qfDLRnCrk1dXSV_PVgdUoguJ1vBdIWYYGsk4nQ71PatSjAtj9nsxM8/s1600/DSC_0524-001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEEcOKrLeiB72mXajHQjxPHIPQMQ5Rio9EBW0dpMd7m4KeeP36sbBPkOBfe5rPxZufUcAAidC0BqcClZKLiN6g6qfDLRnCrk1dXSV_PVgdUoguJ1vBdIWYYGsk4nQ71PatSjAtj9nsxM8/s640/DSC_0524-001.JPG" width="640"></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Christmas at Nannie's and Hap's</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Story time with Nannie</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Favorite toys from Christmas at Nana's and Papa's house</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Princesa Sophia as she calls herself</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Colombian soccer jerseys for Christmas</td></tr>
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Elesha Maynardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13054547823368885050noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5207679844489430883.post-30951521044122103742013-12-20T23:34:00.000-06:002013-12-20T23:34:13.254-06:00We'll Be Home for Christmas!!!!<strong>Friday, 12/20</strong><br />
<strong></strong><br />
Today had a very early start with Brant, Julieta and I leaving the hotel around 7:30. Dakota and Gavin stayed at the hotel with the boys since we expected to be gone for a few hours. There is another family here, the Martins, from Louisiana who are adopting a brother and sister ages 7 and 4. They are cute, outgoing children who our kids have had a blast playing with. Brant helped out with their children yesterday while they made their final paperwork push and they returned the favor for us today. Our first stop was the Immigration department (called Migracion here). These are the people who determine the amount of fine we will pay for not registering our visa. We sat waiting in the office from about 8:00 until 9:15. After sitting for that long we told them we would be back after going to the passport office to try again for the Colombian passport for Julieta. <br />
<br />
We walked several blocks to the passport office. Last night our attorney in Valledupar emailed our guide a copy of the corrected birth certificate. The passport office said they would accept a copy to get the process started. When we checked in, Diego asked the administrator of the front office if it would be possible to receive the passport the same day. We previously were told "no" by many, many people. He explained to her that we already have a flight scheduled for Sunday. She wanted to see copies of the tickets. Which I of course did not have with me. I did have an emailed copy but I needed an internet connection to access it. Listen to this....Yesterday I spent a lot of time in the passport office. I tried multiple times (as did other families in Hotel Paris) to connect to the wi-fi without success. But today I decided to just check and see if I could get to the email. I immediately pulled it up (wi-fi worked great!!) and emailed it to Diego. He stepped out of the passport office to go next door to a little place where he could print out the tickets I emailed him. We presented him to the administrator and she said there should be no problem getting it the same day!!! Miracle! Just as a side note, later in the day when I came back to the passport office, Brant and I both tried for over an hour to connect to the wi-fi with no luck. I received one free minute of God wi-fi today! <br />
<br />
We went upstairs in the passport office to begin the process. It went smoothly. The head of the passport office who we had spoken with yesterday came into the cubicle again. Yesterday she said no way on same day processing. Today she said of course. You can pick it up after 3:00 pm!!! Miracle!!! I paid the fee of 135,000 pesos for the passport and we walked the several blocks back to Migracion. We waiting in the waiting room for over another hour before they processed our paperwork. Then we went downstairs to pay the fines. 300,000 pesos each. But hopefully that will keep immigration from stopping us at the airport and imposing any additional fines. <br />
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On the walk from the passport office back to Migracion, Diego dialed the private number of the Consul of the U.S. Embassy for me. His name is Jeff Allen. I had spoken with him last night when we were having problems with the birth certificate but the conversation was brief. Today I explained our situation. That the passport office had agreed to get us the passport today! I told him where we were in process with the other paperwork as well. He said that he did not see any way it could be accomplished today. There just wasn't time to get it all done. I pleaded my case some more without completely resorting to begging or crying. He said I will call Diego back in a little bit but it does not look good for Sunday. I took the potential callback as hope!!<br />
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After the Migracion office, Diego took us back to the hotel where we were able to spend 1 1/2 hours eating some lunch, doing laundry, putting out a plea for prayers for softened hearts and getting the Littles settled in for naps before we hit the road again. We still had not received a call from Jeff Allen, but we had prayers, our amazing agency rep, Beth, Diego and Raul all advocating for us! We did hear by email from him requesting that we email him the scanned copy of the revised birth certificate. I took this as a good sign! We arrived at the passport office at about 2:45. We were told the passport would be ready at 3:00. Wrong. At 3:45, Diego called Jeff and explained we were still waiting. Jeff said he wanted us to call when we received the passport and then he would make a final determination about processing it today. I prayed. I read the Bible on my phone. I prayed some more. 3:50 we received the passport. Next step, picking up the medical examination results!!<br />
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Diego ran next door to scan and email a copy of the passport to Jeff Allen while I headed to the car with Gina (Diego's wife), Brant and Julieta. Diego called Jeff when we got to the car to tell him we were on the way to get the medicals. Jeff wanted the phone number to the doctor's office to confirm they were ready to present us with the documents. Traffic was bad. It had been raining all day. Not good for Bogota. When we got about 4 of 5 blocks from the doctor's office, Diego decided we could move on foot faster than the cars were moving. When Diego asked me how long it had been since I had a good run, I realized I should have written Brant's name down as the person to pick up the medicals. We VERY quickly exited the vehicle in the middle of the road in heavy Bogota traffic and darted between the other cars to the sidewalk. We then sprinted. The whole way. Then ran up the stairs instead of waiting on the elevator. Side note: Diego is a retired professional soccer player who now heads up a very successful youth club in Bogota. He is in better shape than I am and he was winded. I was thankful we were entering a medical facility just in case I needed care!!! The receptionist at the doctor's office was supposed to already have the documents ready. Of course she did not. We spent about 10 minutes waiting on that. We ran back down the stairs while Diego was on the phone with Gina trying to figure out where they parked the car! We about died crossing through traffic and jumped in the car so we could take off! <br />
<br />
Diego calls Jeff who wants us to send him a copy of the Article 23 we received from ICBF. There is no time to find a place to scan documents so we just take a picture of the document and send it. And at this point (around 4:45 pm) we hear Jeff Allen speak the words, "You can come to the embassy!!!" Miracle!! We arrive at the embassy at 5:40. I later found out they had officially closed for business today at 12:00. He waited for us for almost 6 HOURS!!!! We had to enter through the secured rear entrance and were not allowed to actually enter the facility. Instead we stayed in a security building while we showed Jeff our documents. I was frazzled and could not even comprehend what documents he was asking for when he requested them. Finally he took my mangled, disheveled, mess of papers and kindly informed me he would just take the whole pile and sort them out in his office. I think he could tell I just could not process one more piece of paper. We waited while he entered the main building. About 15 minutes later we saw him exit the building with a large box which he took over to a mini van with a woman inside. It was at that moment that I realized his wife had been waiting in the parking lot for him while he waited for us! He walked the visa out to us and explained all the steps that we needed to take at the airport to leave. He was simply amazing. After he walked us out, we headed to the car. He and his wife passed by and I couldn't help shouting out a big "Merry Christmas" as they drove by :)<br />
<br />
We started the long drive to the hotel. Gina spoke up in the car and said it is always amazing when you are able to be that close to miracles. It was a day of many miracles!! Our day on the road and in offices totaled over 10 hours. Julieta was such a trooper. She napped when she could, ate when she could and was content to just be there. Dakota, Gavin and the Martins were our heroes back at the hotel with the boys!!! They had already been fed dinner when we arrived so they were content to play while we ate ours. The babies went to bed and Brant and I went out for about an hour to get some postres y café (dessert and coffee) at our favorite place El Corral Gourmet. <br />
<br />
The day has been exhausting and exciting all at the same time. A true day of miracles. I mentioned earlier in this post about reading the Bible while I was waiting in the passport office. The following is the scripture I read:<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
I love you, Lord, my strength. The Lord is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold. I called to the Lord, who is worthy of praise, and I have been saved from my enemies. The cords of death entangled me; the torrents of destruction overwhelmed me. The cords of the grave coiled around me; the snares of death confronted me. In my distress I called to the Lord; I cried to my God for help. From his temple he heard my voice; my cry came before him, into his ears. The earth trembled and quaked, and the foundations of the mountains shook. Psalm 18:1-7</blockquote>
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Exactly what I needed to read. To know that God was hearing my cry and your cries and that the very foundations of the mountains in Bogota were shaking!!! I prayed that it all be for His Glory!!! Glory be to God!!!<br />
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Our feet will be on the ground in Huntsville on Sunday evening! Thank you again!!!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Outside the U.S. Embassy!! See the mess of papers in my hands. We were immediately scolded after <br />
this by the guards for taking pictures in from of the Embassy. Who knew??</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Diego, myself and the Famous Jeff Allen!!!!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">3rd nap of the day</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4R0WMfmOmuE9plo2IZXvn9dh4vVQlgMR2q23lAMrkzIzt-bRtD8hFRg06w6sMg-AeLdhfAUmmky59J-QKeTc94cxMa3Km2Vhwm8gAJ6F2G9sQbQViLhfsjgdUo3Dy-cE_s8QAYWYfaKo/s1600/IMG_1677.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4R0WMfmOmuE9plo2IZXvn9dh4vVQlgMR2q23lAMrkzIzt-bRtD8hFRg06w6sMg-AeLdhfAUmmky59J-QKeTc94cxMa3Km2Vhwm8gAJ6F2G9sQbQViLhfsjgdUo3Dy-cE_s8QAYWYfaKo/s640/IMG_1677.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I am always amazed at how large this wall of bottles is when we go to El Corral. It is beautiful!</td></tr>
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Elesha Maynardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13054547823368885050noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5207679844489430883.post-17621962023201153282013-12-19T22:12:00.001-06:002013-12-19T22:12:05.475-06:00No es bueno<strong>Thursday, 12/19</strong><br />
<strong></strong><br />
I really hate for this to be a negative post. Really. But sadly, there is not a lot of positive news to relay. Julieta and I left around 7:30 am this morning to apply for her Colombian passport. Our driver arrived to take us and another family to the office. Before we left the hotel, we waited for a taxi to arrive carrying our precious adoption decree and birth certificate. Diego's sweet wife had gone to the airport to pick the documents up this morning but could not bring them to the hotel due to restrictions on the time of the day certain license plate numbers can drive. So she sent the documents in the taxi to the hotel! I was so glad they arrived in time to make our appointment. <br />
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The passport office is really large and the applicants flow quickly through the process. They also have maids dressed in actual maid dresses, I guess you would say, who bring glasses of water and coffee to the people in the cubicles processing the passports. Unimportant to our situation, but interesting nonetheless. We began the processing of the passport for Julieta. The woman entered all her information as well as mine and Brant's into the computer. I checked over everything. She took Julieta's picture for the passport. We were in the final steps when the head of the processing center stepped into the cubicle. The agent processing the paperwork asked her boss what seemed to be an offhand question about something in our documents. Before I knew it I was being told that the new birth certificate that Valledupar had just sent us was wrong. No. <br />
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In Colombia, most people have two surnames. Your first surname is your father's first surname and your second surname is your mother's first surname. So, Julieta's newly issued birth certificate has her first name, middle name and Maynard Duckworth. The problem is that on the line for her mother's name, it lists me as Elesha Michelle Maynard. No Duckworth typed in there. The adoption decree has all the information just as we need it. Just not the birth certificate. Diego practically begged and pleaded for the office to just process us out but they adamantly refused. They said the notary who notarized the birth certificate needed to hand write in at the bottom of the certificate that my maiden name is Duckworth and then email the new copy. They close for the day at 3:00 so we were hoping to get it done before the cutoff for the day. <br />
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I went back to the hotel so Julieta could get a nap while Diego contacted our lawyer in Valledupar and she called the notary. The notary refused to make the addition to the bottom of the document. Refused!!! Our only hope was to go to another processing center in town. So around 1:00 pm I head out yet again with Diego's wife in a taxi to a much further away passport office. Diego met me there so he could once again interpret. We got back to another cubicle and they started typing in Julieta's id number and my passport number and the screen began populating with our information. The first processing center still had all of our information in the system and had put a lock on the file. We spent about an hour and a half there pleading our case. They said there is nothing they can do. <br />
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We then start out for ICBF to see if they can advocate for us. We spend another couple of hours there camped out while Diego and many other ICBF officers called officials and consulates and the embassy all trying to get this resolved. I spoke with the embassy on the phone and they promised something would be done about it, but it was too late for anything to happen today. We were able to go ahead an obtain our Article 23 from ICBF which we must have for the Visa. I was glad to have that off our plates. <br />
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Here is where we stand. We still do not have the modified birth certificate. We only need an electronic copy. They say that we will have it by the morning. I will believe it when I see it. First thing at 7:00 am, Brant and Julieta and I will go to the Immigration office to sign some forms and pay at least a $300 fine for not registering our visa within 15 days of our arrival in country. Which we were not told we needed to do. Then we will go to the passport office to try again for the passport. Only of course if we have received the new birth certificate. Another problem is we have to present the passport to the doctor who performed the medical exam before he will sign it. Tomorrow he leaves for vacation so how does he sign???? We must present the medical exam and Julieta's passport to get her Visa. The soonest this can happen is Monday. If we can indeed apply for her passport tomorrow, we cannot pick it up until Monday morning. So it looks like Sunday is out for us. I have begun checking into some other potential flights but we will not make any real decisions until we see how tomorrow goes. It has to be better than today!<br />
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I must give a shout out to Brant who stayed at the hotel all day with the kids minus Julieta. Plus he had two other children from 7:30 am until 12:30 pm while their family ran around jumping through paperwork hoops!!! <br />
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After the babies went to bed tonight, Brant and I walked to the grocery store to pick up some fruit and snacks for the room. We realized as we left the hotel that this was the very first time in 7 weeks that we had been completely alone. We should have walked slower! <br />
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Please continue to pray. Things have not gone exactly like I wanted them to but we still have some small sliver of hope for Christmas! Also pray for our health. Several of the children are suffering from upset stomachs and myself and two of the kids have a bad cold and cough. Sickness is not what we need right now. Can't wait to see you all!!!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic8P1q8w6tLrYvQ3tkMjH5WIvlKjO8nQiCbMVTbHpxCvdfSxlmEQQoP7voLFE8BXJp9LVahg7hPaCiaiRah6dQhJlAP3-37JYH13lkXGEFgVD9Rmci2YHvdVrkZmCNLxMEvaJmEcSx-5U/s1600/photo+1+(42).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic8P1q8w6tLrYvQ3tkMjH5WIvlKjO8nQiCbMVTbHpxCvdfSxlmEQQoP7voLFE8BXJp9LVahg7hPaCiaiRah6dQhJlAP3-37JYH13lkXGEFgVD9Rmci2YHvdVrkZmCNLxMEvaJmEcSx-5U/s640/photo+1+(42).JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The passport office</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPEAETuR2KLODzU0iDJTtCYloAVMrq4SqDJy7AV2vlmLdeGfNDFuvPkqaz_eF_JUKQ2uJAq2H1csAomFwYWO0y3__Gw8SFln2UGaea1EsLgWYk5UtgJaKh75EScPksERw_EnmRxI_Ify0/s1600/photo+2+(42).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPEAETuR2KLODzU0iDJTtCYloAVMrq4SqDJy7AV2vlmLdeGfNDFuvPkqaz_eF_JUKQ2uJAq2H1csAomFwYWO0y3__Gw8SFln2UGaea1EsLgWYk5UtgJaKh75EScPksERw_EnmRxI_Ify0/s640/photo+2+(42).JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Julieta and her temporary friend in the hallway of ICBF</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMjCJc1yrqdRm4gHV3UUmK_RM0kWLrQZmrlMoZrkbJBNev4LNE07CpRllbCn5jS6O29gP17eCVF6eS2B6hmR0swRXdslHEyUNxk_t_obSME0tG40jRoLuqdBTuyWjK1J6f9IAsp5JMgiE/s1600/IMG_1651.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMjCJc1yrqdRm4gHV3UUmK_RM0kWLrQZmrlMoZrkbJBNev4LNE07CpRllbCn5jS6O29gP17eCVF6eS2B6hmR0swRXdslHEyUNxk_t_obSME0tG40jRoLuqdBTuyWjK1J6f9IAsp5JMgiE/s640/IMG_1651.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jude is ready to go home too</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDrm3510DYV78i6mCYdj355kErqkhhrCuKhhhESdEaXS6p4nmC5FfLG3qUUpNSeuzwKlCMPnHLXBrziye2uAc4gKeFtpc_qvCfcOzc-HW9trrh3Lg76kupcJgEnVfs4zabnYHPVrCRAzM/s1600/IMG_1647.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDrm3510DYV78i6mCYdj355kErqkhhrCuKhhhESdEaXS6p4nmC5FfLG3qUUpNSeuzwKlCMPnHLXBrziye2uAc4gKeFtpc_qvCfcOzc-HW9trrh3Lg76kupcJgEnVfs4zabnYHPVrCRAzM/s640/IMG_1647.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One of the hotel pets</td></tr>
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Elesha Maynardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13054547823368885050noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5207679844489430883.post-12217069775865684152013-12-18T21:24:00.000-06:002013-12-18T21:24:58.632-06:00Introducing Julieta Maynard!!!!<strong>Wednesday, 12/18</strong><br />
<strong></strong><br />
This morning the minor defender in Valledupar placed the final signature on our adoption decree! Little One is now legally our daughter! So thankful that we are one step closer toward coming home. After that signature many copies were made, papers notarized and stamped. That took most of the day. The packet of papers will be flying out of Barranquilla in the morning and arriving at the airport in Bogota sometime before 7:00 am. After the papers are picked up, Diego and I will head to get Julieta's Colombian passport. The new birth certificate coming on the plane is what we were waiting for to process the passport. Hopes and prayers are that everything on the adoption decree and birth certificate are completely accurate! <br />
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In the afternoon, we and another family went to the Colombia Immigration offices to try and get more information on the cedula (Colombian id card) that we are being told we must have to leave Colombia. First of all, they wouldn't let our translator in with us. Ugh. Second, the man that worked in the office who spoke English made no sense. Not his language skills necessarily, but he just talked in circles. Here is the basic information I received from him: Because the Colombian consulate issued us a one-year business visa instead of a 90 day visa, we were required to come to the immigration office within 15 days of our entry into Colombia to register the visa. (WAY past 15 days) The penalty for not registering the visa starts at 300,000 pesos. This is about $155 for each of us. They will determine if the amount of the penalty will be more than that based on how many days late we are registering the visa. We explained that the Colombian consulate in Orlando never notified us of the registration process now required. The man told me to fill out the form to register the visa, take it to the 5th floor where another person would administer the penalty and then we would pay the fine at the airport when we are leaving the country. Then something about 10 days. I still don't know what 10 days he was talking about. We headed to the 5th floor and began to plead our case for our translator to be allowed entry. Success!! Diego came and tried to explain our situation. The man seemed compassionate to our situation. He made Brant and I an appointment to meet with someone else from that office on Friday morning at 9:00 am. This was a huge favor because they are currently booking those type of appointments well into January. Thank you God for that!! <br />
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So....the plan is to apply for Julieta's Colombia passport in the morning. Our guide is going to try and call in a special favor to get it processed the same day. This happens very rarely. We need it by tomorrow afternoon so we can take it to the doctor who performed the medical exam. They have to see that we are acquired her passport before they will sign off on the medicals. We would then be able to go to our Immigration meeting on Friday morning, then to pick up the signed medicals, get our Article 23 from ICBF and Julieta's visa in the afternoon (also another called in favor). This is a REALLY tight schedule. <br />
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Any one thing that goes wrong puts the schedule completely off. But I know that so many people are praying for us. It is just amazing what God is accomplishing because of all your prayers. And the word about our adoption continues to spread and the prayers just keep increasing. I have had several people who I do not even know personally send me words of encouragement in the past two days. The impact has been great. I have also received sweet words and scriptures from my friends and family. Brant's Aunt Becky, who I claim as my own, reminded me to take the time to stop and just worship in the midst of all this, which is something I have found difficult to accomplish the past couple of weeks. If you ever need a wise word and sound advice, I hope you have an Aunt Becky in your life!! <br />
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Pray, pray, pray!!!!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipc9JRALUY5I_cS2di6EV7cP8AGBxQkZJX1EXCUyB7B2uzlhwsCq1XzOgWBaop85SkATqkUK8aiADKhjMPt96HwiFrnba4YN3ZEdD_bIScfCxq6l7aYCGoCe7hTsqSC_JbRItrMtFZIjo/s1600/DSC_0414-001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipc9JRALUY5I_cS2di6EV7cP8AGBxQkZJX1EXCUyB7B2uzlhwsCq1XzOgWBaop85SkATqkUK8aiADKhjMPt96HwiFrnba4YN3ZEdD_bIScfCxq6l7aYCGoCe7hTsqSC_JbRItrMtFZIjo/s640/DSC_0414-001.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The decorations the staff put at our table today for Reese's birthday</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGPWtc6dXYepqb30tP03bc2sZcVX1JV_SdemCiIlt-mrhbVnCOfAUrjFDdDb8avW22rX8lN9Fn6iz8JMzbW2APXk5afcnoMBxa0SBKufzxOG8c0dBzv6xtTT_NUNOXKeqhKr-20-nVimE/s1600/DSC_0415-001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGPWtc6dXYepqb30tP03bc2sZcVX1JV_SdemCiIlt-mrhbVnCOfAUrjFDdDb8avW22rX8lN9Fn6iz8JMzbW2APXk5afcnoMBxa0SBKufzxOG8c0dBzv6xtTT_NUNOXKeqhKr-20-nVimE/s640/DSC_0415-001.JPG" width="424" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The birthday boy's chair</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVGHA_TPpsDDpXAB4cyu1YCHwsbK_mGO2qfiioplUxrmvRx_rRteL6rcMPnUmxWk98WtEh6n9W0xYKhjIEQf1KLI2T7_WrYL-YgwELrRIf1Ivn64NdpHTkQik1YKh_1OmnPK6wjszMmm8/s1600/DSC_0432-001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVGHA_TPpsDDpXAB4cyu1YCHwsbK_mGO2qfiioplUxrmvRx_rRteL6rcMPnUmxWk98WtEh6n9W0xYKhjIEQf1KLI2T7_WrYL-YgwELrRIf1Ivn64NdpHTkQik1YKh_1OmnPK6wjszMmm8/s640/DSC_0432-001.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Spaghetti dinner followed by birthday ice cream</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0-viNJxArYr3_3pwJL2jCDAnL93en_QUi2HjaZnvXnlziV6j3wevnwjC_8XRXSfSBXz5moMTl6TrPcQoZ2Lg9Vcc7eJCh1bbb2fkWl0OMWkYwqIyWTLEleNtiDxlhb9aPKp_-204aN9o/s1600/DSC_0442-001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0-viNJxArYr3_3pwJL2jCDAnL93en_QUi2HjaZnvXnlziV6j3wevnwjC_8XRXSfSBXz5moMTl6TrPcQoZ2Lg9Vcc7eJCh1bbb2fkWl0OMWkYwqIyWTLEleNtiDxlhb9aPKp_-204aN9o/s640/DSC_0442-001.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dakota and her friend Mariana</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoOGxvtvBf5_Z5DnIPSpwlQXFdYQ1h07IAGRb31TVZH07kR9UB13LfFM0zQLnMjaMybTscaUP2dw48m8M1P4cajD0FlY352lvtOHiTcKx_IYyaitiA1kG1KyHseu6vOq7JJEPQXum4-aQ/s1600/IMG_1617.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoOGxvtvBf5_Z5DnIPSpwlQXFdYQ1h07IAGRb31TVZH07kR9UB13LfFM0zQLnMjaMybTscaUP2dw48m8M1P4cajD0FlY352lvtOHiTcKx_IYyaitiA1kG1KyHseu6vOq7JJEPQXum4-aQ/s640/IMG_1617.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The birthday sign from the staff</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0AozqxTGQ4o5-NBPfPh_HkeqE5aHFEFkNVx2Tg0hfRPoqQlFerGVPNv5DUb5x0g7gRxtDJyzPr_fsLQnqPhaD1nzYzFcpYKH0OxZjL0es0jOoFlzJSLtI22OJCSICsePntUDuRLH5JXw/s1600/IMG_1622.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0AozqxTGQ4o5-NBPfPh_HkeqE5aHFEFkNVx2Tg0hfRPoqQlFerGVPNv5DUb5x0g7gRxtDJyzPr_fsLQnqPhaD1nzYzFcpYKH0OxZjL0es0jOoFlzJSLtI22OJCSICsePntUDuRLH5JXw/s640/IMG_1622.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our family and the Martin's at the Colombian Immigration office</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnb0BQFXjwY_4SN3QUI-ViUmU9qYdZ30KuRVyumu1yrt6ZQ5N3GakTUWX3B7pnNi6V-uutaeOw00Bv_MzDMl6bm2W8yuul4S_sABHkX3L0i6tvIA4RXa8xCosxFRN6omGFapBkA5g425Y/s1600/photo+3+(42).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="478" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnb0BQFXjwY_4SN3QUI-ViUmU9qYdZ30KuRVyumu1yrt6ZQ5N3GakTUWX3B7pnNi6V-uutaeOw00Bv_MzDMl6bm2W8yuul4S_sABHkX3L0i6tvIA4RXa8xCosxFRN6omGFapBkA5g425Y/s640/photo+3+(42).JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dakota with her friends Mariana and Valentina at their house helping with the food preparation.</td></tr>
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So without further ado.......Miss Julieta Maynard<br />
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Elesha Maynardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13054547823368885050noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5207679844489430883.post-4168163491508758762013-12-17T20:04:00.000-06:002013-12-18T12:52:29.571-06:00Still no news.......<strong>UTuesday, 12/17</strong><br>
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Today was more of the same. Breakfast, playground, search out lunch, naps for the babies, homeschool, ice cream shop with an indoor playground and ball pit, dinner, baths and bed. We didn't want to stray too far from the hotel just in case we were able to get to some appointments today. No worries there though. We waited to hear the magic words, "Everything is on its way!!!" But no call. We bugged our lawyer and the agency a couple of times but their calls to the Valledupar lawyer have not been answered. Tomorrow is it. We <em>have</em> to get the adoption decree and birth certificate by tomorrow. And it has to be accurate and complete. Otherwise, we wait until the courts reopen after January 13th for it to be processed or corrected. Even if we get all the paperwork tomorrow, we most likely will not make our flight on Sunday. It would be unheard of to get Little One's Colombian passport, Article 23 and US visa in 2 days. But not only that, we also received another tidbit of awesome news. Awesome is dripping in sarcasm in case you are wondering. When we applied for our visas to come to Colombia, we applied as an adoptive family. This should grant us a visa that is good for 90 days. For some reason, the Colombia consulate processed us under a business visa that is good for 1 year. Their fault, not ours. Well to rectify that mistake, we have to apply for a cedula. This is Colombia's national id card. No idea why we have to now have this or how long it will take. What I do know is Brant and I have to go to a lab to have our blood drawn to determine our blood type and then pay $80-$90 USD a piece for this id card. I did not need this news today. Why their mistake makes me have to lengthen my process even more and spend more money is beyond me. Just so bizarre. <br>
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We are both tired and frustrated. We appreciate so much your prayers and encouragement. I know our families, friends at home, agency and friends in Colombia have and are continuing to pray. Please do not stop. I know the Lord has a plan. But right now it seems so hard to see. Thankful for each and every one of you. We love you all.Elesha Maynardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13054547823368885050noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5207679844489430883.post-39378932143127707172013-12-16T22:48:00.002-06:002013-12-19T20:34:26.662-06:00For the sweet love, just sign it<strong>Monday, 12/16</strong><br>
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I'll be splitting the post into two parts. The day to day stuff here in Bogota is first. Brant's trip in Valledupar will follow.<br>
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Day 2 alone with these shorter versions of us and I am still alive if but barely! We got through breakfast and a laundry session without too many incidents. Just a few thrown forks and tantrums. But that is in the realm of normal for us. The day was mostly spent in the hotel other than a quick venture out with Jude to the grocery store. Dakota and Gavin stayed behind to supervise the other napping Littles. This afternoon, Little One had another doctor's appointment to have her TB test read and for the medical examination the U.S. Embassy requires. Diego, our driver, picked myself, Little One and Reese up to travel to the doctor's office. Dakota and Gavin were once again on babysitting duty. This time with Jude. On the way to the exam, the driver notified me I would need 150,000 pesos for the visit. Plus money for whatever vaccinations she would need. I had 210,000 pesos with me. I just hoped it was enough! We got to the doctor's office, parked, walked to the building, went through security, up the elevators, through multiple waiting rooms and finally arrived to check in. The receptionist wanted me to present her with color photos of Little One before she would sign us in. What color photos? Unprepared....again. No one told me about the photos. So Diego and I hauled Reese and Little One back out of the building and walked a few blocks to a passport photo place where after they draped Little One's shoulders with a black scarf-like stole they quickly processed her photos. <br>
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2nd trip to the doctor's office began with getting the TB test read (negative) and Reese telling me he didn't want to be there at least 35 times. I was already aware. Finally, we were admitted to the doctor's office. It was a combination of the doctor's actual office (desk, files, etc.), an exam room and a playroom with tons of toys. Nice. Reese was placated for at least a little bit by the toys and a sucker. Little One was easy to deal with for the exam. According to the scale at the office, she has gained 2 much needed pounds in the 4 weeks she has been with us. So good to see! He said she looked great but needed to get the chicken pox vaccination that is required by the U.S. Embassy before she enters the country. We went and stood in another line for the vaccine. Reese again expressed his displeasure. I fed him Dum-Dums. I also might have told him shots were in order for him if he didn't straighten up. Maybe. Little One took her shot with a little crying but it was short lived. <br>
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Loaded back up for the hotel. When I arrived Jude began blessing me with dirty diapers that trailed down his legs and puddled at the top of his socks. TMI? He was quarantined while the others played outside waiting for dinner. Jude never made it to the dinner table (Pizza Night!!!). He retired early :) <br>
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Dakota and Gavin attended a Novena service at a local church with another family from Hotel Paris and our driver Diego and his family. They arrived home a short time ago and said they had a great time. There was Christmas music and snacks and things like that. Too lazy to explain Novena tonight. So here is a wiki link for you! <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Novena_of_aguinaldos" target="_blank">What is Novena?</a> <br>
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Dakota was invited to go home with Diego's daughters for a spend the night party tonight. She is excited to have some girl time and they are excited about working on their English!<br>
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Brant's day:<br>
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Brant said he didn't sleep so well last night. He was up from 2-4 am. Probably just anxious about the day ahead. This was definite foreshadowing! He was told by both lawyers that he should be able to go up to the court at 9:30 am. The judge was supposed to sign the adoption decree around then. 9:30 am came and went. Nothing. While he was waiting, he was able to get in touch with Little One's foster parents by phone. I have been regularly communicating with them via Facebook since our Encuentro. They came by the hotel today and spent about an hour and a half talking with the help of our interpreter, Grace. Little One came to us with only the clothes on her back, but her foster parents brought by a set of pajamas that were her favorites and a soccer jersey and pair of shorts. It was so sweet of them to want her to have a few things of hers. <br>
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The hours passed with no contact from the lawyer in Valledupar. Brant was moving from nervous to impatient to angry. Finally a message was sent that the papers can be signed at 4:00 pm. But by 4:00 still nothing. Brant decided if it isn't signed today he will just change his flight and camp out at the courts tomorrow until it gets done! An hour later he got a call that the driver was on her way to pick him up. He arrived at the judge's office at 20 minutes till 6:00 to sign the adoption decree. It was a short and sweet process. They were turning the lights out in the office as he was leaving. Nothing like waiting until the last minute. He immediately left and headed to the airport to catch his flight back to Bogota. We were very excited to have him home but unfortunately the signature was only a piece of what needed to happen today. So while it allowed him to catch his flight "home", we still have a ways to go. <br>
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Here is the rundown:<br>
The judge has signed the adoption decree. Brant has signed the adoption decree. We are still waiting on the minor defender to sign the decree. Then the new birth certificate can be issued. Once all that is compiled, multiple copies and notarizing and stamping of things must take place. The problem: Courts are all closed tomorrow for another holiday. That leaves only one day, Wednesday, that they will be open before closing for Christmas until January 13th. The hope: Our lawyer, Raul, is strongly advocating for us. He is as frustrated as we are and is calling in favors. Or maybe threats. I don't care which. There is a lady who processes paperwork who <em>says</em> she will come in tomorrow and get the stamping all done as well as try to get the minor defender to come in and sign. If that happens, they are supposed to stick all the completed paperwork on an afternoon plane from Valledupar to Bogota so we can pick it up at the airport. <br>
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We cannot process Little One's Colombian passport, Visa or Article 23 until we have those documents in hand. Best case is we get them tomorrow afternoon and can start those appointments late in the day. Other possibilities run the gamut. If we cannot start any of those appointments until Wednesday it will be possible, but only barely, to get it all done in time to make our flight home on Sunday. At least the US Embassy is only closed for Christmas Day. So should we be unable to finish up the papers this week, we should still be able to next week. That is of course as long as the adoption decree and birth certificate get signed by tomorrow or Wednesday. If for some reason that does not happen, this is our worse case scenario. That would mean waiting until after January 13th when the courts reopen to try and get all the signatures, stamps and such. Please, no. <br>
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Plenty for all of you to pray about. We are so thankful Brant was able to finally sign and get back to us. But the wind is a little out of our sails because of all the hurdles we are still facing. Please pray for us to have endurance! And specifically pray that they paperwork all gets completed correctly tomorrow and gets in our hands by the afternoon! Thank you all!<br>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjLG3lqHVpEEFQp5mn3YtGwIryn1bolc39y5BvzVTLnzghiro7FHjpandyKepr1Rnc_PREKEzHC8BCr_Elz5efNXVpYUf6Wseqj1_LhXL2cW2m1bstaw2Lf7wrg3IMdyqfDVRGAYuOH2o/s1600/theres+a+chance.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjLG3lqHVpEEFQp5mn3YtGwIryn1bolc39y5BvzVTLnzghiro7FHjpandyKepr1Rnc_PREKEzHC8BCr_Elz5efNXVpYUf6Wseqj1_LhXL2cW2m1bstaw2Lf7wrg3IMdyqfDVRGAYuOH2o/s400/theres+a+chance.png" width="400"></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I can't keep this out of my head today. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC-d5TUhFiSqk_jz0CG6zNKnN_2P1nwpsye1ETPwN4pcD7vVa_vpArESmY7V9tYHEtWYp6DrflO3hqNNbTGpf5Z8LUNXhXSVECl5834RmfACBoitsZAdPQgW7lIZU2N1OnvercABzrIkk/s1600/IMG_1578.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC-d5TUhFiSqk_jz0CG6zNKnN_2P1nwpsye1ETPwN4pcD7vVa_vpArESmY7V9tYHEtWYp6DrflO3hqNNbTGpf5Z8LUNXhXSVECl5834RmfACBoitsZAdPQgW7lIZU2N1OnvercABzrIkk/s400/IMG_1578.JPG" width="300"></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Brant found our favorite arequipe donut vendor!!!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1fhGWG80RWm_j555UMiNpWakPmZ9POCsToDeJfGv0LnzGkDWjgO_MOhaQHV0w8DUzodXCehHEghlCLJ5AGAechJfAdV6u19bcosAhiH90JaAxq-HfMNr3AY1dCJm4Y6oVvlRJD9q8ie0/s1600/IMG_1582.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1fhGWG80RWm_j555UMiNpWakPmZ9POCsToDeJfGv0LnzGkDWjgO_MOhaQHV0w8DUzodXCehHEghlCLJ5AGAechJfAdV6u19bcosAhiH90JaAxq-HfMNr3AY1dCJm4Y6oVvlRJD9q8ie0/s640/IMG_1582.JPG" width="480"></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The plaza in Valledupar all decorated for Christmas</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgniTSc2NMTPN8Z0-4PUCEWdB0IEvBSV5e9rNQe4P8RLKGY67QgMwaBt0VusUH1JKxZrPgMBvAMv7WqmJ7fdSBo61VzhlhTiqaGTcm8Cj9HNN0zcX90p0r-dMbgG_2kWqZf6AsnEZUz20Q/s1600/IMG_1592.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgniTSc2NMTPN8Z0-4PUCEWdB0IEvBSV5e9rNQe4P8RLKGY67QgMwaBt0VusUH1JKxZrPgMBvAMv7WqmJ7fdSBo61VzhlhTiqaGTcm8Cj9HNN0zcX90p0r-dMbgG_2kWqZf6AsnEZUz20Q/s640/IMG_1592.JPG" width="640"></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our interpreter Grace and Little One's foster parents!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi57_oca_I1kTUPaq046kVG9Y2bq9hRrH0fOBp0CLge2W_kOLPIMJCbJQUgfgwG5sishw3BkTwhyrFP2RthknW-nqz2_gZCEuMdTWF1ILfqJQPPQut7z2TR_WA9CakXvXYR_WzxTmnFUAk/s1600/IMG_1597.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi57_oca_I1kTUPaq046kVG9Y2bq9hRrH0fOBp0CLge2W_kOLPIMJCbJQUgfgwG5sishw3BkTwhyrFP2RthknW-nqz2_gZCEuMdTWF1ILfqJQPPQut7z2TR_WA9CakXvXYR_WzxTmnFUAk/s640/IMG_1597.JPG" width="640"></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Signing Sentencia!</td></tr>
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Elesha Maynardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13054547823368885050noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5207679844489430883.post-89537518003846155692013-12-15T22:33:00.001-06:002013-12-15T22:57:33.138-06:00Bogota!!!Updates will be relatively short today. Just tired.<br />
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<strong>Thursday pm, 12/10</strong><br />
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This evening we were treated to more lights along the Medellin River with Jaime, Sara and Sergio. They picked us up in two cars and we headed out. It put any Christmas light display I have ever seen to shame!!!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lights for miles suspended over the river</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A quick blessing :)</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I have never seen so many food vendors in one location. </td></tr>
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<strong>Wednesday, 12/11</strong><br />
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Packing. All.Day.Long. The kids ran wild and fended for themselves by eating whatever they wanted from the pantry and fridge since we weren't taking any of it with us. The Littles were in their diapers or underwear all day because I was determined to not show up in Bogota with dirty clothes. I know that sounds crazy, but when you are hand-washing it matters!!! We compiled several large bags of unused groceries and paper products along with some toys and left them with the doorman of the building. The kids were sad to see a few of the things go, but it lightened our load and blessed someone else in the process. Double win.<br />
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Later in the evening, we did manage to squeeze in decorating some cupcakes with arequipe icing and sprinkles. The kids enjoyed it even if it was quick. Sometime during the day, the boys had a head-on collision resulting in yet another black eye for Reese. I cannot imagine what goes through the mind of the doorman as he see us coming and going with one injury after another.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We will miss our views!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">No idea what they were even doing</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPi_Tj3gMUIbH16QUmB9UzAD5mRjCGVUfVm1ZMUM3q9gRYiz-KaZNRthANGB91DJWj3lrYMUe99OSnsIpzYpQVf2jADIG7raDK6Lw4pMmqIrAEmgDUNXk-Cfgz3ZUYjT7tdqvxsmanybI/s1600/DSC_0362-001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPi_Tj3gMUIbH16QUmB9UzAD5mRjCGVUfVm1ZMUM3q9gRYiz-KaZNRthANGB91DJWj3lrYMUe99OSnsIpzYpQVf2jADIG7raDK6Lw4pMmqIrAEmgDUNXk-Cfgz3ZUYjT7tdqvxsmanybI/s640/DSC_0362-001.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cupcakes</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-jf0aJ2yR7B6ARXmZeqNt4yeCeop5nX9I4CP3g4VStkyiU77whfOGRFed9TkyhIO46HG5HpIKPA3ig2Lmls7zHQLbFw5fbu7KXF2TytUmB2C6NU6IXO46KSaxPcl2mENz8XPhRMcAKVo/s1600/DSC_0354-001-001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-jf0aJ2yR7B6ARXmZeqNt4yeCeop5nX9I4CP3g4VStkyiU77whfOGRFed9TkyhIO46HG5HpIKPA3ig2Lmls7zHQLbFw5fbu7KXF2TytUmB2C6NU6IXO46KSaxPcl2mENz8XPhRMcAKVo/s640/DSC_0354-001-001.JPG" width="353" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Reese's 2nd black eye of our trip. </td></tr>
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<strong>Thursday, 12/12</strong><br />
<strong></strong><br />
12:30 flight today to Bogota!! Jaime came around 9:00 to pick up the cell phone, stroller and pack-n-play we had been borrowing. I know I say it a lot but they are just the best people. They generously gifted us with several hardback books on Medellin, coffee mugs, coffee and a USB drive full of Colombia children's music for Little One to enjoy! Thank you Jaime and Stella for all that you have been to us!<br />
<br />
9:30 our driver arrived with her car and a van to transport us and our luggage to the airport which is about 45 minutes away. We arrived with no difficulty and began the lengthy check-in process while the Littles took turns weighing themselves on the luggage scales. Whose kids are those? <br />
<br />
I am sweating to death by the time we get to the gate since the airport is not air conditioned and all the walls are made of glass allowing the sun to beat down inside. And we find out at the gate, that there has been a gate change....and a delay. So of course, we find bread and coffee and eat! The flight was delayed a second time and then we finally were able to board. <br />
<br />
The flight was thankfully uneventful. Jude and Little One fell asleep and the other kids were wonderful. What a change from Little One's first flight. No terror or sobbing. She was happy to be on the "airplame" and drifted off peacefully to sleep. <br />
<br />
When we arrived at the Bogota airport, our driver and another van were waiting to take us to our new temporary home. It was about a 40 minute drive and bags of Fruit Loops once again prevented at least 2 meltdowns.<br />
<br />
We are staying at the Hotel Paris. It is an adoption house where many other families stay who are in the adoption process in Colombia. There are hotel-type rooms with several common areas and play areas, including a courtyard with a little playground, for the children. It is on lockdown so the kids run and play (loudly) throughout the facility all through the day. You cannot even leave the hotel without someone with a key opening the front door. Feels super-safe. Plus there is no judgment for bad child behavior :) Score. <br />
<br />
Meals are prepared and served in a dining room of sorts. We have our own regular table where we eat breakfast and dinner every day. We chose to be on our own for lunch. The camaraderie with other adoptive families (including a wonderful mom I had met online prior to our adoptions who is also adopting a 2 year old girl) and included meals were the two things that sold us on the hotel. It isn't fancy or updated, but it is clean and the staff are so nice and patient with the kids who run through their kitchen while they cook or spill drinks on their recently cleaned floors. The owner has been doing this for 30 years so I treasure the fact that my kids can't be the worst she has seen! <br />
<br />
When we arrived, the owner greeted us and started preparing us a snack of hot ham and cheese sandwiches while we unloaded. So thoughtful. They showed us our room which consists of two double beds, two twins and a baby bed. All in the same room. Pray people.<br />
<br />
Brant played with the kids outside while I unloaded suitcases. After dinner, came the return of the hand-washing of clothes along with a migraine which I am guessing is from the change in elevation. I could go my whole life and not wash clothes for 7 people in an inflatable baby bathtub everyday again. <br />
<br />
Exhaustion and bed.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsrLzAUDou9VXHvCtPGxTd4vueTYoPElsqxBAVsfyrX84y3kudwy1xW8ZMBTz5a9NfqBaMdrMijCoj7DiV-UjuKs_aDi311wI4ugfsToCfQ5GMib7699gHvoWXqGXDI80ZTnRkroStJ2c/s1600/IMG_1517.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsrLzAUDou9VXHvCtPGxTd4vueTYoPElsqxBAVsfyrX84y3kudwy1xW8ZMBTz5a9NfqBaMdrMijCoj7DiV-UjuKs_aDi311wI4ugfsToCfQ5GMib7699gHvoWXqGXDI80ZTnRkroStJ2c/s640/IMG_1517.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">In the van on the way to the airport.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT1CS8cysiXQMRuBQshqtq0KptB8HK9BD43ddVUw4mKfuoiEyDWlweYzGGNtfac3tYucwndjYWvkIe5NR1hxm7dqjpDtJn2fBnRF5RLN5SjpBJeeMEGOnlgWY9K_YrOadzxsuSl5h7kYI/s1600/IMG_2168.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT1CS8cysiXQMRuBQshqtq0KptB8HK9BD43ddVUw4mKfuoiEyDWlweYzGGNtfac3tYucwndjYWvkIe5NR1hxm7dqjpDtJn2fBnRF5RLN5SjpBJeeMEGOnlgWY9K_YrOadzxsuSl5h7kYI/s640/IMG_2168.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dakota and Gavin can scope out a charging station in any airport with a quickness.</td></tr>
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<strong>Friday, 12/13</strong><br />
<strong></strong><br />
Laundry, breakfast, walking around and getting acclimated to our surroundings. These are the events of the day. Hit up the nearest mall, Carulla (grocery store), Dunkin Donuts and a local empanada shop. The Bigs also ventured out with another family to the park while the Littles napped. Gavin and Joshua, the biological son of another adoptive family at Hotel Paris, have been attached at the hip since our arrival. It is nice to see him so excited about having a boy to play with close to his age! Sadly, for us, Joshua and his family will be leaving tonight to go home to New York. The boys exchanged Skype ids so they can keep in touch. Already BFFs :) <br />
<br />
Little One had an appointment this afternoon at a clinic for her TB test. Our driver took us. She hated it. Not sure the sucker made up for it completely, but she didn't turn it down! <br />
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We had a series of calls and skypes and emails between us, our agency and our lawyer about the adoption process today. The lawyer from Valledupar, Little One's city, has assured us that the adoption decree WILL be signed by the judge on Monday. When that happens, Brant can fly back to Valledupar to sign the decree and pick up a copy of the new birth certificate. It is a lengthy process involving lots of notaries, copies and official stamping. There are no guarantees they can finish the paperwork all that day. We had to decide again about travel planning. We opted for Brant to fly out of Bogota on Sunday morning (which was the only flight available that day) so he could be there first thing Monday morning. We are hoping that will allow all the steps to be completed before his flight back to Bogota Monday evening. Then he could bring the adoption decree and birth certificate back with him to Bogota and we can start the passport process on Tuesday. That is best case. <br />
<br />
Another possibility is that Brant gets everything completed that he needs to on Monday, but the courts don't finish their stamping by the time his flight departs. In that case, a courier would bring the paperwork to Bogota on Tuesday but we lose a day on getting the passport process started. <br />
<br />
Worst case would be the judge NOT signing on Monday. I do not want to talk about the potential delays that could cause! Especially since the court is closed on Tuesday. Yes, another holiday of some sort. <br />
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A quick little praise to insert here. The cost of the round trip ticket for Brant to Valledupar is going to set us back about $600. Add to that the cost of the hotel room around $75 and we have another huge expense we didn't anticipate. After all, the 7 of us flew from Medellin to Bogota for $450. We mentioned our concerns about the rising costs to our rep at the agency without laying out exact figures. A short while later she called Brant and said something along the lines of: "You won't believe what just came across my desk. The company that did your translation is issuing you a partial refund. We just found out that it is $678. I hope that helps with some of your expenses in Valledupar." Yes. $3 more that our anticipated cost for the trip. The Lord is so good to us!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTIzB5lVpTgXyH_aChThYXnfFl1OhQ8NtYAeWpCLjIdhw481kEOFUoEtMuKZQi7vSKt63zGAq9mFfsmRIlSo8AmXdI7AUhhHymZIycq0sW1okvi4IARd4Cjr6HbwNb396ZE0GNtUr2TwU/s1600/DSC_0378-001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTIzB5lVpTgXyH_aChThYXnfFl1OhQ8NtYAeWpCLjIdhw481kEOFUoEtMuKZQi7vSKt63zGAq9mFfsmRIlSo8AmXdI7AUhhHymZIycq0sW1okvi4IARd4Cjr6HbwNb396ZE0GNtUr2TwU/s640/DSC_0378-001.JPG" width="424" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View from our room down to the courtyard with swingset and slide</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj352fxzzavkj8bLrzVFDYE2w7gZTen4D3Hntv608X8A9_NpXMZCWexT2spfNB_qEWWSzuU-2WiaFkWk-Kx5jjNdrHbttkE8GJWS55GHfeMEzDC0M4FE9YW-h1DLv-pPSLU60sl56z6QXs/s1600/DSC_0384-001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj352fxzzavkj8bLrzVFDYE2w7gZTen4D3Hntv608X8A9_NpXMZCWexT2spfNB_qEWWSzuU-2WiaFkWk-Kx5jjNdrHbttkE8GJWS55GHfeMEzDC0M4FE9YW-h1DLv-pPSLU60sl56z6QXs/s640/DSC_0384-001.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gavin and his new friend Joshua</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmhGp96ezsfEJeNMkOUUgrLmpXu7Q52WhEXl0dx9Tx2PEMNd92kd4-sISLoWRE0_qR0gDUtdttCVnjYDuRBJhmN1u766sM5ZVdMADoh6CjqPfb3BAJDAQd5hQzFtt79N3ww64fsDRqEsQ/s1600/IMG_1535.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmhGp96ezsfEJeNMkOUUgrLmpXu7Q52WhEXl0dx9Tx2PEMNd92kd4-sISLoWRE0_qR0gDUtdttCVnjYDuRBJhmN1u766sM5ZVdMADoh6CjqPfb3BAJDAQd5hQzFtt79N3ww64fsDRqEsQ/s640/IMG_1535.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our table in the dining room</td></tr>
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<strong>Saturday, 12/14</strong><br />
<strong></strong><br />
Ready for the ride to end. Not even really all that interested in exploring Bogota. I might regret that later or my mood may shift in a few days. If that happens, stand aside as I rip-roar through the city with 5 kids in tow trying to see it all before we leave!!! As for now, Brant is the only motivated one. So we headed out after breakfast to a children's museum. When we arrived, we found out they only do guided tours of the museum. In Spanish of course, so I'm sure all the kids would love that. Fail. Grouchy is an understatement for my attitude. Brant tried to push past my lack of desire to explore and plan something and it didn't work out. I was not so forgiving in the moment. Just over it. Life was on the up-swing again as we grabbed some crazy-good burgers at El Corral Gourmet. One of the best I have ever eaten. I needed a good burger. Obviously my attitude was directly related to some sort of iron deficiency, because after the burger I was fine. I know my family thinks I am INSANE!!!<br />
<br />
Brant hit up the playground with Dakota, Gavin and Reese while Little One and Jude napped. More running around the hotel and another day is over for the kids. Brant got his things all ready for the trip to Valledupar and we called it a night.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCGWEhQYpCmIjkJEQmVQ2zVlZxab5YgWfER-QLOoSrPfh5-lly9Hh7117Sti5QyCzX00DFKjWA8u8q12RUQ9O0ug4yokecLH7jifd1_fb_FdjW_KA3_nfrD1V2JtqCVNRs3SJYKTA_zpA/s1600/DSC_0397-001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCGWEhQYpCmIjkJEQmVQ2zVlZxab5YgWfER-QLOoSrPfh5-lly9Hh7117Sti5QyCzX00DFKjWA8u8q12RUQ9O0ug4yokecLH7jifd1_fb_FdjW_KA3_nfrD1V2JtqCVNRs3SJYKTA_zpA/s640/DSC_0397-001.JPG" width="424" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxNa4atJGiJn4uRxrabQ_LNmhJLRMAveXib5WFRrlSSxFRsETBR3NeLtMOMj1zAG3-caPaw8PVxfdo6T_Vv5qOZ6OXR01s7Tx6xOlifjDM0w5Ujg2ZUaUNo06cw4oSFIH64Vmju15WyNM/s1600/DSC_0398-001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxNa4atJGiJn4uRxrabQ_LNmhJLRMAveXib5WFRrlSSxFRsETBR3NeLtMOMj1zAG3-caPaw8PVxfdo6T_Vv5qOZ6OXR01s7Tx6xOlifjDM0w5Ujg2ZUaUNo06cw4oSFIH64Vmju15WyNM/s640/DSC_0398-001.JPG" width="424" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And Jude's left eye is now black. Also his 2nd of the trip. <br />
Fell climbing out of his crib. Told you so.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Playroom at Hotel Paris</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">On the way to the Children's Museum</td></tr>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoGZvEFvR6ssS10NwN_GY19j4lBkYd5yq23O0yJCShhkjWGcyCr3tWprlGf4AMvEVm4ttuqp32PqIz5FtfgNO1rr8y3Bjcdee-BFFuE9pLDG1HRAzEkVSQIqkegRMDHZiD5hBsefOBIHk/s1600/IMG_1554.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoGZvEFvR6ssS10NwN_GY19j4lBkYd5yq23O0yJCShhkjWGcyCr3tWprlGf4AMvEVm4ttuqp32PqIz5FtfgNO1rr8y3Bjcdee-BFFuE9pLDG1HRAzEkVSQIqkegRMDHZiD5hBsefOBIHk/s640/IMG_1554.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlIMR4OwLhVM8PgH2fOhmAliOUTev3f35tf8vesmU93n2IuPA6IlEJHHP7T4pOp2e6Duf5vyYbCd2QvQLoLVovSvcWt22NOWBDseaFn5Bdb6jCuN7w-u_wSDsS4RFn7yFSxxC24NUDqBw/s1600/IMG_2187.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlIMR4OwLhVM8PgH2fOhmAliOUTev3f35tf8vesmU93n2IuPA6IlEJHHP7T4pOp2e6Duf5vyYbCd2QvQLoLVovSvcWt22NOWBDseaFn5Bdb6jCuN7w-u_wSDsS4RFn7yFSxxC24NUDqBw/s640/IMG_2187.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The restaurant which cured my mental issues</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">See the joy a good burger can bring??</td></tr>
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<strong>Sunday, 12/15</strong><br />
<strong></strong><br />
Brant left this morning at 7:00 to catch his flight to Valledupar. The flight of course was delayed. I think they are all delayed. When we booked his flight, the business class seats were the cheapest for the flight out of Bogota. Because of the delay and his seat, he was able to sit in the VIP lounge eating muffins and drinking coffee until the flight left. Sounds fair, right? :)<br />
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The kids and I walked to the park after breakfast where Gavin and I threw some baseball while Dakota helped Little One and Reese and Jude napped in the stroller. So thankful to have Dakota here to help me with the Littles. She is my right-hand stroller pusher since I haven't perfecting pushing the double and single stroller at the same time! After the park, we had some lunch and played on their indoor playground at the restaurant. More playground time at the hotel. Seems like playgrounds will be our main time killer here in Bogota. The kids aren't tired of it yet. So we are good. Naps!!!!! My favorite part of many days. I was able to catch up on a little more laundry while the Littles slept and even took about a 15 minute nap myself. <br />
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Dinner, more playtime outside, baths and Skype with Daddy ended our day. Brant said he was able to do a little sightseeing, street vendor eating and market shopping today in Valledupar. He is staying at Hotel Vajamar (our old Valledupar home) while he is there. Glad he is getting a break for a bit. He needs and deserves it!!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Brant's friend on the flight. His Spanglish is getting decent enough to talk to people a bit. He is fearless!!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Swings at Hotel Paris</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhMYXN16drCh9oK65XKP0QZDvLm2yqZFd78fDAnwS63qBaucALfkdS6EyOwxVBNBASCGnxXVWqwj84iDD-EHNq23aP1hria2ASJKyADQWs0JJ-GKGgqtRe3PM6rxwsK-QtaqVWMeZkXD4/s1600/photo+%25288%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhMYXN16drCh9oK65XKP0QZDvLm2yqZFd78fDAnwS63qBaucALfkdS6EyOwxVBNBASCGnxXVWqwj84iDD-EHNq23aP1hria2ASJKyADQWs0JJ-GKGgqtRe3PM6rxwsK-QtaqVWMeZkXD4/s640/photo+%25288%2529.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gavin never meets a stranger. This little boy was at the hotel while his mother did mani/pedis for some of the staff. They played soccer for hours!</td></tr>
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Another praise: Little One's health is doing great! The elevation of Bogota, which should be negatively affecting her body, seems to be taking no toll AT ALL! As usual, she tires easily and needs her rest, but this is within the realm of "normal" for her. I am so thankful, that God is protecting her little body during this transition. She even seems to have put on a pound or two or weight which she desperately needed (and still needs) to do. <br />
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Please continue to pray for her body and our process. We would love to get our signature (Sentencia) tomorrow! There is still a chance for Christmas at home!!!!<br />
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Love you all!Elesha Maynardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13054547823368885050noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5207679844489430883.post-58298480606309934122013-12-10T16:21:00.002-06:002013-12-10T22:37:01.359-06:00Should we stay or should we go now?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<strong>Friday, 12/6 continued</strong></div>
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In the pictures below you will see what kind of supervision the children had from Brant while I was posting the last blog post. We are never getting our deposit back from this apartment! Gavin tore the curtains in their upstairs loft area. Dakota sewed them back up, thankfully. Reese has peed on two couches (one time right in front of the property manager). Don't judge, we are potty-training. Considering blaming everything on the flood ;)</div>
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Friday we were invited to Jaime and Stella's house for an asado. This is what we would call a barbeque. There were many more friends and family there which added to the festivity of the night. I am not sure but I think they may do this every Friday evening. This is the 3rd time we were invited for the Friday event but the first one we were able to attend. The food was served family style and was a variety of meats, bunuelos, plantains, arepas and a cake which Brant picked up at a local bakery on his walk with Jude to their house. Jaime picked the other kids and I up in his car. Although our Spanish is terrible and Jaime and Stella do not speak much English, we managed to communicate. Their son, Jaime, Jr., does speak English as well as another friend who was there. So when we got stuck, we had help! </div>
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Stella and Jaime's 2 year old grandson, Sergio, was there as a playmate. Our children had a great time. Little One was very timid to begin with but throughout the evening warmed up, especially with Stella who gave her Coca-Cola, galletas and let her play on the cell phone :) They treated our children just like their grandchildren. Indulgences and all!! The Bigs had an ipad at their disposal and the Littles had a porch full of toys, unlimited food of their choice and a bed to lay on to watch television. They were in Heaven! Jude became tired and cried a bit but I was able to lull him to sleep and put him down in a bedroom for a nap. We stayed for several hours enjoying our evening with our new friends before splitting up for car rides back to the apartment. I am so grateful for the hospitality we have been shown. My New Year's resolution will be to extend more hospitality in my life. This country and this family have been amazing examples to me. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">On the ledge between the first floor and their loft area. </td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The result of the "fall"</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Remember who was supervising these moments.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Porch fun a the asado</td></tr>
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<strong>Saturday, 12/7</strong></div>
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The first Saturday of every month in Medellin, there is a market held in Parque Bolivar called Mercado de San Alejo. It is full of vendors with mostly handmade crafts, food etc. We decided to head out via taxi, metro and foot to visit the market. We explored for several hours. Dakota and I found some earrings we liked. Gavin found a pendant with a stone of some sort. Brant and I scored a neat handmade set of espresso cups with a wooden "tree" for them to hang on. It was a definite change in culture from the more affluent area of town we are living in to this area. The vendors were mostly made up of what many of you at home as well as the locals here would call hippies :) The smell of marijuana was strong. So the Bigs got a bit of an education on what that smell meant. Homeschool on the rode!!! There was enough nudity that I wanted to hide Gavin's eyes in particular several times and Dakota witnessed some pickpocketing. Overall though we really enjoyed experiencing another part of life here in Medellin. Worth noting, there were port-a-potties at the market for public use. And they had a PAID city worker there who would go in the bathroom and clean it between each occupant. Cleanest toilets ever. We hit up a little pastry shop on our way back to the metro and waited out a rain storm there. </div>
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Everyone was pretty exhausted. I did a quick grocery trip while the babies napped. Today is Dia de las Velitas (Day of the Little Candles). This is celebrated on December 7th which is the eve of the Immaculate Conception. It is the day that unofficially begins the Christmas season. On this evening, candles are lit everywhere: window sills, porches, sidewalks, parks! They take over the city! Trying to do our part, I scrounged up 3 candles that previous occupants left in the apartment. We headed out to our driveway with a lighter. We weren't sure what to do. So we lit the candles, said a prayer, blew them out and had a photo op :) Of course, the evening would not be complete without a little drama. Reese decides to play with his candle after he blows it out. While the hot wax was still in the candle. He burns his arm. While we are helping him, Jude does the SAME THING!! Once again we enter the apartment with screaming children. I am certain our neighbors hate us. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Morning exhaustion from the late night asado</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Catedral Metropolitana de Medellin</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">San Elejo Market</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjw3Q1-JyCja1AELoXSDqhPqKXJhNZjROr5bnnZbsuX8O8aiLvjcywtUzS1W-46tq9xW86b-rRXeYrXPxHpAnmS-JxaJOXTpUDRc46ET7rs-7lpkC55P45Jqz-jkbC_souxZy-FLbwjMY/s1600/IMG_1437.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjw3Q1-JyCja1AELoXSDqhPqKXJhNZjROr5bnnZbsuX8O8aiLvjcywtUzS1W-46tq9xW86b-rRXeYrXPxHpAnmS-JxaJOXTpUDRc46ET7rs-7lpkC55P45Jqz-jkbC_souxZy-FLbwjMY/s640/IMG_1437.JPG" width="480"></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Earring shopping</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgX1EQm5rANVpYGkOf60oLto9AZAiDYnNd8f1XZ8WIpaPNQDTY9uyO5DCxqYvcjtk4np4fpLggX11Kl6iRZlSQNLW67Zlt6ZvKho9rMr3ARkAH9TTfwKMSKsCHIoDXl4CW8XOmpbtPo_70/s1600/IMG_1438.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgX1EQm5rANVpYGkOf60oLto9AZAiDYnNd8f1XZ8WIpaPNQDTY9uyO5DCxqYvcjtk4np4fpLggX11Kl6iRZlSQNLW67Zlt6ZvKho9rMr3ARkAH9TTfwKMSKsCHIoDXl4CW8XOmpbtPo_70/s640/IMG_1438.JPG" width="640"></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_6DSWiQXQxrxPFOdNJ_N91OVl03g-bTsdgfd7NHN6VAfmD8GDAnIkc2pQstPXncGabDZGpbB11Sxd85xUwgiSZXeiJ3ZASzP8d1NNA0BISOo4ucooSR1Lt_u4yPbsIhgYcp9MfxbPfRE/s1600/IMG_1443.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_6DSWiQXQxrxPFOdNJ_N91OVl03g-bTsdgfd7NHN6VAfmD8GDAnIkc2pQstPXncGabDZGpbB11Sxd85xUwgiSZXeiJ3ZASzP8d1NNA0BISOo4ucooSR1Lt_u4yPbsIhgYcp9MfxbPfRE/s640/IMG_1443.JPG" width="480"></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The stolen, discarded wallet</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8fpCXsqaYqxspxIO4LQrfB4Ruh02hXhLxXNlJR24cDt3r8VGMK3B6HA7Fv5F7Q0lRTov0jMs3za8EGvP06rcQexgqig10sf04v6QQpXz43rIFAFYs91aXAFy35l6mPDXjy6nbukEqPNM/s1600/IMG_1449.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8fpCXsqaYqxspxIO4LQrfB4Ruh02hXhLxXNlJR24cDt3r8VGMK3B6HA7Fv5F7Q0lRTov0jMs3za8EGvP06rcQexgqig10sf04v6QQpXz43rIFAFYs91aXAFy35l6mPDXjy6nbukEqPNM/s640/IMG_1449.JPG" width="466"></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">She is sitting on nothing. How in the world?</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgNBG7kBpPoGPHQOsA4AWJgx-lS2LuaSaKo_Z_vuQhfgJTFJhVCYO5G4j92-BeMA6bn0W5NwvltVwRv4-9M8TVqJUftGp5JfKsQL-G6nd35bws5n2yPLWFdxMdtiR4cWe6DLZXGCbUW24/s1600/IMG_1453.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgNBG7kBpPoGPHQOsA4AWJgx-lS2LuaSaKo_Z_vuQhfgJTFJhVCYO5G4j92-BeMA6bn0W5NwvltVwRv4-9M8TVqJUftGp5JfKsQL-G6nd35bws5n2yPLWFdxMdtiR4cWe6DLZXGCbUW24/s640/IMG_1453.JPG" width="480"></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Drink Brant tried on our way to the Metro. No like.</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiq42byUViG7_OTwXHhovh3Wv9E8JY-SPzttR1s-CzcoR_2d5kVv8ATTR6N7CSWGkkabKW06UodkIn4DWELvHUfCv-nJx877pu69VzKdZ_SsHAkhMdijvacYCiPdptQa05zZVzxBlNDn5w/s1600/IMG_2146.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiq42byUViG7_OTwXHhovh3Wv9E8JY-SPzttR1s-CzcoR_2d5kVv8ATTR6N7CSWGkkabKW06UodkIn4DWELvHUfCv-nJx877pu69VzKdZ_SsHAkhMdijvacYCiPdptQa05zZVzxBlNDn5w/s640/IMG_2146.JPG" width="480"></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZxf33VnKFd4p4eX-Kc-3i4icWuJiZtEIrNFG-0k7pX-AXykPtRJo5REN0WCxnnYdL2PH3hPSsjUIvqgsNv29bi8Z4-Jslv80OUg3UOYmA9Y6q1qkOFSG1mgtTB5lM3HiqjupjF2aKbDo/s1600/IMG_2150.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZxf33VnKFd4p4eX-Kc-3i4icWuJiZtEIrNFG-0k7pX-AXykPtRJo5REN0WCxnnYdL2PH3hPSsjUIvqgsNv29bi8Z4-Jslv80OUg3UOYmA9Y6q1qkOFSG1mgtTB5lM3HiqjupjF2aKbDo/s640/IMG_2150.JPG" width="640"></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Me and my sweet girl</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqej-QWcRXUR2RPBfIuroEhhwjYS-xqmYx4H4658XdxSyV1HvKfa9Kbcy2qAovdDZg8Yn3s5xsqOqnRRX8_-gI2vNehO_yh-bArUXX0mWtwIuA_aF78bS5ZeKAliNNRFupAfWOcB15HhU/s1600/DSC_0152-001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqej-QWcRXUR2RPBfIuroEhhwjYS-xqmYx4H4658XdxSyV1HvKfa9Kbcy2qAovdDZg8Yn3s5xsqOqnRRX8_-gI2vNehO_yh-bArUXX0mWtwIuA_aF78bS5ZeKAliNNRFupAfWOcB15HhU/s640/DSC_0152-001.JPG" width="640"></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our candle lighting</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG3AgkJ0XmduPjRiMd-QdXtCOi-Bl9Ux1gEefx7IawPeTszFc_aoZm1vbm2oLbclLVgzU7G65nAElYDjlD3AR6cyVRYD3teWXxJc_pxXVn4tnmnFREKvf8dAOd50_7tad7vuo6pNDGrq4/s1600/DSC_0157-001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG3AgkJ0XmduPjRiMd-QdXtCOi-Bl9Ux1gEefx7IawPeTszFc_aoZm1vbm2oLbclLVgzU7G65nAElYDjlD3AR6cyVRYD3teWXxJc_pxXVn4tnmnFREKvf8dAOd50_7tad7vuo6pNDGrq4/s640/DSC_0157-001.JPG" width="640"></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Watching the candles and festivities below. I went to sleep at 2 am and the kids of the neighborhood were still playing outside in the street and the music was still loud and festive :)</td></tr>
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<strong>Sunday, 12/8</strong></div>
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Ciclovia day again! Here is a link to an article if you are interested in reading more about the city's 6-hour shutdown of the street on Sunday to promote exercise <a href="http://gocolombiago.com/home/whats-hot/ciclovia-gets-medellin-moving">http://gocolombiago.com/home/whats-hot/ciclovia-gets-medellin-moving</a> For us, it is just a chance to easily push the children in strollers through town without worrying about sidewalks and traffic! We walked from around 9:30 am until 1:30 pm. We went by a store called Panamericano. It was a bookstore/office supply store/electronics store all in one. The kids enjoyed browsing through the books in the children's section for a little while. Then we headed to the Santa Fe mall and made a stop at Juan Valdez (like our Starbucks). Brant and I ordered grande lattes for us and desserts for all seven of us for $14. Unheard of. We ate outside the mall enjoying the city views. A security officer with limited English finally communicated to us there is a play area in the mall that we could access for free by presenting a receipt showing we had spent at least $10 in the mall that day. Yes. Wear them down for the nap!</div>
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Later Sunday evening, our lawyer stopped by the apartment to update us a little on our process before he leaves to go back to the US on Monday. Raul has been searching for pretzels for me for weeks. Once he found out I love them but can't find them here, he has taken it as his personal mission to find me some :) They do NOT exist here. So he brought us a consolation prize. A HUGE container of plantain chips. Delicious. They are Costco size and almost gone. We have enjoyed them very quickly! </div>
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While Raul was with us, he indicated we may want to go ahead and book tickets to Bogota for the final leg of our trip. We are still waiting on the completion of the adoption decree but he thinks it will happen by Thursday. At that point, Brant will have to travel back to Valledupar to pick up the new birth certificate for Little One and our US Embassy part of the journey will begin. If the signature happens Thursday and we were already in Bogota, Brant could get a flight to Valledupar and back on Friday. We could also possibly save a couple of days of processing time by getting Little One's TB test on Friday instead of waiting until the following week. He wants us to discuss tonight. </div>
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As I was beginning to bed down for the evening, I received a series of precious messages from my friend Mary. She has been through many adoptions and is currently in process again. She encouraged me and made me laugh. The Lord knew I needed that today. Thank you, Mary!!</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlPo7sZD4zU5KpEh38rA1y55gdyAmxdxohOs7SDZCMa8a0-ENT33Kse-kLzDWhJX_pPmo9FuoNeu7UXTy-lVmCmPXMG7oTiH2McBB-BVa7aNtL7KISYotBVvYBx8zV-NbQijNckuhcZ9c/s1600/DSC_0159-001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlPo7sZD4zU5KpEh38rA1y55gdyAmxdxohOs7SDZCMa8a0-ENT33Kse-kLzDWhJX_pPmo9FuoNeu7UXTy-lVmCmPXMG7oTiH2McBB-BVa7aNtL7KISYotBVvYBx8zV-NbQijNckuhcZ9c/s640/DSC_0159-001.JPG" width="640"></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My Sunday morning. What happens when a silicone filled disposable diaper is washed in the washing machine. Fail.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifPtHvxCqEB0EouD_pL3j2TFcy5dsK6WNHU8dlMEzik4ahBQ_utLMUZ2wyGDBTn6UFUrZWckTgvq4ht2ODEjVt9cQa0YR0Q5pATEg9XdCQEN38F4ufCB3ScnUst2JwV3vnXyfJ3cjoMxY/s1600/IMG_1462.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="598" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifPtHvxCqEB0EouD_pL3j2TFcy5dsK6WNHU8dlMEzik4ahBQ_utLMUZ2wyGDBTn6UFUrZWckTgvq4ht2ODEjVt9cQa0YR0Q5pATEg9XdCQEN38F4ufCB3ScnUst2JwV3vnXyfJ3cjoMxY/s640/IMG_1462.JPG" width="640"></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Panamericano bookstore. Little One gravitates to pink and sparkles!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqp1EnUwOpDHZR6sRMyzDcNYbfH0Dhg3qg1XPv0STKLVXzNTbhaKQQA9vZHBBRcP5YcisaQvGpKabiXiaKFg0Qc7g69Ubrw_SuLmuC9OhCSiBF20GQgnZm0FNgRp-apHAYksqI623asdk/s1600/IMG_1481.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqp1EnUwOpDHZR6sRMyzDcNYbfH0Dhg3qg1XPv0STKLVXzNTbhaKQQA9vZHBBRcP5YcisaQvGpKabiXiaKFg0Qc7g69Ubrw_SuLmuC9OhCSiBF20GQgnZm0FNgRp-apHAYksqI623asdk/s640/IMG_1481.JPG" width="640"></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Simply looking at the people below is not exciting enough for one of them.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHE_vbWTGZ3hWUDDjZJtWsijzuyYDJ5T42ECmeBpBX5D37BW46bG904-19HFg8v1WukrIgQhOitkKifcpzRgXfZO6S4JRid1YO05BuACKeZb3_Wp9q5-bDYMaPY1bZ8s2ThnXgKDiRfUQ/s1600/IMG_1482.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHE_vbWTGZ3hWUDDjZJtWsijzuyYDJ5T42ECmeBpBX5D37BW46bG904-19HFg8v1WukrIgQhOitkKifcpzRgXfZO6S4JRid1YO05BuACKeZb3_Wp9q5-bDYMaPY1bZ8s2ThnXgKDiRfUQ/s640/IMG_1482.JPG" width="480"></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Juan Valdez cookie</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhU2XX6Ra_5-cDeUl45B69EOn0zC6bqHXaJmO_JgrgrkdW_EiBFyzx9Z-bke0AHpYYYecthWTPWPDAzRkP57Rb-tJh5wufHt_jqIDQA3rM81h_qjqcAcks2BpCB6RTZQKlAwttSGM3ydcs/s1600/IMG_1484.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhU2XX6Ra_5-cDeUl45B69EOn0zC6bqHXaJmO_JgrgrkdW_EiBFyzx9Z-bke0AHpYYYecthWTPWPDAzRkP57Rb-tJh5wufHt_jqIDQA3rM81h_qjqcAcks2BpCB6RTZQKlAwttSGM3ydcs/s640/IMG_1484.JPG" width="480"></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And giant muffin!!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-ZY8WK2zV1FGEuiyj_IlLI9X1puTSvgg8kWN5SDZtjAR7Yyo3fmBOmJGWz1UuPOsxwy03HXNuFyhA9Udta-Vn_sppQFiBve8mkQHz1M25Bxg8m7Ejlv9X61jEj8Bpy_YYOiSwkPnZt4U/s1600/IMG_1488.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-ZY8WK2zV1FGEuiyj_IlLI9X1puTSvgg8kWN5SDZtjAR7Yyo3fmBOmJGWz1UuPOsxwy03HXNuFyhA9Udta-Vn_sppQFiBve8mkQHz1M25Bxg8m7Ejlv9X61jEj8Bpy_YYOiSwkPnZt4U/s640/IMG_1488.JPG" width="480"></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Playset in Santa Fe before the worker told Reese the top of the caterpillar is off-limits. </td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuP1wzxRK6226NUR5IctOY4gShbdFvUEgeSWSXuGW7cJEmo-5OpL4EBOuR3FG0pD2SSglaMGk0HPf2GJ_F6vBpql6HI2rskA9igK2vvl1F7aCUgucXrlVgEJm5ozONEOAQumLyjRA2s0w/s1600/IMG_1490.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuP1wzxRK6226NUR5IctOY4gShbdFvUEgeSWSXuGW7cJEmo-5OpL4EBOuR3FG0pD2SSglaMGk0HPf2GJ_F6vBpql6HI2rskA9igK2vvl1F7aCUgucXrlVgEJm5ozONEOAQumLyjRA2s0w/s640/IMG_1490.JPG" width="480"></a></div>
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<strong>Monday, 12/9</strong></div>
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School day again! Brant and I also discussed our travel options last night. Our rental agreement in this apartment in Medellin ends on Thursday. Our lawyer says we should have signatures by then or close to then. We have decided to move on to Bogota. Bittersweet. Today while the babies were sleeping I went to the grocery store alone. I was nostalgic about my walk and our time here. In the midst of the chaos, I have truly enjoyed this city and its people. I have tried to document some of the things I want to remember, but I know I am not getting them all recorded. I so badly want to lock all the memories in my mind so I do not forget one second. Well....maybe forget a few of them. Nostalgia over. </div>
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After the grocery store, I set out to book us tickets to Bogota for Thursday. I booked them through Expedia so we could have the 24-hour no penalty cancellation policy if need be. The flight we originally booked home from Bogota to Huntsville is scheduled for December 22nd. We purchased an adoption fare so we have the option to change that return date without any penalty, although we would love to think we could keep that date! I was reviewing our tickets to come home and realized that Delta did not have Little One included on the reservation. Surely a mistake! I spent 1 1/2 hours on the phone with Delta getting the problem resolved. They told me I would need to pay $558 for Little One's ticket home. (that we were originally told we already paid for) And they would need to issue it as a paper ticket that would need to be mailed to a US address. This would take 2 weeks. For a flight on the 22nd. The final resolution ended up being a $558 ticket with a $200 voucher to apply to it and they will have the ticket waiting at the airport. Whatever at this point. Whatever!!!!!</div>
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This evening, Jaime, Jaime, Jr and his wife, Sara and son, Sergio, came to pick us all up in two cars to see some Christmas lights. Some amazing Christmas lights! We parked the cars and spent some time strolling through the displays. Jaime bought the kids blinking Christmas pins for their shirts and treated us all to helado (ice cream) at Mimo's. Also as a highlight of the night, Little One and I walked in on a man using the restroom but not the door lock in Mimo's :) The whole family has been so gracious to accept us in their routines. So selfless. We took a drive by the river to see the huge displays which did not disappoint! Heading back there tomorrow night to walk the river lights. </div>
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Late arrival and babies in bed around 10:45. Overall the behavior was good or maybe that was just because I was in the car with Dakota and Little One. Brant had the boys in the other car. A cause to rejoice!</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jude's accidental cheeto attachment</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And Reese's intentional decoration</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One of my favorite views on the way to the grocery store</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Did I mention the scuffed up walls?</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Christmas lights!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jaime and his grandson, Sergio who laughs whenever I speak. English is funny to him :)</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lots of party buses running around town with foam shooter thingies!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jaime Jr helping push Jude</td></tr>
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<strong>Tuesday, 12/10</strong></div>
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School.....again.....</div>
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During school, Brant took a phone call from our lawyer Raul. He came to bring the news to me shortly after. The document will NOT be signed this week. We may be spending a long time here. We are waiting on the State Attorney's signature (which I thought we already had, btw). I knew we had some trouble getting it last week because he was out of town on vacation. Then we find out his office is closed all this week for the staff to attend some training in Bogota. They are not allowed to sign ANY papers under orders of the government during this training week. The best case scenario we have is the paper being signed on Monday. Our lawyer in Valledupar insured our lawyer here that this WILL happen. We had to make another hard decision. We had until 3:00 pm today to cancel our flights to Bogota on Thursday without any penalty. We know the earliest Brant can go to Valledupar for the birth certificate will be Monday (if the adoption decree is signed on Monday). We would also start our US Embassy to-do list on that day. And that is best case. Any signature after Monday pretty much seals the deal on us not making it home for Christmas. </div>
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Little One's sickle cell anemia makes the higher elevation of Bogota a potential health disaster for her. Our lodging expenses will also be much more there. So we would like to only be in Bogota for the required week to finish the process. It is a gamble to move on there with the possibility of not finishing the process until mid-January. But we had to make a choice. We kept the flights. We will be leaving Medellin on Thursday. Please, please pray that we get this signature. We are enjoying our time here so much but the kids, especially, are missing home. There is nothing like your own bed, family and friends! </div>
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We miss and love you all. Keep on praying for more mountains to be moved!!!!</div>
Elesha Maynardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13054547823368885050noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5207679844489430883.post-59875887113172942302013-12-06T16:25:00.000-06:002013-12-06T16:25:04.646-06:005 weeks in and 10 years inYou should know this blog is a labor of love. As accomplished as I feel once each post is completed, I struggle to sit down and get anything compiled. My thoughts are scattered, we are all exhausted and maybe a teeny bit stressed. I know one day I will be so thankful to have these memories recorded. So on I trudge!!!<br />
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<strong>Friday, 11/29</strong><br />
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This is last day with Nana and Papa to help us! We have been so blessed by them being here. The kids were spoiled and Little One really began warming up to them. She is still a bit confused about Papa being called Papa since that is so similar to what she calls Brant. For several days, we just pointed to him and said "abuelo" (grandfather) to avoid the confusion. We will miss Nana's lasagna, pancakes, rice and beans and all the other meals. The kids will all miss playtime with both of them. They will be leaving behind some things we were glad to get from home: granola bars, brownie mix and gummies for the kids and a 3-lb bag of salted almonds and Pam cooking spray (which costs $8 a can here) for all of us! Nana and Papa also blessed us today with a huge container of ice cream which we have refused to splurge on. A 1/2 gallon is around $10. I won't even ask what they paid for our bucket! We love and miss you both!!<br />
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Brant took the boys to get haircuts nearby the apartment while Nana and Papa explored a bit on their own. In the afternoon, Nana and I had manicures and pedicures before they began packing up their suitcases. Later in the afternoon our lawyer, Raul, and his brother, Eduardo, came by our apartment. Raul had some adoption process updates for us but also wanted to introduce us to his brother who attends a Christian church nearby that we have been wanting to visit. We spent a little while in the apartment chatting before they suggested we drive to a nearby restaurant for some dinner. Nana and Papa agreed to get the boys to bed while we took Little One with us. <br />
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We ate at a restaurant called Fireburger in Sao Paulo Plaza. The burgers were great and so was the company. Little One could teach her brothers a thing or two about behavior in restaurants. She easily allowed us to have some adult conversation. Hope that behavior lasts! We found out from Raul that last week the judge signed our petition to adopt! One more piece of the great adoption puzzle under our belts. The next steps are a bit confusing to me, but I think these are the basics: the state attorney, the regional lawyer and the minor defender have 3 days to sign off on the petition to adopt. Then it is passed back to the same judge who has 10 days to sign the actual adoption decree. Once that is signed, one of us can travel back to Valledupar to pick up Little One's new birth certificate. We will all relocate after that to Bogota to complete the US Embassy portion of the adoption which includes medical examinations for Little One and the processing of her US Passport and visa. Are you exhausted yet??? The good news is we might actually make it back home by Christmas. I cannot believe it!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Reese eating pineapple faster than Nana can cut it.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Crying because I won't let him eat the green Playdoh. Go ahead. You can laugh.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">After haircut rewards</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Balloon time with Papa</td></tr>
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<strong>Saturday, 11/30</strong><br />
<strong></strong><br />
Nana and Papa headed out around 5:30 am for an early morning flight :( <br />
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We explored and toured and walked our fair share the past few days. Today, we decided to lay low. The furthest most of us ventured was across the street to the park for a walk and some playtime with the kids. During their nap later, Dakota and I went to pick up groceries and have a little bit of girl time complete with a stop for a snack one of our favorite restaurants in La Frontera. Brant has been a trooper about missing a lot of his favorite season: Football! But he asked today for me to put out a public plea for access to stream the Alabama vs Auburn game. Access granted! Pretty sure Brant regrets making the request. <br />
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Tonight is what Colombian's call "La Alborada". At midnight, the entire city sends off fireworks to celebrate the beginning of December. And they do not stop at midnight. All. Night. Long. When I woke up at 5:30 am, people were still sending them off. There is always something to celebrate in Colombia!!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Got to strengthen her little legs. She struggles a bit with her endurance and agility.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Like the rest of us, Reese is wondering what in the world could be wrong this time?</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Everyone loves football time with Daddy!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dakota captured some great shots of the boys being thrown into the air.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIC6TxGDv0S5t6U_KK9nCqKSovyj6HP2lg-fB8O3Zrxr110RE4gmk92UM1oF-hpKGnF8OuVXAqyxCY4m11frjLH2b9ul5PbVyVqdSMzudvjEym2KVvJtOU1cSd1iIe6g3ipBQqRW-b9Lg/s1600/IMG_2054.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIC6TxGDv0S5t6U_KK9nCqKSovyj6HP2lg-fB8O3Zrxr110RE4gmk92UM1oF-hpKGnF8OuVXAqyxCY4m11frjLH2b9ul5PbVyVqdSMzudvjEym2KVvJtOU1cSd1iIe6g3ipBQqRW-b9Lg/s640/IMG_2054.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The view on our way to the grocery store.</td></tr>
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<strong>Sunday, 12/1</strong><br />
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<strong></strong>Today we attended our first church service in Colombia! Eduardo, our lawyer's brother, picked us up in the morning and escorted us throughout our day. It was a special Christmas service of music and skits for several combined congregations in Medellin which they held in the auditorium of a Catholic school. When we arrived, they passed out little bags with crayons and paper to each of the children to keep them occupied during the service. The thought was nice. I wonder if they will regret that when they see the amount of coloring Jude did to the back of the auditorium chairs while the lights were down during the performance? About 30 minutes into the singing, Reese told me he was ready to go to his Sunday School class. Which they were not having. I alternated between trying to entertain them and sending them down the row to their father hoping they might not come back for a while! I really enjoyed the music even if the skit was nearly impossible for any of us to follow. <br />
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As we were leaving the building, people were outside passing out cookies, juice boxes and chips to the kids. They are so sweet about catering to the children. We loaded up again in Eduardo's vehicle and headed out for a "typical" Colombian lunch at a local restaurant with all of Eduardo's family. We were quite the large group! We ordered a huge platter of different meats and plantains for our family to share. It was delicious as we expected it to be! After our lunch was complete, we drove further out of Medellin to Caldas where Eduardo and his wife have their weekend cottage. During the week, they reside in an apartment about 2 blocks from ours. But every Friday afternoon, they leave the city for their weekend retreat which they built in 1981. Eduardo's two daughters, his future son-in-law, Raul, Blanca (another sister) and her husband also came along. It was such a pleasant, peaceful, and beautiful home. The kids romped and played while we were treated to coffee, cake and some relaxation away from the bustle of town. Jude napped on a bed inside until the family's cat snuggled up with him and woke him. Reese spent the afternoon trying to escape their three large, but friendly, dogs. He was not impressed by their friendliness. We could tell the rain was heading in so around 4:30 we started back for our apartment. Two miles from home, Reese could no longer play nice. The pleasant ride ended with him laying in the floorboard of the back seat on top of all our feet screaming at the top of his lungs. This was not long after Eduardo commented on how well-behaved the children are :)<br />
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When we arrived at the apartment and stepped off the elevator on our floor, we stepped right into a HUGE puddle of water. There was not a dry spot between the elevator and our door. We waded through as best we could. Actually, Jude stomped through. Thanks Jude. It was even worse when we got in the apartment. The bathroom that had previously had a leak in the ceiling had a much worse leak. Completely flooded. It didn't stop there. Our master bathroom, also completely flooded. And the rain was actually pouring in the ceiling of the master bedroom. I attempted to call the manager of the property and could not get an answer on any of the phone numbers I had for him. I shot off a quick email. He responded saying he was on his way to Sweden. It might be Monday before anyone could come out. The upside, we did not even need the sound machine that night in the bedroom. Natural sound machine from the rain hitting the hardwoods. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jude during church</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The auditorium for the Christmas service</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Eduardo and his buddies!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBE9yFZYXy2OhKFmwj5wKnHyQJZ9DuG4Aa6qRy1qDl904OntpYWR642zmMDF1li7mxag6wxidP8ZfjNmTtm3HzCpKtUMQnjBd7mxJp_uzLxNfhPnXcQTvHquBUn5j3rGfc-g0lYVCmLbU/s1600/IMG_2068.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBE9yFZYXy2OhKFmwj5wKnHyQJZ9DuG4Aa6qRy1qDl904OntpYWR642zmMDF1li7mxag6wxidP8ZfjNmTtm3HzCpKtUMQnjBd7mxJp_uzLxNfhPnXcQTvHquBUn5j3rGfc-g0lYVCmLbU/s640/IMG_2068.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The pictures of their home do not do it justice. It was exquisite.</td></tr>
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<strong>Monday, 12/2</strong><br />
<strong></strong><br />
Woke up this morning to a loud crash. That would be part of the master bathroom ceiling falling in. Happy Monday morning! Schoolwork with the Bigs took up most of the day. During the baby's naps, Brant and Gavin did the grocery run and picked up this week's penicillin for Little One. <br />
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Later that evening, Dakota, Gavin and I were picked up by Eduardo's wife to head to a local mall, El Tosoro, for a Christmas concert sponsored by the Medellin Rotary Club. I was so tired before we left, I really dreaded going. But afterward, I was so pleased I went. There were 9 vocalists (one who danced for some of the songs), a conductor/violinist and a second violinist who is the conductor for the Medellin Philharmonic. The music was beautiful. Much was familiar, but some were traditional Colombian Christmas songs that I was happy to become acquainted with. We had wonderful seats on the 3rd row thanks to Raul arriving early to save them for us. I was surprised how many young children were there for a 7:30 performance of classical music. But Colombians include their children in all events. And no one minds if the children wander up to the stage, dance around or talk during the performance. They are allowed to be kids and the parents are not judged. Love that. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My Monday morning wake up call</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Worth mentioning that I just love the parking system at the mall. Each entrance tells you how many parking spaces are available in that section of the garage. You can also look down each row and see if there is a space open based on the green or red lights above the cars instead of having to drive down the row searching for a space! </td></tr>
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<strong>Tuesday, 12/3</strong><br />
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Decided to try out a 3rd mall today in the city just to get out of the house for a bit. Stir crazy does not begin to describe the feelings of us all! Today's adventure was a walk to the Oviedo mall. We found Dakota a skirt and Gavin a shirt since we are all tired of seeing each other in the same 3-4 outfits! I also happened upon a music store where I purchased a children's Christmas cd with some of the traditional Colombian music I had heard the night before. We want to incorporate Little One's traditions into ours. This is a great way to start! We ate lunch in the food court and then found a playset for kids in a courtyard of the mall. The kids ran off some steam before we caught a taxi back to the apartment. <br />
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Brant opted out of his Tuesday night tejo tonight. He is feeling my stress and was probably afraid to leave me alone with the children tonight!!!!! <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Playground at Oviedo</td></tr>
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<strong>Wednesday, 12/4</strong><br />
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Enough staying at home all day!!! The smell of the dampness in here is overwhelming. Sent a nice but insistent email requesting the stench and water be removed!!! Today we set out via taxi and metro to Parque Explora, the aquarium in Medellin and Jardin Botanico, the botanical garden. We arrived at the aquarium at the same time as a group of hundreds of children on a field trip. Schools here are already out for Christmas, but these children are a part of a camp that sponsors children from impoverished areas of Medellin. I am pretty sure they enjoyed our family being at the aquarium much more than any fish they saw. We were surrounded by sweet children asking us questions, staring, following us from tank to tank and asking us to adopt them! Every time this happens, I am taken aback by the openness and friendliness of the kids. Even the preteens and teenagers seek out conversation with adults. They are just so genuine and happy. At first I was a bit bothered by the crowd and maybe a bit overwhelmed. But I realized how much they were enjoying themselves talking to us and I began to enjoy myself too. <br />
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After finishing up with the inside part of the aquarium, we found a Dunkin Donuts! We all had a treat. My choice: arequipe. Wow. The visit continued with hand-on science type exhibits outside before we left the aquarium and crossed the street to the botanical gardens. While I found the aquarium a bit pricey on admission compared to other places we have visited in Colombia, the botanical gardens was FREE! It was a nice stroll while Jude and Little One took naps in their strollers. Jude's nap ended suddenly when I accidently tipped the umbrella stroller back too far and dropped the stroller. Trip to the gardens over. Metro to apartment with full Jude tantrum. <br />
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When we got home from the day's activities the manager of the property had sent someone to clean up the apartment. We can once again use the bathrooms. They also pulled up the wet carpet in our master closet. The smell is getting better or has at least been temporarily masked. I'll take it. <br />
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Grocery trip ALONE for me. I walked very slowly.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our new friends</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tarantula</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The upside to the evening included my find of these at the grocery store. A bag for each of us.<br />
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<strong>Thursday, 12/5</strong><br />
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More school. More tantrums. We are all done. Brant escaped with Little One and Jude to two different malls in search of another shirt for Gavin. Yesterday, he got blood on his brand new shirt he was wearing. I had him take it off so I could stain treat it and I put it right in a puddle of bleach the cleaning people had left on the counter of the laundry area. Brant was wonderful enough to try and make the world right again by finding the replacement shirt. Mission successful!!! <br />
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I escaped to one of the bedrooms this afternoon for a nap. I'm sure every one else in the apartment appreciated that as much as I did! It was as apparent that I needed one as it is when a toddler does. Tantrums and all. *blush*<br />
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We were able to Skype with my parents a little while this evening. Babies were tired though so they missed out on most of that. Hoping for a better day tomorrow!<br />
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<strong>Friday, 12/6</strong><br />
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Today, Brant and I have been married for 10 years! We always wanted to take a big trip for our 10th anniversary. I guess this can be considered big since we are 5 weeks into a trip to South America :) Reese and I grocery shopped together today while the Bigs got started with school. He loves to be the one chosen to have alone time with Mommy. It is hard to get one on one time right now and they all know it! The Littles have had a relatively better day today. Everyone had nice naps which enabled me to do this blog! We are heading out in a bit for Jaime and Stella's house for an "asado" which I am guessing is a cookout of sorts! Excited to celebrate our anniversary with a new adventure. I'm sure I'll have good stories tomorrow about our evening since it begins at the Little's bedtime. Bring it on Jude and Reese!!!<br />
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One anniversary gift I received today was a phone conversation with Raul, our lawyer. He said the minor defender, regional lawyer and state attorney all signed off on our petition to adopt. Now we are only waiting on the judge to sign the actual adoption decree before we can move on to Bogota and the final steps of the process. This is answer to prayer. We could actually be in Bogota as soon as NEXT THURSDAY!!! That is great news. I am praising the Lord for these developments. Continue to pray with us for fast processing. We still have a chance at Christmas at home!!!<br />
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Please continue to prayerfully consider donations to our process as our expenses continue. You can make tax-deductible donations via credit card, PayPal or check at <a href="https://www.adopttogether.org/maynard" target="_blank">Adopt Together</a>. Thank you!Elesha Maynardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13054547823368885050noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5207679844489430883.post-91602416160390932002013-11-30T01:26:00.002-06:002013-11-30T01:26:43.802-06:00Thankfulness in our Temporary HomeAnother week has passed in a flurry of activity. Between schoolwork, touristy stuff and living like locals, the days seem short. I'll do my best to try and recap the past week's activities.<br />
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<b>Wednesday 11/20</b><br />
We spent the majority of the day at home doing school and normal life. Crystal, Dakota and I also managed to squeeze in a mani/pedi in the house. My ever faithful friend, Diana, arranged this for us. It is hard to believe you can have a manicure of that quality done without stepping outside for $10! We paid Esperanza a little extra because I just felt bad about that price. <br />
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Close to bedtime, Crystal, Little One and I headed out to the Exito in Envigado. We caught a cab about a block from the apartment since it is too far to walk. The store was massive. I bet it is twice the size of a Super-Walmart. They had clothing departments, an electronics section, furniture, household items, groceries and fast food restaurants. We spent a LONG time browsing. Little One enjoyed riding in the grocery cart with the little car attached to the front. She was really good for the trip although I think she said Mami at least 50 times. If I stopped the cart she insisted I look at whatever she was doing at the time. So I tried to keep on moving as much as possible :)<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jude caught with a rare smile!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dakota's mani/pedi</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A very rare, peaceful moment</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A little ride on jeep here costs over $90!! Insane.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Brant's favorite snack here. Thinking about smuggling home a few bags.</td></tr>
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<b>Thursday 11/21</b><br />
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Thursday we all headed out on the search for Salipjugos, a fruteria, close to our apartment. As we walked, we realized our destination was eluding us. So, we decided to just eat at a little pastry shop/deli close to our place. It ended up being delicious so I am glad we stopped in. Later in the afternoon we had an appointment scheduled with our lawyer in his office. Since my saint-of-a-sister, Crystal, was here we were able to leave all the children but Little One while we went to the meeting. Good thing since it was an hour long drive each way plus an almost 2 hour meeting. It was really nice to meet some of the in-country staff who have been working with our case. I love the hearts of these people and their love for the children of their country. The views from their office were amazing, the conversation was informative and of course the refreshments they served were equally fattening and delicious! We arrived back at the apartment about 45 minutes before Brant was scheduled to be picked up by our dear in-country friend. They were going out to the airport where my parents were arriving that evening! All of us but the Littles stayed up to greet Nana and Papa. The kids were so excited to see them. We visited for a little while before letting them fall into bed to get some rest.<b><br /></b>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Loving on Daddy a little today</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Play-doh boat. We are REALLY working hard at staying entertained.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Best sister in the world!!!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our deli lunch and fresh juices</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dessert of course</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My strong-willed but oh so sweet Reese.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglvSEseeJwUw_4y-Ifrxx5rHX6VSl3D10jJbpgeKQVOqmd2vHUTva25tmzeGlwLqximYmQ736fs7D6O1CWlvhM1RW1EnQwPNSH-FASPTLU5BbcyZ2JXluOaLuVKGi9PqVrjtg40_OpFUE/s1600/photo+5+(26).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="556" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglvSEseeJwUw_4y-Ifrxx5rHX6VSl3D10jJbpgeKQVOqmd2vHUTva25tmzeGlwLqximYmQ736fs7D6O1CWlvhM1RW1EnQwPNSH-FASPTLU5BbcyZ2JXluOaLuVKGi9PqVrjtg40_OpFUE/s640/photo+5+(26).JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Seriously. How do you even choose???</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiB5VJ-062NzBF9V2PnfeoxDt9mOxqATWt1o6C7hDg-5WegTW8RbxzPB7vkxCWztWA2Jm2nVEk4kwg5T7jGbqHkj_QhJhSNdDHi7g7z-5ZGfjBDcq5h6rbFMmuMR3GpdddCkjdCaWZMKKg/s1600/photo+3+(30).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiB5VJ-062NzBF9V2PnfeoxDt9mOxqATWt1o6C7hDg-5WegTW8RbxzPB7vkxCWztWA2Jm2nVEk4kwg5T7jGbqHkj_QhJhSNdDHi7g7z-5ZGfjBDcq5h6rbFMmuMR3GpdddCkjdCaWZMKKg/s640/photo+3+(30).JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jude's most common pose. Bless.</td></tr>
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<b>Friday 11/22</b><br />
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Today was spent mostly introducing my parents to our apartment, the local grocery store, the process for withdrawing cash from the ATM, etc. Later in the afternoon we decided to take our friends up on the offer of the kids coming over to the playground of their apartment complex. It was a little further than we wanted to walk with the kids and strollers and all. Since there were 10 of us, we took two cabs. The kids really enjoyed spending the time outside on the swings and see-saws. It was a nice break from the apartment. After they played for a while, our host invited us up to his apartment which I LOVED. It was like walking into an art museum. It was elegant and tasteful without feeling stuffy. There were toys for the kids and plenty of food to eat. Little One has not been eating very well for us. Her diet so far consists of huevos con mantequilla y sal (eggs with butter and salt which must be over-medium, don't bust her yolk), arroz con mantequilla y sal (rice with butter and salt), pasta con mantequilla y sal (pasta with butter and salt), avena (similar to a pediasure mix you add to milk) and cheetos. But of course at our hosts home, she all of a sudden takes a couple of bites of mango (which we have offered), plantains (which we have offered, orange and yogurt (which she stopped eating from us a few days before). I have no idea what the difference was, but I am glad she took in something that wasn't smothered in butter and salt. Even if it was only a few bites. Our host's wife then arrived with a delicious torta (cake) which she had picked up on the way home from work. It was amazing too. We left soon after to head out to dinner. But before we could leave, our hosts gifted Little One with an adorable light-up snowman. It is nice to have him in the apartment as our only Christmas decoration!<br />
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One block away from our friend's apartment was the elusive Salpijugos, so we stopped for dinner. Our host and his son walked us there, because people here are just hospitable like that. They also clearly instructed the staff to take care of us and get us taxis when it was time for us to go home. The restaurant was indoor/outdoor and had a wonderful play area for the kids. They were free to roam and wander about while we actually sat and enjoyed our meal. All restaurants should have places just like this!!!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXt_8akYuY3n6884-HfOEu2tuZ80XKlttZEkRjsFtgsb7bJVbWOyTK7vFrTXSR13zjb_oORBk669ziMk5q3EEIxIYFejOCEoeRE9HJl4TfidJrkhPbnZOsRBuig5vQgK0HrFuZckNKCM0/s1600/DSC_0501.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXt_8akYuY3n6884-HfOEu2tuZ80XKlttZEkRjsFtgsb7bJVbWOyTK7vFrTXSR13zjb_oORBk669ziMk5q3EEIxIYFejOCEoeRE9HJl4TfidJrkhPbnZOsRBuig5vQgK0HrFuZckNKCM0/s640/DSC_0501.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Makeup time with Aunt Crystal. Thank God for her since my makeup bag consists of a lip gloss, mascara & eyeliner dropped somewhere in the bottom of my purse!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOw1xxLZjQKOJNBax4D8J7lk53_-Q3NiyTEv808R47ySj4y9NikLXVQ7z2AAaVO2EfIqBWg4uI7524mm_NFwrNZFKDuH-rrajb8DqJzIVKi7JSj4EMDuf-24v7XdvFS59E5TwESLYVyaU/s1600/DSC_0517.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOw1xxLZjQKOJNBax4D8J7lk53_-Q3NiyTEv808R47ySj4y9NikLXVQ7z2AAaVO2EfIqBWg4uI7524mm_NFwrNZFKDuH-rrajb8DqJzIVKi7JSj4EMDuf-24v7XdvFS59E5TwESLYVyaU/s640/DSC_0517.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A little Skip-Bo </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXdH0xmh4fU4SRu1Tv6LQJaYfjwLwlYNa3hsHnEdl9fB9wBRtvQ6WwRu7ViLHEEmkOe-l51Nyd86nHtxT_REjL4GFWgm56negoxe0O0QdFUYCrHZkrj9XU8M6zwTtgDpVrcjdzlnb0mzs/s1600/DSC_0518.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXdH0xmh4fU4SRu1Tv6LQJaYfjwLwlYNa3hsHnEdl9fB9wBRtvQ6WwRu7ViLHEEmkOe-l51Nyd86nHtxT_REjL4GFWgm56negoxe0O0QdFUYCrHZkrj9XU8M6zwTtgDpVrcjdzlnb0mzs/s640/DSC_0518.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Caught you smiling!!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgs-BsMRtjVv9SZSEqmaBcb84f9hly5HudpmM0BPE5BD1LRenRc9RMKf4lyDjpx2Y_-KPmkIqMlLM1Cno3eFuzuY7a-QIikf0dIKeFc8fz_cHhyphenhyphenpQCrnfTmYCsXJid9rnYgEmMh3mZylxI/s1600/nana+and+papa+arrive.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgs-BsMRtjVv9SZSEqmaBcb84f9hly5HudpmM0BPE5BD1LRenRc9RMKf4lyDjpx2Y_-KPmkIqMlLM1Cno3eFuzuY7a-QIikf0dIKeFc8fz_cHhyphenhyphenpQCrnfTmYCsXJid9rnYgEmMh3mZylxI/s640/nana+and+papa+arrive.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Glad to have their Nana and Papa here</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuIlMuUjXljdygcXJhrJilmX3R-qx3zQq1TLlLDP9JiWXhcjlvLG6WMpJI61yCcX1D85eeX4o22f8DtLnSV9ToguKMj014zwftWVuXGTO0OIvQLHmLgROBgyfE2o1bLvSkRHiMpjyrpO8/s1600/photo+1+(34).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuIlMuUjXljdygcXJhrJilmX3R-qx3zQq1TLlLDP9JiWXhcjlvLG6WMpJI61yCcX1D85eeX4o22f8DtLnSV9ToguKMj014zwftWVuXGTO0OIvQLHmLgROBgyfE2o1bLvSkRHiMpjyrpO8/s640/photo+1+(34).JPG" width="360" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">See-saw action</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSKfBghZ_YaeOe76EyNDwqURkgnHw9LiAXFmeRUN8MbkpjTsq2nbNHkRYQHaHC3n-m-zvCtKYLZue3ImJssFLWNtPOr7xHWGxvrJQtHFGqTk9y5fLyj0W77fJxCSLFZe8Fge2yaxdcCZI/s1600/photo+3+(20).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSKfBghZ_YaeOe76EyNDwqURkgnHw9LiAXFmeRUN8MbkpjTsq2nbNHkRYQHaHC3n-m-zvCtKYLZue3ImJssFLWNtPOr7xHWGxvrJQtHFGqTk9y5fLyj0W77fJxCSLFZe8Fge2yaxdcCZI/s640/photo+3+(20).JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This slide was so fast. I laughed every time they came down.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzvlQ1dUf9cOFqgvxfkpkCEUzOomr8EJuNsHN3ExxKnqXYCe8qqOJfvvoaJFX7SytauNG_R86_XsAJHE9Xeis6cCkq79fAUYg6TpxjvBwa_NsqG4S5E85ntSyqvE4GMhTPsaxTIlPbjQY/s1600/photo+3+(22).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzvlQ1dUf9cOFqgvxfkpkCEUzOomr8EJuNsHN3ExxKnqXYCe8qqOJfvvoaJFX7SytauNG_R86_XsAJHE9Xeis6cCkq79fAUYg6TpxjvBwa_NsqG4S5E85ntSyqvE4GMhTPsaxTIlPbjQY/s640/photo+3+(22).JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is our amazing Jaime. He and his wife, Stella, have been incredible.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLNjnHNkIU3u_IjcGeEJS_I1gElU8RVy2nkoSBM6Fj-b7jfXtL61xSfipRIwvvoAoL2BanJa5mwT1lDr9BuVHg04zuJehQ7ISF1_PVIYg7_cfO9c15mQbXXRpNEsAKDQkCqwMB0rxMEGk/s1600/photo+4+(32).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLNjnHNkIU3u_IjcGeEJS_I1gElU8RVy2nkoSBM6Fj-b7jfXtL61xSfipRIwvvoAoL2BanJa5mwT1lDr9BuVHg04zuJehQ7ISF1_PVIYg7_cfO9c15mQbXXRpNEsAKDQkCqwMB0rxMEGk/s640/photo+4+(32).JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
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<b>Saturday 11/23</b><br />
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This was the sad, sad day when Crystal left us! We enjoyed having her so much and she was an amazing help and distraction for the kids. Little One really started warming up and playing with her. But I know she was glad to get home and see her family again. Thank you Braxton, Parker and Paisley for letting me borrow her!!<br />
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Little One was up during the night with a very high fever. A sickle cell patient does not have the spleen functionality that other people have. The spleen protects you against so many infections. So for someone with SC, the fever could be an indication of something very serious. Typical protocol in the US is for the patient to be seen in the ER for IV antibiotics and blood work anytime the fever is high. But we are not in the US!! So what? Of course my dear friends to the rescue. Before the day was over, there was a surgeon at our house examining Little One. A house call for only $15. He and his son, who served as a translator, were so kind. Little One was diagnosed with bronchitis and cried during the whole exam. I can only imagine how tired she is of all the poking and prodding she has already endured in her short life. Dr. Garcia left me with instructions on 3 different medications she should be taking. I headed off with Little One to the drugstore a few blocks from our apartment to pick them up. One of the medications I purchased was the penicillin she will take twice a day, every day until she turns 5 years old. This is standard practice for SC patients in the United States but was not a medicine Little One was taking. BTW, a prescription is not required for penicillin here. You just walk up and buy what you need. I purchased it for I think $3. I got back and realized it was in powder form and I needed to do the mixing the pharmacist at home typically do for you. I am going to be an expert at so many things before this trip is over!! Besides the penicillin, Little One will also take folic acid daily and Hydrea every other day. Hydrea is a medication used to treat certain types of cancer and leukemia. It is also used for SC patients because it causes the body to produce Fetal Hemoglobin which basically helps prevent the red blood cells from sickling as often.<br />
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While I was nursing Little One, my mother helped with Jude and everyone else headed out with our friends to Happy City. This is an indoor/outdoor amusement park in El Tosoro mall about 10 minutes from our apartment. The kids had a wonderful time riding the ferris wheel, swings, bumper cars, etc. I was glad my dad was able to go and enjoy the afternoon with them and that the kids felt like they got a little treat. After the Happy City trip, our friends took Brant, my dad, Dakota, Gavin and Reese to get arepas at a restaurant in the mall. Another blessing from this family.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY36v1zBwNz1t2EZVVfzs0yeY4zrCj8zO6PKshVwe6jKhAc6LTSadfe-FpVnc1yA8HvSyPiZPhuGV8FfgvPjC1U-MHr8Ows4bdyi-GOS5D6ZyHd1uRRbryw9JxIoyJ3ath5EANPP-4hEo/s1600/photo+2+(35).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY36v1zBwNz1t2EZVVfzs0yeY4zrCj8zO6PKshVwe6jKhAc6LTSadfe-FpVnc1yA8HvSyPiZPhuGV8FfgvPjC1U-MHr8Ows4bdyi-GOS5D6ZyHd1uRRbryw9JxIoyJ3ath5EANPP-4hEo/s640/photo+2+(35).JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirKA2pXQfDGPupzKQfT4tx7sAbtYjjHOlzdHyHYkqKs2XfY_21PG_vG7u2M1ppxRw2ovTEzWep8f6DEh0oFQPz8vRHi1zIaiNeggrXlbehC8yLa2QI-VGlwOUwgPPf_3v6jrvGDOlGoq0/s1600/photo+2+(36).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirKA2pXQfDGPupzKQfT4tx7sAbtYjjHOlzdHyHYkqKs2XfY_21PG_vG7u2M1ppxRw2ovTEzWep8f6DEh0oFQPz8vRHi1zIaiNeggrXlbehC8yLa2QI-VGlwOUwgPPf_3v6jrvGDOlGoq0/s640/photo+2+(36).JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">El Tosoro mall and just a small example of their Christmas decorations.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqTq81Xpcdsk9Au7nxxetlpsIW1TcZdSExogicQ4EhhAbYxFd4SjajJtu51Miuek98dze6je0kN7hJv8Hdd94glSdhLg5CLbQHuDCwbtoNaSYqYR1KhVvdBp7Ao_VTfqteShfe2-74uwM/s1600/photo+3+(35).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqTq81Xpcdsk9Au7nxxetlpsIW1TcZdSExogicQ4EhhAbYxFd4SjajJtu51Miuek98dze6je0kN7hJv8Hdd94glSdhLg5CLbQHuDCwbtoNaSYqYR1KhVvdBp7Ao_VTfqteShfe2-74uwM/s640/photo+3+(35).JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
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<b>Sunday 11/24</b><br />
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Sundays in Medellin are interesting. The main road at the end of our street is a divided highway type road. On Sundays for 4 hours they close off one side of the divided highway and divert all motorized traffice to the other side of the divided highway. On the closed off side, only pedestrians, cyclists, roller bladers, etc. are allowed. I think everyone in the city goes out an exercises on Sundays. The road is closed that way for miles. It is also the only time you ever see people in this city in exercise clothes. No yoga pants for the non-yoga goers or Nike running shorts for the non-runners. You only wear these types of clothes when actively exercising here :) And that apparently happens on Sunday. We decided this was our only opportunity to wear shorts outside, so we all joined in the fun! It was so fun. We pushed the strollers and people-watched. The kids enjoyed seeing all the other children riding tricycles and scooters in the road and the people walking their dogs. We walked for quite some time and then we started approaching some very loud music. As we got closer, I realized that there was an aerobics class going on IN THE STREET! It was great! Just something you never see in Alabama. On our way back to the apartment we stopped for some bunuelos at a small stand. These are now a favorite of the entire family. Little One even likes them even if they weren't covered in butter and salt. I was glad she was feeling well enough to go out! Her fever is not as high so I know the penicillin has begun to work against the infection.<br />
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<b>Monday 11/25</b><br />
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Since my mom and I did not get to visit El Tosoro mall when the kids went to Happy City, we decided to all catch a cab to explore the mall together today. It was a really huge and beautiful mall. We spent hours there just looking around. The Littles alternated who sat or napped in the double stroller. We grabbed some lunch and Little One actually consumed an entire chicken finger, and then we ate some ice cream (helado) at the creamery of Crepes and Waffles. I love that place. <br />
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Winter in Colombia has nothing to do with a change in temperature. It is only a change in precipitation levels. Winter is the rainy season. Every afternoon we have enjoyed a nice cooling rain. Tonight, was not a normal rain. It really stormed. About 2 in the morning, I was woken up by the thunder. I walked into the kitchen and on the way stepped into a big water puddle in the floor. I realized we had a roof leak. I then looked outside the window. The road in front of our apartment looked like the Ocoee River. Rapids and all. Of course, being the loving wife I am, I immediately woke Brant up to show him our street and our leak. He loves me.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOam11DVKanW58mWF0psJr59deHLCwtdgn6Fu0aYBXrpAZ-E8S1qU-tJi3uNDLkSzYo2AuXFMG_2NKkC43SafftfoUjO8Lz_GpHY6feVvS5CYDZHz0VVF_BnWTCRJQi-mu4hY6-OFnedI/s1600/photo+2+(23).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOam11DVKanW58mWF0psJr59deHLCwtdgn6Fu0aYBXrpAZ-E8S1qU-tJi3uNDLkSzYo2AuXFMG_2NKkC43SafftfoUjO8Lz_GpHY6feVvS5CYDZHz0VVF_BnWTCRJQi-mu4hY6-OFnedI/s640/photo+2+(23).JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The view from one of the open-air sections of the El Tosoro mall</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJQAdyHigWUAyegDn4wSPvrEwhkmzLDUpCesi-toOlDqC7eBjdIM4s-ahlT0IvB-GLeMxVxIc-r7C4AjxSsfNZOvTbAyQFshziE-FYdi_ov30K3MlcKQZ7-ODdHLawjYqXBkXJ5PS3-wo/s1600/photo+3+(23).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJQAdyHigWUAyegDn4wSPvrEwhkmzLDUpCesi-toOlDqC7eBjdIM4s-ahlT0IvB-GLeMxVxIc-r7C4AjxSsfNZOvTbAyQFshziE-FYdi_ov30K3MlcKQZ7-ODdHLawjYqXBkXJ5PS3-wo/s640/photo+3+(23).JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Inside the mall. This place was really something.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4jEMi0L5nXYtLG1VNrSB4x_qsGQcI5VybVBMa-lYhvyxNpoidgISko3TnkLzGqgxmyGTYFjd1jZXm9PgyyR4pb1U45ulWIv4OoKbr-RQ8w_nMevrDGVXJZ6_4Z_4HHebL2qNAHB8JFKk/s1600/photo+4+(22).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4jEMi0L5nXYtLG1VNrSB4x_qsGQcI5VybVBMa-lYhvyxNpoidgISko3TnkLzGqgxmyGTYFjd1jZXm9PgyyR4pb1U45ulWIv4OoKbr-RQ8w_nMevrDGVXJZ6_4Z_4HHebL2qNAHB8JFKk/s640/photo+4+(22).JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Another view of that kid's area</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFov0lK3HjRTv1FE_A6BKeNbTOX0Omer2bjNmwEauUQ53VSlAPr7UIxt_Z6uo2keawKBn1YrNvBdBhg4Od-0yclAFzgOWyz6ITJF61EC4w-GebIit7tU1xZxh0Wj8Vi5OPz_hduIKVDvA/s1600/photo+3+(37).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFov0lK3HjRTv1FE_A6BKeNbTOX0Omer2bjNmwEauUQ53VSlAPr7UIxt_Z6uo2keawKBn1YrNvBdBhg4Od-0yclAFzgOWyz6ITJF61EC4w-GebIit7tU1xZxh0Wj8Vi5OPz_hduIKVDvA/s640/photo+3+(37).JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fresa (strawberry) juice</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUedpinO79KTNHoSK12YM6uFnANPV6NP1yrYISc1vVl2kVt7W8OR3KhjNNmccaSkVIa2YBW1m3yCMyLW5IPj5wJFXSMeHP9UtHSrkXwC1MLCoGxh_aaw9XW6BSvlau6cNfQwTXQOTyJJ0/s1600/photo+4+(36).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUedpinO79KTNHoSK12YM6uFnANPV6NP1yrYISc1vVl2kVt7W8OR3KhjNNmccaSkVIa2YBW1m3yCMyLW5IPj5wJFXSMeHP9UtHSrkXwC1MLCoGxh_aaw9XW6BSvlau6cNfQwTXQOTyJJ0/s640/photo+4+(36).JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">She is such a Nana's girl</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9awb0bL9haQkUs24zW0Ew0EI5o6624RHpu9iIdzssHz98vkmGkstkYzlAlBhfwuiECluA4IUmgrUeUfwnxDuqIdyPyGDMzNw_yJ7UCyJz4K9XLNhglj1YAOZg5gziVf0s7FYjboHMr04/s1600/photo+5+(30).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9awb0bL9haQkUs24zW0Ew0EI5o6624RHpu9iIdzssHz98vkmGkstkYzlAlBhfwuiECluA4IUmgrUeUfwnxDuqIdyPyGDMzNw_yJ7UCyJz4K9XLNhglj1YAOZg5gziVf0s7FYjboHMr04/s640/photo+5+(30).JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It is the paci or an ever-present scream.</td></tr>
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<b>Tuesday 11/26</b><br />
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Zoo day!!! So glad that Little One was feeling well enough for us to go on another adventure! Medellin has a zoo called Parque Zoologico Sante Fe. It is about a 10 minute taxi ride from our apartment. Prior to leaving, I checked out the admission rates online. Based on the fact that admission for our entire family was going to only cost us $13, I wasn't expecting very much from the zoo. I was so wrong! The zoo was not huge or fancy, but there were lots of animals. And you were SO close to all of them. We were all pleasantly surprised. The kids had a great time and more wonderful, priceless memories were made. <br />
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Later that evening, Brant and my dad went out for an evening of tejo with our friend, Jaime. While they may have enjoyed their evening, I can assure you my mother and I did NOT! The boys have been pretty terrible during this trip. I mean just awful. Screaming, crying, throwing, pouting, destroying, you name it. But tonight was the worst night by far. It is all a blur now but I know I went to bed a defeated, exhausted woman. Payback Brant.....payback!!!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhchVGQ5hW01QlP1aUF8lNKMasVCcW-G-bJxKPPaOvS1xt-Am0Z4bBJV1PS8DcbNZlEandmojMB8n7l9Dw4Mn0zBO_ZGhaCLpcv4iVhveQjr46Rn5m4o33CGtHw3mXO7r9zz_omAbc-7Go/s1600/DSC_0630.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhchVGQ5hW01QlP1aUF8lNKMasVCcW-G-bJxKPPaOvS1xt-Am0Z4bBJV1PS8DcbNZlEandmojMB8n7l9Dw4Mn0zBO_ZGhaCLpcv4iVhveQjr46Rn5m4o33CGtHw3mXO7r9zz_omAbc-7Go/s640/DSC_0630.JPG" width="424" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Reese loves her so much and is so sweet to her. She tolerates him.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4N9oWDhQBOOyoGhLBPyqMXDAc13NmbyVzQWbfVYRpUxYHiabckeoZnlfmvaH9VuuG-n_XNOh29r8vZezOkdDgIGiXlwm_E3rqPbxv_wgOMAdGq5CDRMjkLLC0UFwFxr9kqVYccS5zu4w/s1600/DSC_0640.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4N9oWDhQBOOyoGhLBPyqMXDAc13NmbyVzQWbfVYRpUxYHiabckeoZnlfmvaH9VuuG-n_XNOh29r8vZezOkdDgIGiXlwm_E3rqPbxv_wgOMAdGq5CDRMjkLLC0UFwFxr9kqVYccS5zu4w/s640/DSC_0640.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">These are two amazing, resilient, and beautiful children. I am so blessed.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-r6XZr1CnhYLFapltCY-G4WDujMOCwHVo2AalDJqPYUAy7whG1ZLLpcrZzEzyb3PQvONAjZ3kGAuOWqC9oYJPbfDNA59nfwWv9RHFTKdtmmboghtfktKjKr7u3CgmVnXmL1Z0KYuMRrI/s1600/DSC_0642.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-r6XZr1CnhYLFapltCY-G4WDujMOCwHVo2AalDJqPYUAy7whG1ZLLpcrZzEzyb3PQvONAjZ3kGAuOWqC9oYJPbfDNA59nfwWv9RHFTKdtmmboghtfktKjKr7u3CgmVnXmL1Z0KYuMRrI/s640/DSC_0642.JPG" width="424" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA2ZIHa9CoGGQaV0JpJ2t6598roRIIDfjR2_6kj2wuXKDIJWpJncszUIOdQmJkuDIvIEbItDpn8TICBN1wv29E-P70MRaVxxQbrYSZPngZ0DssMZ60tTq7PgFtR1c5dFhC6KQW86KSj6U/s1600/DSC_0664.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA2ZIHa9CoGGQaV0JpJ2t6598roRIIDfjR2_6kj2wuXKDIJWpJncszUIOdQmJkuDIvIEbItDpn8TICBN1wv29E-P70MRaVxxQbrYSZPngZ0DssMZ60tTq7PgFtR1c5dFhC6KQW86KSj6U/s640/DSC_0664.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nana did not like this.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8lvheCqWxTScAtw5jFO12L08zhMzKKdWIMTU4cIbwcCWIgsqe2fnXJLeFXOa4wHoRJ4r33apii4ZEflEqMmIBBK54FuFONQnsb7DmBeTKn5i60dMiuxlMNqXgxTjWbaFHy2Jg0R40cOM/s1600/DSC_0539.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8lvheCqWxTScAtw5jFO12L08zhMzKKdWIMTU4cIbwcCWIgsqe2fnXJLeFXOa4wHoRJ4r33apii4ZEflEqMmIBBK54FuFONQnsb7DmBeTKn5i60dMiuxlMNqXgxTjWbaFHy2Jg0R40cOM/s640/DSC_0539.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEHbzwF2Tpvhi6moBaVdhR2GjIBWFDovi7a_bI9AtKyUiZkjA4C8OhnFo2TU7aD_xP4vZIhlGUjBLS3ejMyl9hr0R1_nq2Cq3Ez9oz2utiH62i5_LmhFrGKy77I2bCofxFlyXlhBe_4Yw/s1600/DSC_0533.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEHbzwF2Tpvhi6moBaVdhR2GjIBWFDovi7a_bI9AtKyUiZkjA4C8OhnFo2TU7aD_xP4vZIhlGUjBLS3ejMyl9hr0R1_nq2Cq3Ez9oz2utiH62i5_LmhFrGKy77I2bCofxFlyXlhBe_4Yw/s640/DSC_0533.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Reese and the favorite sofa blanket</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Reese's response to Jude's screams. He does not seem to notice the volume when he is the screamer.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinGYdJ75FyM-Lm8eDI3AX-lkrh_1JG5Lcx5KzcTk85RBKOOT3qhTktHm_B6CGd-Xhc2WrQAZ-MM87JsZ_RxkoU3-urEb05OudKe6Lexsu3KAa5_lT-mGb7DRSk4YR-wHldslWkl5_Jb4I/s1600/photo+1+%252840%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinGYdJ75FyM-Lm8eDI3AX-lkrh_1JG5Lcx5KzcTk85RBKOOT3qhTktHm_B6CGd-Xhc2WrQAZ-MM87JsZ_RxkoU3-urEb05OudKe6Lexsu3KAa5_lT-mGb7DRSk4YR-wHldslWkl5_Jb4I/s640/photo+1+%252840%2529.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tejo!!! Hope it was fun, honey!!!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitnqyqBDYFl7AULwJH0V2eXQZOEKmuuBUrLk4WNbhY_4HSrTpyjWJ9yoBbp9WI1EUrrVo237RdKVPpbnukGH_FFWDhNgMlCKXL30xdNV1ADjQPXy3HRjKjzIQTntc7oohRUbdNiCB1Kco/s1600/photo+2+%252839%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitnqyqBDYFl7AULwJH0V2eXQZOEKmuuBUrLk4WNbhY_4HSrTpyjWJ9yoBbp9WI1EUrrVo237RdKVPpbnukGH_FFWDhNgMlCKXL30xdNV1ADjQPXy3HRjKjzIQTntc7oohRUbdNiCB1Kco/s640/photo+2+%252839%2529.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Papa and tejo</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTA3a_vmVLOIMVPYTeGYTz1jBSp4lUTFmOSVlV3wGUDS7t6K6Omnm89L3Su-ml7fbdDoxhyC9MfU5YS_-1r53e2QpqrmQjJJy9ayyz69VxbXS7m0t9BaESBn9wZGiJ_p7z9lGn0e4J3TE/s1600/photo+3+%252839%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTA3a_vmVLOIMVPYTeGYTz1jBSp4lUTFmOSVlV3wGUDS7t6K6Omnm89L3Su-ml7fbdDoxhyC9MfU5YS_-1r53e2QpqrmQjJJy9ayyz69VxbXS7m0t9BaESBn9wZGiJ_p7z9lGn0e4J3TE/s640/photo+3+%252839%2529.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tejo and pork belly arepas. </td></tr>
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<b>Wednesday 11/27</b><br />
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The dreaded day, Christmas card picture day has arrived. After breakfast, we attempted to get everyone ready for the once a year fiasco that is Christmas card pictures. In previous years we have featured the kids only I could just take the pictures and no one else had to be subjected to said event. This year we thought we would be included. Poor Papa. He and Nana were troopers as we dealt with one Mr or Miss Grumpy Pants after another. First Little One was mad because we took her out of the new stroller we borrowed from our friends. She had ridden in it all of 10 minutes and obviously did not think her ride should have ended so soon. The first several pictures had her with a very displeased look. Not what we were going for. Then Jude started his ride on the Grumpy Express about the time Little One cheered up and began posing for the camera. He cried, he screamed, he ate snacks, drank juice and sucked his paci. Not only that, we were having to time the photos between runners doing some sort of interval training up and down the path we were shooting on as well as the officer with the drug sniffing dog that kept coming up behind us. He was in a LOT of our shots. Funny now, but it was definitely not funny Wednesday morning. We will be picking the best of the worst. What more can you do!!!<br />
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That afternoon, Dr. Garcia came by the apartment for a recheck of Little One. He said the bronchitis is better but still there. He gave me further medicine instructions before heading out. What a gift to our family he has been.<br />
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Close to bedtime for the Littles, my parents, Reese and I headed out to catch a cab to go to the huge Exito. In the elevator of the apartment building, I chatted briefly in my very limited Spanish to a lady who stepped on after us. About a block down the road, the same lady was driving by in a car. She recognized us and stopped. She asked if we were going to Exito in Envigado (were we wearing a sign???) We finally realized she was offering us a ride when she yelled, "Let's go!!" We piled in her car and had a crazy conversation about Hawaii, casinos, her lack of English and babies. It was so funny and something that would only happen here. I seriously love these people. She dropped us at the door and thanked us for riding with her :)<br />
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We got a little shopping done and Reese did not melt down but he was on the verge. On the next to last aisle he yelled, "WHERE ARE ALL OUR KIDS????" He notified me that we needed to go home "right now". We checked out and starting hailing a cab. We loaded all our groceries in one that said they were available for the area of town we "live" in. After we all loaded up, I told the cabbie the address and he began screaming at me. In Spanish. Now I can understand a lot of what I hear. But not when it is that loud or that fast. When he finished his tirade, I asked him in Spanish if he wanted us to get out. He began screaming again so I took that as a yes :) We unloaded all the groceries and reloaded with a sane and nice taxi driver. You should have seen Nana's and Reese's faces :)<br />
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Later that night after everyone except Brant and I were in bed, we heard a lot of commotion outside. This is so common that at first I gave it no thought. But it became overwhelmingly loud after a while. So we peeked out the window and realized there was some sort of bicycle race going on. At 10:30 at night on a Wednesday. No idea. To top it off, right after we figured out what was happening out there, two bicycles wrecked right outside our building. We people watched and speculated on the strange timing for a bike race before turning in for the night. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhudQcrkLUxkLKvZ4Jo2fIeVm8Y8mJJPT2h1thwrNKB1WJRQNEgIc7QlvZAJiXESNrGt5-E2BGaGrE31Cz-xfuwtsvZ0ZIHAJ28mS90CHNQL1jJN2TF3Dzfx2tEwPSUpF0YaIqY-bBsIDE/s1600/DSC_0686.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhudQcrkLUxkLKvZ4Jo2fIeVm8Y8mJJPT2h1thwrNKB1WJRQNEgIc7QlvZAJiXESNrGt5-E2BGaGrE31Cz-xfuwtsvZ0ZIHAJ28mS90CHNQL1jJN2TF3Dzfx2tEwPSUpF0YaIqY-bBsIDE/s640/DSC_0686.JPG" width="424" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My sweet, no longer little, girl</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijV_rIoKo-V62FgyUS1TPF3MXXe3l96wZtjjF10VXZpz7BoQftIDkzfwoilYFXTxTjGta9LpTG1MHrKS6ZwnF9PikmIPYmrVX8Jy_z9wijM8x71EOG-soLjGB1_Cyjsfz65gIDqzqOtr4/s1600/DSC_0719.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijV_rIoKo-V62FgyUS1TPF3MXXe3l96wZtjjF10VXZpz7BoQftIDkzfwoilYFXTxTjGta9LpTG1MHrKS6ZwnF9PikmIPYmrVX8Jy_z9wijM8x71EOG-soLjGB1_Cyjsfz65gIDqzqOtr4/s640/DSC_0719.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I almost gave up and just made this the Christmas card from us all.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKsgkeuhKObzIw4ywcrpzs5it_Kb2hffMWwBhh_gBB2DBx6v8Q1cgNLaq4cbWR_5VHobftSbcm3DwX_Tihp-ripUJEeJ62gXyUim3Y_pkTySrsFjtExrujFKjlFGtaVsEQML6NR0X_0j8/s1600/DSC_0745.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKsgkeuhKObzIw4ywcrpzs5it_Kb2hffMWwBhh_gBB2DBx6v8Q1cgNLaq4cbWR_5VHobftSbcm3DwX_Tihp-ripUJEeJ62gXyUim3Y_pkTySrsFjtExrujFKjlFGtaVsEQML6NR0X_0j8/s640/DSC_0745.JPG" width="366" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My guys</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dr. Garcia. I love that he carries the exact sort of bag I pictured a doctor on a house call would carry.</td></tr>
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<b>Thursday 11/28 Thanksgiving!!!</b><br />
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Thanksgiving in Colombia! The majority of our day was spent at Arvi Park. We wanted to get a really good lesson in navigating some of the public transportation options in Medellin (which are fabulous by the way). So we used Christine, the driver/translator provided by our in-country team, to show us the ropes. Christine came to our house and we walked down to the bus stop. We took a bus to the metro station. Three metro trains later along with one incident where Reese almost lost a leg in the metro door while Brant did a hero block of the doors and we arrived at the suspended metro cables (gondolas). We took two different suspended gondolas to get to the the top of the mountain where Arvi Park was located. The views on the way were just breathtaking, humbling and unbelievable. <br />
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The suspended metro took you over what I could only describe as a slum area. This is the place people began to flee to during the time of Pablo Escobar in the 80s and early 90s. The residences are just piled one on top of the other. The government has made tremendous efforts to provide transportation to the people who live here so they can get to jobs as well as make utilities available. One thing I found interesting is that cable and utilities are done on a prepaid card type system. For example, you could load your utility card with 10,000 pesos and use the utilities until that 10,000 pesos is spent. Then you would not have utilities again until you reload your card. Same for cable. You prepay whatever you want to on the card. Then you can choose to watch a particular show for a particular amount of pesos. Never seen that anywhere else. <br />
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When we arrived at the park, it was much cooler due to the high elevation. There were some food and handmade craft vendors at the entrance to the park. We stopped and had some bunuelos, empanadas and other snacks while we browsed through some beautiful handmade earrings which they were selling for $2 or $3 a pair. Then we caught a bus to another part of the park where we spent the rest of the day. On the bus, was another family with two children ages 2 and 6. They also had a cousin with them, named Pablo, who just returned from Canada where he spent 5 or 6 months learning English. They were a very sweet family who we continued to bump into all day and even on our return back into town that night. The park was a beautiful huge bit of nature with tons for the children to do which was what we were looking for. There was an indoor playground, outdoor slides and obstacle courses, food vendors and ropes courses among many other things. <br />
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After we had explored, played and eaten our share, we began to head to the canopy for our 3:00 pm time slot. My mom, Christine, the Littles and I all waited for the next couple of hours while the others enjoyed their ropes course and zip-lining. Papa and Gavin went on the course for his age while Brant and Dakota went on the other course. The Littles were surprisingly good for such a long wait. Pablo, our friend from the bus, helped keep the boys occupied. He is amazing with children. Of course, in keeping with the theme of our adventure here in Colombia, we missed the last train down from the ropes course. So the security guards had to call in a golf cart type thing and someone's personal truck to take us down to the entrance to park to catch the bus which would take us back to the Metro cable. We got there with only 20 minutes to spare before they would shut the suspended cable down for the night. That was cutting it close!<br />
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We then went through the same transportation process we had gone through earlier in the day but in reverse. When we exited the metro we opted to search for cabs instead of waiting for a bus. As much fun as we had, we were all exhausted and ready to get home for our Thanksgiving dinner! We arrived around 7:00 pm and I bathed the kids while Nana finished up our lasagna feast. It was perfect as her lasagna always is! To top it off, Jaime and Stella had come by our apartment and left a gorgeous, huge coconut cake with the doorman to our building. They had a sweet Happy Thankgiving note attached. Have I told you what a gift from God they have been??<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Daddy entertaining the Littles with balloons while I get ready for the park</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Metro bus ride</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View from suspended metro cable </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsYIBz91L6Io27yJ09aRHvaFgbuaKqs6j67PYuw5BFqfVdUs_XUrkXljAzwygmZGfW8Y3k8pzp9zQeeuYmsSo0mTzF7H-iz0Tlq00pBF2MfVjaNRC51v5g-MXQyRkBIyBMcXYCQiiLpMc/s1600/DSC_0832.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsYIBz91L6Io27yJ09aRHvaFgbuaKqs6j67PYuw5BFqfVdUs_XUrkXljAzwygmZGfW8Y3k8pzp9zQeeuYmsSo0mTzF7H-iz0Tlq00pBF2MfVjaNRC51v5g-MXQyRkBIyBMcXYCQiiLpMc/s640/DSC_0832.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">These are the gondolas we rode in up the mountain</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGw4pPi_v8cHl9aT-6GHG3W0hG1yCFxMjRJKcYsNda5lbsfc_AQhh6PqfwNKi09xBb8djIU7SHGNDuqiQsyyPmLBk5nSHtlZG347eppWv_X6iua62L45qsGIfA_d5T7J1UOf-DSLa-KO0/s1600/DSC_0834.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="342" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGw4pPi_v8cHl9aT-6GHG3W0hG1yCFxMjRJKcYsNda5lbsfc_AQhh6PqfwNKi09xBb8djIU7SHGNDuqiQsyyPmLBk5nSHtlZG347eppWv_X6iua62L45qsGIfA_d5T7J1UOf-DSLa-KO0/s640/DSC_0834.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Starting out with sleepy babies in our laps</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Little market at the park entrance</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I have nothing to say here.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Face painting for the kids</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dakota on the ropes course</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSzEOcn0_qsyRAs-8u4BQwM9KKbtq6AmuHV-p76pk2vhqMGlTyVq3WzkQP-Rsc6AuXwXPKsXWh8kK59DIBHhGn0RAeXd_h9bWBHAmHLMyNWWqIZ3YUNegTTVkx2GczVKxfCvGBz3kuI8U/s1600/DSC_0885.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSzEOcn0_qsyRAs-8u4BQwM9KKbtq6AmuHV-p76pk2vhqMGlTyVq3WzkQP-Rsc6AuXwXPKsXWh8kK59DIBHhGn0RAeXd_h9bWBHAmHLMyNWWqIZ3YUNegTTVkx2GczVKxfCvGBz3kuI8U/s640/DSC_0885.JPG" width="424" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh79OV6Smtue7prMUV7dLT3AE3OKwts9gOQZNssWgRscUpAJYgS1bUi1nGV6GqFFB-gc-jRPUGSEPhZNcGpo2Icp3DefulkRzZa334LJ9IPqbF1OLgp5M9waO2cemdHLyRNHTiW1uOQDgI/s1600/DSC_0890.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh79OV6Smtue7prMUV7dLT3AE3OKwts9gOQZNssWgRscUpAJYgS1bUi1nGV6GqFFB-gc-jRPUGSEPhZNcGpo2Icp3DefulkRzZa334LJ9IPqbF1OLgp5M9waO2cemdHLyRNHTiW1uOQDgI/s640/DSC_0890.JPG" width="424" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I just love this picture</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our new friend, Pablo!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gavin's rope burn injury from rappelling</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpo5L4ftFLn18KvPLQqSAGhorTI3WZJQcaUzGRDPbx2bUZjJ94MnLqCjAiMXbW39wJoR6KkZ-PeIzsS8KjvnWgSO38mxDmSFhQvEilEpUc0KNvFesl1VKGec_nH7e3vDhqtscVA_M2NZI/s1600/image+(3).jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpo5L4ftFLn18KvPLQqSAGhorTI3WZJQcaUzGRDPbx2bUZjJ94MnLqCjAiMXbW39wJoR6KkZ-PeIzsS8KjvnWgSO38mxDmSFhQvEilEpUc0KNvFesl1VKGec_nH7e3vDhqtscVA_M2NZI/s640/image+(3).jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wherever Jude is a crowd follows. They talk forever about his eyes.</td></tr>
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While our Thanksgiving was not very traditional, it was near perfect. Beautiful weather, a healthy family, my parents visiting and tons of memories made. This was a true Thanksgiving to remember. The Lord has blessed us with so much. As I looked at the homes we passed over on our way up to the park, I thought about our financial blessings. When I looked at the little faces surrounding me, whether they were smiling or crying, screaming or showing me some new treasure, I thought these are my true blessings. I have so much more than I could ever deserve. While this journey has been excruciatingly difficult, painful even at times, I know that there are brighter days ahead. Continue to pray with us as we learn to juggle it all. Especially pray for Jude and Reese. As much as I make light of their behavior, it has become an overwhelming challenge for us. Some days it seems just un-doable! We trust and believe that you are all continuing to lift us up in prayer. I am so thankful for all of you and your love and support!<br />
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<b><br /></b>Elesha Maynardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13054547823368885050noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5207679844489430883.post-45000102586237631802013-11-19T23:56:00.001-06:002013-11-19T23:56:22.208-06:00On to MedellinPicking up where I left off with our Colombian Adoption Blog Reality Series :)<br />
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Friday evening we took the children out for ice cream. Amazingly, the ice cream shops are not that expensive. Which is crazy considering a 1/2 gallon of ice cream in the grocery store is $10!!! I am not sure if Little One had eaten much ice cream before. She looked at it uncertainly but gobbled it up as soon as she tasted it. Then we headed over to the Plaza since we heard live music coming from that direction. The plaza was PACKED. There were vendors selling balloons, amazing pan de queso, sweets and anything else you can think of while the music played loudly. Dancers in traditional dress practiced their upcoming performances and families danced freely to the music while their children ran about. I am so glad we took the time to stop by. We saw our favorite Colombian police officer, Davie again and quickly realized how much our Spanish has improved just in two weeks. We could speak much more than the last time we met Davie!!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jude and Davie. Anyone seeing a pattern in Jude's pictures??</td></tr>
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Friday evening when we returned to the hotel, we received a phone call from our guide. She told us that the minor defender had changed his mind and we could ALL leave Valledupar for Medellin on Saturday night. This was such an answer to prayer! We were beyond excited and in a bit of panic mode trying to get flights lined up for Brant and Reese. We spent all day Saturday packing and tying up loose ends in Valledupar. It was a crazy day. The staff of our hotel went above and beyond during our stay to make us comfortable. They purchased a massive stuffed animal for Little One to receive when we brought her back from our Encuentro. They also provided blocks, games and books to entertain the kids. We tried to return all the items while we were packing up, but the manager Gladys and one of our other favorite staff members, Luz, insisted we take them with us to Medellin. Gifts they said!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Playing with the blocks on our last day in Valledupar</td></tr>
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Our flight from Valledupar to Medellin left at 7:30 pm. We arrived about an hour early and stood in the un-airconditioned tiny airport terminal attempting to get our bags checked while keeping three very sleepy Littles occupied and calm. Brant and I had sweat dripping from our elbows, faces and backs by the time we arrived at the gate. Little One struggled a bit with the flights. I am sure it was overwhelming. As much as I tried to explain what was happening, it just looked like more change to her. The forcing of the seatbelt on the airplane was more than she could take. I imagine she never had to be buckled into anything before and did not understand why. She slept off and on during the first leg from Valledupar to Bogota where we had to disembark and ride a bus to the terminal where we waited to board the next flight which would take us to Medellin. Another tough flight. She was just sad. We arrived in Medellin around 10:30 pm. My sister, Crystal, was waiting for us since her flight had arrived earlier that evening. We also had my friend Diana's parents and aunt who live in Medelling waiting to welcome us to their city along with our driver and lawyer. It was quite the entourage :)<br />
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Brant and I, the Little and the luggage rode in a van while the Bigs and Crystal rode with our driver. After a very curvy 45 minute ride from the airport into Medellin, we finally arrived at our apartment. The leasing agent and his wife/girlfriend were there to let us in. Between them and our entourage we had 16 people at the apartment at midnight! Diana's family were so crazy-good to us. They brought us a playpen for Jude and stocked our kitchen so we would have breakfast and much, much more without having to get to the grocery store so soon. It was so kind. Their generosity has continued as they brought us lunch several times, invited Brant to a private Tejo game and made their pool and playground available to our children. <br />
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While all the bustling was taking place in the apartment, Little One threw up. It was just all too much for her. The plane rides, the anxiety, the massive change in elevation and temperature. It was sad. She went on to sleep for the night and shortly after the rest of us did as well.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our apartment lobby. We are on the 6th floor which is the top floor for this building.<br />
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In the morning, we were amazed at the view from the apartment. The trade-off for that view is the walk. Uphill is an understatement. That coupled with the higher elevation has taken some adjustment! It is so beautiful and lush here. There is no air conditioning or heat here so we just have the enormous windows open in the apartment most of the time to get a good breeze going. There is usually a nice rain in the afternoon or evening that cools things off. The apartment has 4 bedrooms and 3 1/2 baths. It is nice to finally have a little elbow room and the opportunity to unpack our suitcases. Since we arrived, we have ventured out for a couple of grocery shopping trips, a very long walk to one of the malls and a couple of trips to the park across from our apartment. Other than that, we have laid low trying to just spend time with Little One and get acclimated to our new location and routine. We have a washing machine (hooray!!!!) and built in clotheslines. That makes a huge difference in the time it takes me to do laundry every day. No dishwasher unless you count Crystal who has helped me tremendously in that and so many other areas! Monday we received our first home delivery of groceries. We just order online and they bring them up for a fee of about $1.75. Best thing ever. We started back to light homeschool days yesterday and it makes the days go by even faster. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This picture does not do the view justice. It feels like we are above a canopy of trees. And at night the lights are gorgeous. </td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">On our road heading out for a trip to the mall.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Looking out from the Sante Fe mall to the open air entrance. I think the mall was like 5 or 6 stories tall.<br />
It had some great stores and was a nice break with the kids. Little One had what I think was her first escalator ride :)<br />
We also located her a pair of pink shoes that fit. </td></tr>
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The kids are filling their time up with blocks, books, playdoh (a fan favorite), bubbles, cars, card games, iPods and jumping around like very loud monkeys. We even introduced Little One to What Does the Fox Say. She was enthralled :) Crystal has been everything I cannot be in each moment. She has done diapers, baths, vomit clean-up, laundry, dishes, kitchen cleanup, toy cleanup, games, songs, books, everything. I may not let her leave. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Book time with Daddy</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The spiral staircase leading to Dakota and Gavin's bedroom (loft) also serves as entertainment.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Monkey bars</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Playdoh elephant mask</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Everyone is happy when the PlayDoh packs come out!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wearing Mami's glasses and playing with my hair while sporting her new shoes from the mall. <br />
I can only convince her to take them off right before bed. </td></tr>
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Little One is progressing. The first couple of days presented challenges at every turn. She is not a morning person and wants to sit alone for a long time waking up. Bathing has continued to be an issue as she screams through the entire event. She throws up when she gets upset and we have struggled to get her to eat or drink much. She hates the stroller and cries in it. A lot. She has a trembling, crying sort of fear of thunder. I mentioned it rains here almost daily, right? <br />
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But here is the upswing. Today was a really good day. Little One spent a very small amount of time warming up today. She laid down for nap and bed well, cried a lot less for her bath, tolerated a stroller ride to the grocery store this morning and to the park this afternoon and actually ate some today! We found some go-to foods: eggs (over-medium only), arepas with butter and salt, rice with butter and salt, pork, yogurt, jello, hot chocolate, coffee with milk and Avena. We will just rotate these forever :) She also played well with the kids and adults today. It was just a good day.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_6A53S-06ZmzDnyXWOMr8hVvhW9M6nlolITuP-cVj6OJE6BnJsFphcamP9jEkourYDxnzA4THOZ193iHzgO7JM-VWPvggAkMqf7IPkcTK2DU2KBjUHwyaxDs0LpjNnpwtYO7048Gs-Fo/s1600/photo+3+%252818%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_6A53S-06ZmzDnyXWOMr8hVvhW9M6nlolITuP-cVj6OJE6BnJsFphcamP9jEkourYDxnzA4THOZ193iHzgO7JM-VWPvggAkMqf7IPkcTK2DU2KBjUHwyaxDs0LpjNnpwtYO7048Gs-Fo/s640/photo+3+%252818%2529.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Today's trip to the park</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jude's first non-crying moment in a while</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6jB_ldy79l7UU8-SabdNOitERHS1KN1VQGu1NRKZ8KjYBVfuFlow_H9U4ueuQvwCr2ACPMIX1EIoTINM3vxrArR3aF66kAc-jHK2UyRpFbwzixxx3O0K2CkR6ZgM0pkmNXnIf9OPMEVE/s1600/DSC_0436.2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6jB_ldy79l7UU8-SabdNOitERHS1KN1VQGu1NRKZ8KjYBVfuFlow_H9U4ueuQvwCr2ACPMIX1EIoTINM3vxrArR3aF66kAc-jHK2UyRpFbwzixxx3O0K2CkR6ZgM0pkmNXnIf9OPMEVE/s640/DSC_0436.2.jpg" width="424" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Little One </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqK29KqvhlT2iIkJLb25FtJcSGFB68zhSHmkVjDy7dnIiu42R9pdgh9t8GbaEfBrCybichomx1jZKVOSjUOPyYek84cHGhJ_eOmMymxX3exa7OhpJDIz5G60gccUpPLUZiyYwje7UI5OM/s1600/DSC_0439.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqK29KqvhlT2iIkJLb25FtJcSGFB68zhSHmkVjDy7dnIiu42R9pdgh9t8GbaEfBrCybichomx1jZKVOSjUOPyYek84cHGhJ_eOmMymxX3exa7OhpJDIz5G60gccUpPLUZiyYwje7UI5OM/s640/DSC_0439.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My sweet girl and my lifesaver sister</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhh-E3jB36G1AsSnuYtJRZ5h3MrxuKSQ-cEf9dof_2j3C03BzuWjeDXB0Q7gXQn2tLKIJZnH7i7I404tZbYmtASnVSNk-yHKm0HBKZ82ysoW2jLU4RkdoJwIoXKfs0_xB_LCMORnGbWM1g/s1600/DSC_0450.2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhh-E3jB36G1AsSnuYtJRZ5h3MrxuKSQ-cEf9dof_2j3C03BzuWjeDXB0Q7gXQn2tLKIJZnH7i7I404tZbYmtASnVSNk-yHKm0HBKZ82ysoW2jLU4RkdoJwIoXKfs0_xB_LCMORnGbWM1g/s640/DSC_0450.2.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Oh Reese.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjX2EW2HOWcBKvT_UbX3bl3hE7X1ekLjQbX-H35pVLrq413apPcd8t1yGrOr7CmEoPpaaqQ9XDIhK12DJsDtWNwEBPnrflGSteMtJ0kJFOvFKnPVGzucJ4Y9mvCkCOvQ7hXMz3vprREqAY/s1600/DSC_0454.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjX2EW2HOWcBKvT_UbX3bl3hE7X1ekLjQbX-H35pVLrq413apPcd8t1yGrOr7CmEoPpaaqQ9XDIhK12DJsDtWNwEBPnrflGSteMtJ0kJFOvFKnPVGzucJ4Y9mvCkCOvQ7hXMz3vprREqAY/s640/DSC_0454.JPG" width="424" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gavin is infatuated with the bamboo and his quest for "tropical bird feathers"</td></tr>
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Random other things about Little One that don't make good paragraphs:<br />
1. Loves having her hair brushed and ponytailed or hair-bowed up.<br />
2. Love of shoes and clothes <3. <br />
3. Does this amazing crinkle nose thing when she smiles. So cute.<br />
4. Is completely potty-trained and tells us every single time. Hallelujah!<br />
5. Loves her siblings already. She calls them Cola, Gah-in, Ree and Chu. <br />
6. Says the word "milla" about 100 times a day. She means "mira" which means look. <br />
7. Shakes her finger at Reese when he does something she doesn't like.<br />
8. Is quick to stick her tongue out at someone if she thinks Brant and I aren't looking.<br />
9. Sassy. <br />
10. Amazing curly hair that I'm learning (slowly) to tame.<br />
11. Neatest eater ever.<br />
12. Loves music and dancing.<br />
13. Will bust out a pose for the camera. All you have to say is "poser". <br />
14. Looks at pictures of herself and says "linda" or "hermosa" which means pretty. Sigh.<br />
15. So smart. Understands so much English already and will repeat any words we ask her to.<br />
16. Tiny. Almost as tall as Reese but today's skirt was a 12-18 month size and she will be 3 in January. <br />
17. Has all of our hearts wrapped around her little finger.<br />
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I cannot wait to share more with you all. The days are busy but I will update when I can. Keep praying for us!!Elesha Maynardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13054547823368885050noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5207679844489430883.post-74105814874889096362013-11-15T15:28:00.004-06:002013-11-15T19:37:14.960-06:00Rough hard daysI know it has seemed like forever since I posted for all of you, but I just could.not.do.it. The last I wrote, we were preparing to have our official Encuentro date where we obtained temporary custody of Little One. We did this on Wednesday afternoon. Brant purchased all the items for the "baby shower". I got all the kids ready and we headed over at 3:00 pm. The ICBF workers after a little confusion about where we were to have the meeting, led us to a small room with a table and some chairs set up. They brought a tablecloth and a diaper cake (although she is potty-trained) and some balloons. We provided all the food. The employees set everything up while we wrangled the kids. Jude was not feeling very well that day and cried most of the appointment!!!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCF29UsESAEZfiOwURPiorHn0habE1BL2XGbjqpkerRd3WSRVFOZuCcf6R-otwUAJrzo3BnQn18vnJV4pF4edjjlkksTKKfoumoMj8TmVg5PCoKOMsIJjBYDF0QlcC5hXAO77oaTQNotg/s1600/DSC_0166.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCF29UsESAEZfiOwURPiorHn0habE1BL2XGbjqpkerRd3WSRVFOZuCcf6R-otwUAJrzo3BnQn18vnJV4pF4edjjlkksTKKfoumoMj8TmVg5PCoKOMsIJjBYDF0QlcC5hXAO77oaTQNotg/s640/DSC_0166.JPG" width="424" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Littles on the way to the elevator to get "sister"</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-X1YAPD7v4VGXU49ndCSvJWaZNjGpOWrL04NE1Ol4BoZml5PUOnXR8wwRtUjwMUv0UQr157jkW8hPCiH86JSbna5GKxtnEW3877jW5SjXFSR5c_rqmhPRhtrtgo_nAnNet-nZwdeyy8c/s1600/DSC_0169.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-X1YAPD7v4VGXU49ndCSvJWaZNjGpOWrL04NE1Ol4BoZml5PUOnXR8wwRtUjwMUv0UQr157jkW8hPCiH86JSbna5GKxtnEW3877jW5SjXFSR5c_rqmhPRhtrtgo_nAnNet-nZwdeyy8c/s640/DSC_0169.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo at the hotel pool before we left for our Encuentro</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh83hM4WQfaKf2ZJhJrJrm6TVDFDIgnXxsuoTT_lWf90ga4XoCiD9xiCWwfFm7hApR2Ul7DkZnAc4aBbNJAVCF5B23drE40lf1Lf1KL52r49_P3DszK7Lf4jEBPZO3KMF1S0S9wyrbWcmc/s1600/DSC_0177.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh83hM4WQfaKf2ZJhJrJrm6TVDFDIgnXxsuoTT_lWf90ga4XoCiD9xiCWwfFm7hApR2Ul7DkZnAc4aBbNJAVCF5B23drE40lf1Lf1KL52r49_P3DszK7Lf4jEBPZO3KMF1S0S9wyrbWcmc/s640/DSC_0177.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Waiting in the hall at ICBF with the cake while we waited to find out where we should go</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmhmw6qdl1FMf9cuyAVkF9DfJvr8VbWlf5UF3gCpc7eowSJocoW001oE7o9v5gEuBsduoN0I0DF5zXECK2F5GBHkCepsstTMduSDIbUvvBgnEtKEEqVbqa6Z7KGffkrOsoY9ngwyS1CUg/s1600/DSC_0189.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmhmw6qdl1FMf9cuyAVkF9DfJvr8VbWlf5UF3gCpc7eowSJocoW001oE7o9v5gEuBsduoN0I0DF5zXECK2F5GBHkCepsstTMduSDIbUvvBgnEtKEEqVbqa6Z7KGffkrOsoY9ngwyS1CUg/s640/DSC_0189.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Balloons and streamers the ICBF staff used to decorate </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2ChWS4L3ijzeLqCva6wBMHnNOiBr8R8ScUlnYJW4MhwzkMC5k8j_lWMTezvftNoswm40WDvoaDcfnmdUnxtbyzgUrbRFEDwATvxEmPHnv4qb6GYY-h7PrcRAN-VNiqw51h_xU1qyOsE4/s1600/DSC_0197.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2ChWS4L3ijzeLqCva6wBMHnNOiBr8R8ScUlnYJW4MhwzkMC5k8j_lWMTezvftNoswm40WDvoaDcfnmdUnxtbyzgUrbRFEDwATvxEmPHnv4qb6GYY-h7PrcRAN-VNiqw51h_xU1qyOsE4/s640/DSC_0197.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Last picture as a family of 6</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglk76du1InBchSw4C0BOdkSIJtWW8xwg-I6_ifa_QjiMQoVyW91L39_v-cfIiFxCXsnwqGRF-EWNdFAusfnjKoQPiiOGk7rCXzenILva2lrzGzHbEOmKspjYeajXCxFZI1DzSiZafkWSE/s1600/DSC_0212.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglk76du1InBchSw4C0BOdkSIJtWW8xwg-I6_ifa_QjiMQoVyW91L39_v-cfIiFxCXsnwqGRF-EWNdFAusfnjKoQPiiOGk7rCXzenILva2lrzGzHbEOmKspjYeajXCxFZI1DzSiZafkWSE/s640/DSC_0212.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jude's face all day :)</td></tr>
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Then it got worse. While we waited in the "party room", the ICBF psychologist told us Little One was on her way down the hall. They wanted us to meet her at the door to the room. We were utterly shocked to get there and see her in the arms of the foster mother who handed her off to Brant, turned and walked away with tears in her eyes. Not the optimum setup for a good transition. The hysterics began immediately as you would expect with such a delivery. It got worse inside where the ICBF workers chanted Little One's name loudly to "distract" her from her grieving. What? They also tried to feed her cake and lollipops and juice boxes while she was crying so hard she was on the verge of vomiting. It was a disaster. I felt so bad for her that I could hardly contain my emotions. They navigated us to all sit on the floor where the attempted distractions continued. Little One was in Brant's lap crying while I herded Jude and Reese. Jude alternately screamed, poured out juice boxes, threw cookies and tried to sit in Little One's lap while she cried. In the midst of all this, our attorney asked me if I had copies of our passports with me. No. Why would I have those?? While the crying continued, I headed to the hotel with the attorney, our translator and Jude to fetch the missing documents we didn't know we needed. Of course I left Jude's paci at the party. Sigh. <br />
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Finally, we arrived back at ICBF. Little One had begun to calm down thanks to a little painting book we had brought with us. After the baby shower, we had to go upstairs for more discussion about the process. By this point, I had begun to feel really nauseous. I wasn't sure if I was actually sick or just emotionally disturbed about the day so far. After we arrived at the hotel, there was no doubt that I was sick. Little One was very tired. We convinced her to eat some yogurt and drink a little bit of water. She played with the kids and laughed a little bit for us. Then she began yawning so we changed her into her pajamas. When she began sucking her thumb, we knew she was ready for bed. Reese wanted to sleep with her in the same bed so we thought we could at least try. I sang them a few songs while I patted them. She drifted nicely off to sleep and Reese jumped on the bed. So.....he was moved to the other room. Screaming of course all the way!!!<br />
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It was a rough night. I was up the majority of the evening either being sick or taking care of Jude who was running a fever and coughing. Little One woke up a couple of times and just stood by the bed not knowing where to go. She was easily patted back to sleep. <br />
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Thursday morning was pretty tough. Brant and I were sleep deprived. I was still very, very sick. Little One was grieving. Hard. Lots of tears. Little words. Almost no food. Plus she began running another fever. I began alternating Tylenol and ibuprofen. Brant took all the kids except Jude down to breakfast. We were both so sick there was no point in us going. Two of the psychologists and our translator were scheduled to be at our hotel at 10:00 am for an evaluation of the bonding. They arrived and quickly noted that Little One was running a fever and put me through an inquisition about how I was treating her fever. All while I tried not to puke in their laps. That lasted over an hour. Then we were told we needed to come down to ICBF again for a meeting with the minor defender and to sign some paperwork. So, after naps, we lugged all the kids back to ICBF for more of that. Note: we are all 7 riding in a small car with our driver on all these trips. And she does not have window locks. Yeah. I'm smashed in the back with 4 kiddos, two of which will not stop pushing the buttons!!!!!<br />
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At ICBF we spoke again to the minor defender, who is a new kind of eccentric. He continues to call me Linda Carter aka Wonder Woman. He thinks Jude looks like Macaulay Culkin as a baby. He says he loves the movie Home Alone. These are the comments I am getting from the man while we discuss when we can leave Valledupar to go to Medellin. It is craziness!!! <br />
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There are several reasons we want to hurry and get to Medellin. The first is Little One's health. If she were to need medical treatment again, I do not want her to end up back in the clinic here. I think the care in Medellin would be far superior. Also, my sister is arriving in Medellin tomorrow. Thirdly, we are paying for a hotel here AND an apartment rental in Medellin. The extra time here has added about $2,500 to our adoption costs. This is NOT GOOD people!<br />
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The minor defender insisted he will not file the court documents until Monday and that one of us needs to be here until that is done. That at least is a compromise since he previously said we all had to stay. So, I will be flying out tomorrow evening with all the kids except for Reese. Brant will come with Reese to Medellin on Monday evening. Should be interesting :)<br />
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Last night, was a little tougher for Little One. She was really not feeling well. I convinced her to eat a little soup (sopa) which is her favorite. She really struggled with falling asleep and cried quite a bit. I patted her to sleep finally and just stayed there with her. Brant dealt with the rest of the brood. Thankfully, Jude was feeling a little better by the evening. <br />
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Little One had a VERY rough night and her fever was up to 103. She would wake up crying for water and I would give her that and her next dose of medicine. She also grieved quite a bit when she woke up. I attempted to bath her today. That did not go well. She screamed like I was torturing her. Not sure if I was doing something wrong or if she was just scared :( The day has been filled with more appointments, notarizing statements, hunting medicine for Little One and airline ticket booking. It has been non-stop. I am feeling much better today. I kept down breakfast AND lunch. Little One's fever is down some and after nap I spent some time cuddling with her in the room while Brant took the other kids to the pool for a much needed break. <br />
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We are heading out now to grab some ice cream. I think we all need something a little refreshing. It has been tough guys. We covet your prayers. We are truly happy but so much of that has been clouded by the reality of the hurt and pain that comes with adoption. It will be a slow road to the healing her heart will need. Please pray for that.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBsbyREPu0fhmgDLvXxGWmfzn52m_TpxFOy-HKum7SzLiNhyphenhyphenB9zmlNAq9-WjKHck_y1dyQQmGsQgv_XwzDGcId8yGeZ95IY7OVz_-GJw2W1SlNkp-ixKzizLJSw8llCfJv01E_J0j7VSs/s1600/DSC_0217.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBsbyREPu0fhmgDLvXxGWmfzn52m_TpxFOy-HKum7SzLiNhyphenhyphenB9zmlNAq9-WjKHck_y1dyQQmGsQgv_XwzDGcId8yGeZ95IY7OVz_-GJw2W1SlNkp-ixKzizLJSw8llCfJv01E_J0j7VSs/s640/DSC_0217.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Little One's painting book that finally calmed her down during Encuentro</td></tr>
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<br />Elesha Maynardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13054547823368885050noreply@blogger.com0