Isa is home!!

Isa is home. When I last posted, we were on our way home. We arrived safely and received a wonderful reception. Thank you to everyone who made it so special. It was perfect!!!!

We all slept in a little late the first morning. Just as Isa was entering the kitchen at ten-thirty, we spotted a little family of deer in our backyard. We often see deer in our neighborhood --but never at that time of day! I have no doubt that God arranged that just for Isa's first day in Georgia. Isa was impressed by the deer and it helped to offset her disappointment of not having a TV in her room, which she immediately noticed.

We've spent this week helping Isa get settled into her new life. She is doing very well and seems happy. She has totally bonded with Sam. They are too cute together! Everyday she seems to interact more as if she is part of our family and not just a visitor. Yesterday I got her to unpack her suitcase and today she left her shampoo in the bathroom. (She had been packing all her toiletries each time she showered.) As I type, she is at a taco-party with a group of girls from our church. Of this small group of eight or nine, three are fluent in Spanish! What a blessing!

It has been the prayers of you Saints that have sustained us on this journey to bring Isa home. Thank you!!! Love, K

Yes, we are on teh way home!!

We are definately flying home tomorrow!!! Yesterday we had a major glitch obtaining Isa's visa, and we thought (75 percent certain) that we would not all be able to fly home tomorrow. However, at the last minute, literally as the visa office was closing this evening, God worked it all out. This was the first time our Bethany rep here has known the Embassy turn around a visa in just a few hours! So we have been packing and saying goodbye to all of our friends. I have more packing to do and I should probably try to sleep a few hours. THANK YOU again for your prayers. love, K

Silly String???

We still have a few hurdles to cross, but it looks like we will fly THIS Saturday (23 OCT)! Hoooray!!! I booked our tickets yesterday. We have a direct flight on Delta arriving in Atlanta at about 3:45 pm. I don't remember the flight number but it's the only Delta flight from Bogota that day. Isa still needs medical clearance, ICBF (Child and Family Services in Colombia) clearance, and a US visa. Please pray that we obtain these things without any glitches.

A funny thing happened a few days ago. I thought I bought silly string. As we began to introduce Isa to silly-string -fights, we were surprised to learn that I had mistakenly bought colored hairspray! God used my mistake to bond a family together with green hair. He really does have a sense of humor!

We are truly amazed at how God has worked in our family over these last few weeks. Isa is still shy and scared, but the difference in her demeanor is truly astounding. She now interacts and laughs. We all have a long way yet to go, but we have no doubt that He who brought us this far will bring us all home. To God be the glory. K

Just the beginning!

Friday night we celebrated the adoption with a party for Isa. She was happy and, overall, seems to be adjusting well. She has begun to ask specific questions. "When are we going home?" This question and others indicate that she is beginning to shift her thinking and, by God's grace, is beginning to view our house as her home and, more importantly, beginning to view us as family. Chip and I remind ourselves that we've had two years to think about and pray for Isa, but she has only known about us for two months. She is incredibly brave.

Of course she is also a teenager, who, if allowed, would spend all day in her room watching MTV. So now we struggle to stike a balance between giving her space to adjust and teaching her our family stucture and family values. I am sure this is just the first of many we will face with a teenager. Our prayer is that God will be glorified in this and all our stuggles.

Good Days! Prasie God!

The last two days have been good. Prasie the Lord!!! Chip returned from Ibague with the final adoption decree, and as best we can tell, everything was spelled correctly.

Isa has been doing much better. As you can see from the picture, she loves babies and little children. She is much more comfortable writing English than speaking it. While we still require her to verbalize a few phrases, writing has become our primary means of "listening " to her. No tears the last two days--AND she is allowing her picture to be made more often--all good signs.

Sam continues to be Sam. We take his sweet disposition and his ability to roll with the punches for granted. Sam is, like the rest of us, ready to come home, but he seems as happy and well adjusted as ever.

So, Saints, keep praying! We have no doubt that it is your prayers that have brought us this far and that your prayers will bring us home.

Specifically, continue to pray:
1) for Isa's adjustment,
2) for the paperwork (new birth certificate, visa, passport, ...) to move quickly
3) and that, with short notice, we will be able to find reasonably priced airline tickets to return home


MUCH love and appreciation, K

Tough Day

Yesterday was tough on many levels. It turns out that Chip is required to travel all the way back to Ibague. He is on the road as I type. Fortunately, this should only delay our return home by a few extra days. Yesterday was also tough for Isa. It began with her English lesson, which she stubbornly refused to participate. Then she was teaful for the next couple of hours. She is understandably afraid of coming to the States and she is sad about leaving her friends and foster family. I think it all just hit her at once yesterday. So pray, pray, pray! Love, K

Brother and sister officially...almost

Brother and sister officially...almost. Yesterday, Chip traveled ten hours to and from Ibague to sign the official adoption decree. Unfortunately, he did not have his glasses and overlooked that his middle name was misspelled (Cummnigs instead of Cummings) four of the 13 times. He was exhausted and crushed when we realized the mistake last night. We called the Bethany rep, who indicated that this mistake would likely require another trip to Ibague and another court date. Soooo...another opportunity to trust God and to pray. Please join us, especially as we meet with the Bethany rep this morning to figure out the next step. Love, K

Sentencia!!

Sentencia is the word all adoption families want to hear. It is the final adoption decree. Praise God, we learned that our sentencia is scheduled for Monday- as in TOMORROW!! The judge is requiring that only Chip travel to Ibague for this. Even while rejoicing in this good news, we were again given the opportunity to trust God with Isa and her heart. When Isa realized that only Chip would travel to Ibague she was very sad. We thought she was sad about the adoption and the lawyer asked her again if this is what she wanted to do. Isa and the lawyer spoke for twenty minutes privately while we waited. Thoughts raced through my head; "God, how could you bring us this far for this!!?" Finally, we met with Isa and the lawyer, both smiling. It turns out that Isa misunderstood the ICBF officials. Her adoption records will be sealed for twenty years and Isa thought that this meant she could not contact anyone in Colombia for twenty years! With this in mind, she was crushed at the thought of missing her last opportunity to visit Ibague. Isa again affirmed that she wants to be part of our family. Someone here described adoption as a rollercoaster ride that goes up, down, sideways and (I would add) loopty-loopy. It is exhausting but so worth it!

Sooo, tomorrow Chip must to travel back over the mountains to Ibague and back-- a 4 - 5 hour drive each way. After Sentencia, our timeline to return home is about two more weeks. Once we have the final decree, we still have to get a new birth certificate, passport, visa, and a few other documents.

THANK YOU FOR YOUR PRAYERS!!! love, K

Last night we went to a nice mall and resturaunt here in Bogota. We found a cheap teeenybopper accessory shop (think Claire's). Isa spent about twenty bucks on hairclips, ear rings and such. We had a nice time.

This morning we were again reminded of the contradictions here in Colombia. After a somewhat normal experience last night, this morning we saw a television program exposing the drug trade, prostitution, and poverty so prevelent in this culture. I know these evils are also in the States, but the concentration in Colombia, especially in the small cities, is beyond description. I am tempted to feel hopelesss for this culture. Pray for Colombia. Pray that the Gospel penetrates this country, that is the only hope...

"Now to Him who is able to do exceeedingly, abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh within us, unto Him be the glory...." Ephesians 3:20

We have reason to hope.

K

40th Birthday Bash in Bogota

After dinner last night, the hotel staff set a beautiful cake (which I was somewhat anticipating) in front of me and THEN...in marched a mariachi (sp?) band (which I was NOT expecting) !!! We had a Colombian Birthday Party with music and dancing for the rest of the evening. The other families, parents AND children, the band, and even the hotel staff were all out on the "dance floor". It was wonderful. After dancing last night, I am here to tell you that forty IS the new thirty!! In my wildest dreams I never thought I would have such a party. The best part of all is that Isa allowed us to photograph her in a somewhat normal pose. (Long awaited pictures to follow.) She even took initiative to pick out a card and small gift for me. After the tension with the family of the other teenager over the last few days (see previous blog), last night was especially sweet. We are blessed. K

Praise and Prayer Request

Quick note- (Chip here) Another Bethany family joined our posse tonight here at the Hotel Paris. This family, too, is adopting a female teenager. However, contrary to the boundaries we currently are emplacing with Isa, this family is allowing their teenaged child unfettered access to the internet. Apparently they've even bought the kid her own i-touch. (Just a reminder: Isa's foster family allowed her unsupervised, unlimited access to the internet; Isa's FB page has lots of totally "inappropriate" pictures on it, thus we are limiting her access to the internet right now. Additionally, the ICBF has emplaced a no-contact rule for Isa regarding her foster family and friends - another reason to limit her access to the net.) Kristin asked the mom to prevent her child from pulling out the i-touch/internet around our Isa. However, the mom blewoff K's request. Thirty minutes after this request, the kid had her i-touch out at the supper table as she sat next to Isa. K was fit to be tied. Thankfully, mom and daughter went to bed soon after supper. However, God once again has shown His "nearness" to us tonight. We were able to use the situation as an opportunity to address with Isa our zero-tolerance approach to the internet for right now and to explain that approach to her - all through the translation of another Bethany mom! Isa continues to show a grace and understanding that we consistently underestimate. That is a gift from God on several levels. Thanks for your prayers- we sure need them.

Worshiping in Bogota

In spite of hit or miss internet access, things are going well here. Last night another Bethany family, The Bryants, arrived with their three children. As you can imagine this brought even more energy to an already lively house. The Bryants are adopting four more children, who will arrive tomorrow. Isa is very comfortable and even seems to enjoy being around many children.

On Saturday the owner of our hotel announced someone would be avaiable to do our hair and nails. Thinking this would be a great bonding activity, I signed the girls up for manicures and pedicures. Somehow I didn't imagine sitting on a hard plastic chair with both feet propped on a table, precariously balancing a plastic bowl in my lap --soaking my nails--in a dark corner of the laundry room. Still, Isa enjoyed it and my nails (although an interesting shade of purple which Isa picked) look better than they have in a long time. And the whole bonding experience cost us less than $15 USD.

Isa has her second English lesson today and if nothing else, these lessons provide some much needed structure to our day. We have "school" in the morning (including English lessons) and take walks or go to the store most afternoons.

We even found a Christian bookstore near our hotel. (I was beginning to wonder if such a thing existed in Colombia.) What a gift from God! I was able to purchase Spanish materials for Isa and for the orphanage. Along those same lines, we were able to worship Sunday with a sweet English speaking congregation here in Bogota.

So God continues to provide for a couple of clueless parents, addressing teenage parenting issues in a foreign culture. We are blessed.

Love, K

Happy to be back in Bogota

We are back in Bogota. As we hoped, it is much better for our family. There are other children, mostly from other countries, running around all day. There is one other Bethany family here and another expected to arrive tonight. We plan to attend a worship service tomorrow.

Isa begins English lessons today, which should be interesting. She actually understands a good bit of English but speaks almost none. According to her medical history, Isa had speech delays (speaking Spanish). Therefore, I expect speaking English may be especially difficult for her. Bethany Christian Services, our adoption agency, recently funded braces for her teeth and mouth. The director communicated that the braces had made a big difference in her speech. I assume for the better. Our prayer is that English will not be a huge frustration for Isa.

Isa continues to adjust well. At times she will even act silly with Sam. One day they giggled for 20 minutes trying on mine and Chip's glasses and pretending to be us. Another time they spent an hour making a house and trampoline for Sam's stuffed bear. When I pulled out the camera, Isa immediately, and strongly indicated that she did not want her picture taken. The only times she has allowed us to take her picture is when she is posing in an inappropriate manner. It's like she enjoys being a normal 14 year old, but has been indoctrinated to believe she should act like a 23 year old Hooter's girl.

So we continue to love her, pray for her, and trust God with her heart and mind. We appreciate your prayers so much.

Love, K

Quick update. Last two mornings we awoke with no power. They use gas to cook and the house is very bright inside, so the only thing we missed was our internet connection. Lots to report. We had our ICBF interview yesterday. We thought it would be Thurs (today), but either it changed or we misunderstood; we met at 5 pm last night. It went well! Isa reported that she was very happy and that she wanted to be part of our family. Praise GOD! Thank you for your prayers. Today we travel over the mountains back to Bogota. Next prayer request- pray that we have a judge that only requires Isa and one parent to travel back to Ibague, not our whole family. Technically, we should all stay here the whole time but we opted to travel back to Bogota for several reasons: we have missionary friends there, the physical environment is easier for Sam to manuver in his wheelchair, we have arranged for English lessons for Isa, and, most importantly, we will not run into Isa's friends (in various states of dress/undress) on the street as we do in Ibague. Third time I've written this blog as internet keeps cutting out..gotta run--- love, K

I thought I'd spend a few minutes describing our accommodations here in Ibague. We are in the private home of our translator. As you enter from the street there is a small courtyard surrounded by a high fence. The living room is not unlike what we would have in the States but the dining room on the back of the house is incredible; it opens to the the back courtyard. I don't mean, you open doors to the back courtyard, I mean that there is not a wall on the back side of the house! The wall is about fifteen feet behind the rest of the house and it forms the back side of the compound. The "roof' over this back courtyard/dining room is a metal grate (for security) with a tree growing through it. Every morning we dine with colorful birds who share our dining room. Honestly, birds kind of freak me out, but even I have come to enjoy them.

Our next meeting for the adoption is on Thursday. Technically, Isa has the option of saying "no". We have been told repeatedly that this never happens. Still, it makes us nervous. So pray, pray, pray!!

love, K

We are still writing from Ibague, Colombia, We hope to travel back to Bogota later this week. Ibague is, of course, smaller and there is very little for us to do safely. This is difficult for a teenage girl. We are told that even the poorest homes have television and internet. These are considered utilities and are on a sliding pay scale. So although Isa came to us with nothing but the clothes on her back (not even a toothbrush), she is accustomed to having almost unlimited computer and television access. She even has a Facebook page! She happily showed us all of her FB pictures, most of which horrified us. Girls are sexualized at a very young age here. It is within the cultural norm for 6, 7 (and up) year-old girls to dress and pose very suggestively.

Considering all of this, Isa is adjusting amazingly. Praise God!!! She is such a sweet girl and is so very eager to please and help. She must be scared and I know she misses her friends, but she seems happy when we talk about going to the United States. Disney World and Hollywood are the two iconic US symbols for 14-year-olds in Colombia, and I will admit we have talked up Disney World. I don't know how we will afford it, but I'm pretty sure we have committed to take her to DW.

So I have given you all enough about which to pray. Love, K

Quick update as internet is sketchy. We met Ana Isabel, or Isa as she prefers, on Thursday. She is a shy, sweet, and amazingly brave young lady. The director and psychologist described her as very obedient and shy. So far she is living up to both descriptions. Last night we spent about two hours bonding over "Uno", the card game. We already love her. I will update as I can. The lights just dimmed, which doesn't bode well for teh internet. Love, K

Presentation Day

Yesterday we traveled from Bogota to Ibague, Colombia. It was a long drive, down and around several mountains and through the countryside. Everything here is colorful. Huge flowering plants, palm trees, and fruit trees are everywhere. The contrast of the extreme poverty in the midst of amazing, natural beauty is striking.

Our most exciting news is that today we meet Ana Isabel for the first time. We are all a bit nervous. Even upbeat Sam, exhausted from our long drive to Ibague, and sensing our anxiety, cried last night, "What if Ana Isabel doesn't like us?" So in just a few minutes we are off to meet our daughter. We sure would appreciate your prayers.

love, k

So now the Journey is not one to bring Sam home but to bring Ana Isabel home. Ana Isabel is a fourteen year old girl in Ibague, Colombia. She has been waiting for her forever family for six years. As many of you know, this has been quite a journey of faith for our family. We have seen God's provision so many times -often by those of you reading this. Therefore, we would be remiss if we did not begin this blog with a big, "THANK YOU!" to you who have prayed and supported us - and of course to our gracious God who upholds us. Thank you!!


We arrived safely here in Bogota late Sunday night. As we walked out of the airport, it was dark, crowded, a bit frightening, and completely unfamiliar. Sights, sounds, smells --all so very different. We have traveled extensively, and still, we weren't quite prepared for this abrupt change in environment - just a small insight into how Ana Isabel will feel when she comes home.

Among the sea of signs in the crowd, we were so very happy to see our name on one. Thankfully, our driver, Johnny, a very kind gentleman, needed no instruction from us. His English was about as good as our Spanish. He drove us through the busy streets to our hotel, which in the dark looked nothing like the Internet pictures we had seen. There was a small army waiting for us at the door, and they quickly ushered us in off the street and bolted the gate of our little fortress behind us. We settled in to our dark, somewhat gloomy looking room and noticed that there was only a rotting frame around the hole where the bathroom door should be. Interesting. Where's a can of Lysol when you need it? Before retiring we all took a wet-one wipe down. The final blow of the evening came when, just one second too late, I read a little sign, hung low on the bathroom wall: "Please do not put toilet tissue in the toilet." I donned my best Scarlet O'Hara attitude and told myself, " I will just have to think about that tomorrow."


Oh what a difference morning makes! His grace and mercies are truly renewed each morning! In spite of the fitful night's sleep, we awoke in a different room. Yes, the carpet was still worn, the bathroom door frame still MIA, the bedding still musty, but the sun was shining in and the coffee was the BEST I've ever had!!! In the daylight the hotel was cheerful and not the least bit scary. It was even familiar, like so many of the German guesthouses we've visited. The staff, although not fluent in English, were eager to please and not annoyed at our lack of Spanish. We met two other American families who are at different stages in the adoption process. Just to be among other believers is such a blessing.

So yesterday all went well until last night. Both Chip and I (thankfully not Sam) got the Colombian Crud. Although unpleasant, mine passed quickly and I drifted off to sleep. I was awakened in the middle of the night by a crash from the bathroom (still no door). I ran in and found Chip laid out on the floor with blood on his head, face, neck and arms.

Ever the compassionate one, I asked (in my confused-suddenly-awakened-state), "Why are you on the floor?"

"I don't know," was his groggy reply.

Within a few minutes we had his wounds bandaged and he was feeling much better. Apparently Chip passed out and fell against the shower door. The shower door broke his fall, but also scraped him up as he slid to the floor. We were awake much of the night making sure Chip was OK. He seems to be fine today--except he looks like he was in a bar fight.

In spite of the Crud and other adventures, we are all well. (Really, Mom and Dad, we are doing well.) We are in great spirits today and spent the morning visiting with the other families here. Children freely roam our compound and Sam has many playmates. We are happy and excited. Of course, we still appreciate your prayers for our health and for a little less drama. If the rest of our trip is boring, that would be fine with us. However, we are totally trusting that He who brought us this far will bring us home...

love, Kristin