Joyce, Jeferson and Diego arrived in Chicago around 7 Pm on Friday night. We are so happy to be home!!!
The boys did great on the journey home. Although, it did start out with the driver scheduled to pick us up at the hotel, did not show up. So they sent a different driver. He did not speak English, but did a fantastic job with getting us through the airport, in the time we had to get to our gate.
The Hayden family had received all of their docuements on Thursday as well, so we were fortunate to have some companions to travel with us. There were so many checkpoints, and of course Joyce leaving with the boys, also required special permission, as children are required to have a document signed by both parents, allowing the children to travel with only 1 parent.
We arrived in the US mid afternoon, and again had more checkpoints and security to go through. As many of you said, the boys would rise to the occasion and be real troopers. They were! At one security point, when Jeferson had to get out of his stroller to be checked, I had already put him back in his stroller, but Diego didn't notice me do that, and he turned to me all worried, and said- "Mommy, JEFERSON!!!!" I pointed to Jeferson in the stroller, and he sighed a big relief and smiled! They really watch out for each other. In Atlanta, our flight was delayed, so we had a little longer wait. I took peoples suggestions, and went and got them food to eat. It worked. Although I am sure the man behind the counter at Ben and Jerry's was wondering what Jeferson was asking for, when he said "Senor--Fresa Helado, por favor!" (strawberry ice cream, please!). Yes, it is definitely time now to learn english.
We arrived in Chicago, and the minute we got off of the Jetway, Jeferson asked- No Papi? I assured him that papi was there, and we would be meeting up with him soon. Yes, of course papi was there, as close as the security at the airport would allow him.
It was a great reunion, and we got home late last night.
Today, Joyce is sick with a cold, so she is laying low, and Eric is taking great care of the boys, in getting them adjusted to their new home, and doing some unpacking.
Thanks to all of you for all of your support during our journey.
Love to all
Joyce Eric, Diego and Jeferson.
Saturday, November 8, 2008
Thursday, November 6, 2008
We are going home to Wisconsin
Our bags are packed and we're going home! How wonderful it is to say that!
I picked up the boys VISA's this afternoon, and we are packed. I am not sure if the boys know that we are really going to our home this time, or if they just think that we are moving again.
Jeferson was given a toy motorcycle from the orphanage this morning, and he said that he is going to drive his motorcycle to Wisconsin!
Sounds like flurries and freezing rain are in the forecast, so we hope that doesn't delay our flights. Although, that would just be "par for the course" as our entire trip has been one obstacle after another.
I am shutting down my computer, and packing it away, so this will be the last post from Colombia. I will post again once we are home to let everyone know we made it safely at last!
Not sure if we will continue to keep updating the blog (Sorry all you blog junkies!!) It will be a great remembrance to our boys and us in the future.
We thank you for all the support that everyone has given.
Adios!
Joyce Eric Diego and Jeferson
I picked up the boys VISA's this afternoon, and we are packed. I am not sure if the boys know that we are really going to our home this time, or if they just think that we are moving again.
Jeferson was given a toy motorcycle from the orphanage this morning, and he said that he is going to drive his motorcycle to Wisconsin!
Sounds like flurries and freezing rain are in the forecast, so we hope that doesn't delay our flights. Although, that would just be "par for the course" as our entire trip has been one obstacle after another.
I am shutting down my computer, and packing it away, so this will be the last post from Colombia. I will post again once we are home to let everyone know we made it safely at last!
Not sure if we will continue to keep updating the blog (Sorry all you blog junkies!!) It will be a great remembrance to our boys and us in the future.
We thank you for all the support that everyone has given.
Adios!
Joyce Eric Diego and Jeferson
Wednesday, November 5, 2008
US Embassy Visit
Whew! Other than picking up the VISA from the US Embassy after 3:30 PM on Thursday, and a final visit to say goodbye to the staff at the orphanage, we have everything done. So, I have a few more things that I thought of to pick up, and then finish packing, and I am ready to go home.
The Embassy visit went great. We were able to bypass all of the long lines, because we were applying for an immigrant VISA, and not for a tourist VISA. After completing the forms, I had a series of 2 "interviews" with an agent, and then we were approved for the VISA's. It is normal to have to go back the next day to pick up the actual VISA.
This afternoon we walked to a shop that sells the Colombian Futbol (soccer) uniforms, as we couldn't have 2 boys from Colombia, and not have the official soccer uniform. I bought them a little large, so they will have them to wear next summer. I still would like to pick up a soccer ball for the boys, so hopefully I can do that tomorrow. I was waiting to see if I have the room to spare in my luggage, and it looks like it just might fit.
So, Thursday's agenda, is to go to Ayudame orphanage at 10 AM, then hopefully sneak in a trip to Unicentro mall for the soccer ball, then go to the US Embassy at 3:30 to pick up the VISA's. We will need to say goodbye to the staff in the evening, as they have been so wonderful to all of us, and then to bed, for my challenging day ahead of travelling home on Friday, with 2 active boys!!
Adios!
Joyce Eric Diego and Jeferson
The Embassy visit went great. We were able to bypass all of the long lines, because we were applying for an immigrant VISA, and not for a tourist VISA. After completing the forms, I had a series of 2 "interviews" with an agent, and then we were approved for the VISA's. It is normal to have to go back the next day to pick up the actual VISA.
This afternoon we walked to a shop that sells the Colombian Futbol (soccer) uniforms, as we couldn't have 2 boys from Colombia, and not have the official soccer uniform. I bought them a little large, so they will have them to wear next summer. I still would like to pick up a soccer ball for the boys, so hopefully I can do that tomorrow. I was waiting to see if I have the room to spare in my luggage, and it looks like it just might fit.
So, Thursday's agenda, is to go to Ayudame orphanage at 10 AM, then hopefully sneak in a trip to Unicentro mall for the soccer ball, then go to the US Embassy at 3:30 to pick up the VISA's. We will need to say goodbye to the staff in the evening, as they have been so wonderful to all of us, and then to bed, for my challenging day ahead of travelling home on Friday, with 2 active boys!!
Adios!
Joyce Eric Diego and Jeferson
Tuesday, November 4, 2008
New Birth Certificates and Colombian Passports
It's official. The boys now share our last name. For Colombian purposes, they carry 2 last names- Diego Alexander Christy Rindfleisch and Jeferson Gustavo Christy Rindfleisch. We did not change their given first and middle names. Once we do the paperwork in the States, we will drop the Rindfleisch part of the last name, as this is not a norm in the US.
Cecilia and Mario, our driver, picked me up at 7:15 AM this morning. We headed over to the Notary in Downtown Bogota, to get the new Birth Certificates. After completing the paperwork, we were told that we could pick it up after 11:00 AM. So we returned to pick up the official birth certificates of the boys, listing us as the parents.
Next, we rushed back to the hotel, to pick up the boys, and go to the Passporte office to get their Colombian passports. When we arrived, we first had the pictures taken of the boys for their passports, doctor visit, and US VISA's. Then we moved on to completing the application for the Passport. When we arrived at the counter, the agent told us that our Sentencia documents did not include mine and Eric's Passport numbers, and this is a requirement! Apparently Court 15 does not put the passport numbers on the Sentencia documents. We had waited so long for this document, and I was very upset to find out that is was inadequate. After some convincing, Cecilia was able to get the passport office to agree to having the revision faxed over by the court. So, Mario, our driver, went back to the hotel to get the kids, as we had dropped them off at the hotel when we thought we were going back to the courts. Then, Mario headed back to the courts, to personally, fax over the copy of the revision to the Passport office. It was great how everyone worked together to get the passports for the boys. The office closed at 3:00 PM, and we walked out of their with 2 passports at 3:15 PM.
Next, we headed over to the Doctors office, for the boys to get a physical, which is required by the US Embassy to bring the boys to the US. This was also very interesting, as when our name was called at the clinic, we walked ourselves back to the doctors office, where he was waiting. His office was long and narrow, and it seemed like a mile to the other end of the office where the doctor was sitting behind his desk. It was somewhat intimidating and nothing like what you would find in the US. The children are healthy, and average for their ages. Diego had actually grown about 6 inches from earlier this year. They are currently in sizes 6 for Diego, and Size 4T for Jeferson, and I guess that this is average for their ages as well.
The one thing the doctor did say, is that they need to learn what "no touch" means. They were curious and touched everything in sight.
After about an hour, we were finished, with the papers in hand required by the US Embassy, to issue their VISA's. We returned back to the hotel about 6PM. This is by far the busiest day that I have had in Bogota. But well worth it. And just think, it was good practice for all of the future days that I will have, running the boys to school, and sports, and events!!!!
IT IS ALL WELL WORTH IT!!!! And I got so much accomplished. Tomorrow, Mario will be picking me and the boys up at the hotel, at 9:30 AM, and we will be going to the US Embassy for the children's VISA. We should then be able to return to pick up the VISA on Thursday.
We booked our flights, and we are scheduled to leave here at 9:30 AM on Friday morning, and arrive at Chicago O'Hare at approximately 6PM!!!! It is hard to believe only a few more days.
Although, I think that Colombia is a beautiful country with such kind people, I am ready to come home. We know we will be back to visit this wonderful native country to our boys.
Adios.
Joyce Eric Jeferson and Diego
Cecilia and Mario, our driver, picked me up at 7:15 AM this morning. We headed over to the Notary in Downtown Bogota, to get the new Birth Certificates. After completing the paperwork, we were told that we could pick it up after 11:00 AM. So we returned to pick up the official birth certificates of the boys, listing us as the parents.
Next, we rushed back to the hotel, to pick up the boys, and go to the Passporte office to get their Colombian passports. When we arrived, we first had the pictures taken of the boys for their passports, doctor visit, and US VISA's. Then we moved on to completing the application for the Passport. When we arrived at the counter, the agent told us that our Sentencia documents did not include mine and Eric's Passport numbers, and this is a requirement! Apparently Court 15 does not put the passport numbers on the Sentencia documents. We had waited so long for this document, and I was very upset to find out that is was inadequate. After some convincing, Cecilia was able to get the passport office to agree to having the revision faxed over by the court. So, Mario, our driver, went back to the hotel to get the kids, as we had dropped them off at the hotel when we thought we were going back to the courts. Then, Mario headed back to the courts, to personally, fax over the copy of the revision to the Passport office. It was great how everyone worked together to get the passports for the boys. The office closed at 3:00 PM, and we walked out of their with 2 passports at 3:15 PM.
Next, we headed over to the Doctors office, for the boys to get a physical, which is required by the US Embassy to bring the boys to the US. This was also very interesting, as when our name was called at the clinic, we walked ourselves back to the doctors office, where he was waiting. His office was long and narrow, and it seemed like a mile to the other end of the office where the doctor was sitting behind his desk. It was somewhat intimidating and nothing like what you would find in the US. The children are healthy, and average for their ages. Diego had actually grown about 6 inches from earlier this year. They are currently in sizes 6 for Diego, and Size 4T for Jeferson, and I guess that this is average for their ages as well.
The one thing the doctor did say, is that they need to learn what "no touch" means. They were curious and touched everything in sight.
After about an hour, we were finished, with the papers in hand required by the US Embassy, to issue their VISA's. We returned back to the hotel about 6PM. This is by far the busiest day that I have had in Bogota. But well worth it. And just think, it was good practice for all of the future days that I will have, running the boys to school, and sports, and events!!!!
IT IS ALL WELL WORTH IT!!!! And I got so much accomplished. Tomorrow, Mario will be picking me and the boys up at the hotel, at 9:30 AM, and we will be going to the US Embassy for the children's VISA. We should then be able to return to pick up the VISA on Thursday.
We booked our flights, and we are scheduled to leave here at 9:30 AM on Friday morning, and arrive at Chicago O'Hare at approximately 6PM!!!! It is hard to believe only a few more days.
Although, I think that Colombia is a beautiful country with such kind people, I am ready to come home. We know we will be back to visit this wonderful native country to our boys.
Adios.
Joyce Eric Jeferson and Diego
Monday, November 3, 2008
The Packing has begun
Hola,
Since it has been raining since late yesterday afternoon, we spent the day in the hotel. Diego watched Scooby Doo 5 times today, and of course Clifford only once. The movies are in English, so it must be helping. Yesterday, when Tia Jeanne was here, I heard Jeferson say "Spit it Out!" I didn't recall saying this, since I wouldn't think they would understand me, so I asked Jeanne if maybe she said it and that is where he heard it from. She didn't recall saying it, but Jeferson and Diego will often put things in their mouths, so she thought it was possible. This morning, as I was watching Clifford with the boys, one of the characters in the moving was talking to a dog, and asked a question, and the dog didn't answer, so the guy said "spit it out!!". Now I know where Jeferson picked it up from.
I started packing up the purchases, and some of the things I am not going to need this week. I am hoping to get by with 4 suitcases. We will see. My shoes might put me over the top.
Tomorrow is going to be a busy day. Cecilia is picking me up at 7:15 AM, and we are going to the notary in the morning. Then if all goes as planned, and I get the boys birth certificates, then I am going to come back to the hotel to get the boys, and we are going to the Colombian passport office to get their passports, and then to the US doctor for their physicals, required by the US Embassy. Since tomorrow is Election Day, we are not going to be able to go to the US Embassy to get their Visas, so we will have to do this on Wednesday. Pick up the Visa on Thursday, and hopefully fly back to the US on Friday.
Keep us in your prayers, that all goes as planned, and we are home safe and sound on Friday night.
Sorry, no photos. (As Jeferson would say "Mommy, no more photos!!) I think the boys are tired of my camera!
Adios
Joyce Eric, Diego and Jeferson
Since it has been raining since late yesterday afternoon, we spent the day in the hotel. Diego watched Scooby Doo 5 times today, and of course Clifford only once. The movies are in English, so it must be helping. Yesterday, when Tia Jeanne was here, I heard Jeferson say "Spit it Out!" I didn't recall saying this, since I wouldn't think they would understand me, so I asked Jeanne if maybe she said it and that is where he heard it from. She didn't recall saying it, but Jeferson and Diego will often put things in their mouths, so she thought it was possible. This morning, as I was watching Clifford with the boys, one of the characters in the moving was talking to a dog, and asked a question, and the dog didn't answer, so the guy said "spit it out!!". Now I know where Jeferson picked it up from.
I started packing up the purchases, and some of the things I am not going to need this week. I am hoping to get by with 4 suitcases. We will see. My shoes might put me over the top.
Tomorrow is going to be a busy day. Cecilia is picking me up at 7:15 AM, and we are going to the notary in the morning. Then if all goes as planned, and I get the boys birth certificates, then I am going to come back to the hotel to get the boys, and we are going to the Colombian passport office to get their passports, and then to the US doctor for their physicals, required by the US Embassy. Since tomorrow is Election Day, we are not going to be able to go to the US Embassy to get their Visas, so we will have to do this on Wednesday. Pick up the Visa on Thursday, and hopefully fly back to the US on Friday.
Keep us in your prayers, that all goes as planned, and we are home safe and sound on Friday night.
Sorry, no photos. (As Jeferson would say "Mommy, no more photos!!) I think the boys are tired of my camera!
Adios
Joyce Eric, Diego and Jeferson
Sunday, November 2, 2008
Sunday Markets in Bogota
Today, we visited the flea markets here in Bogota. Every Sunday, vendors set up their crafts and booths, in a park. This is only the 2nd time that I have gone to the markets. You can find some amazing jewelry here. I did find a pair of earrings.
We went to have lunch at a restaurant on the square. Below is a photo of Jeanne and I having lunch at Tienda de Cafe. They have an area where they will take care of the kids while you can have lunch. The area has games, crafts and television, and is supervised. The boys joined us to eat, but played in this area before the food was served, and after they finished eating. What a great idea to have this!!
They have an area where they will take care of the kids while you can have lunch. The area has games, crafts and television, and is supervised. The boys joined us to eat, but played in this area before the food was served, and after they finished eating. What a great idea to have this!!
The morning started out with sunshine, but around noon, it started to become overcast, and by 2PM it was raining very hard. So we had to cut our shopping short due to the rain.
We went to have lunch at a restaurant on the square. Below is a photo of Jeanne and I having lunch at Tienda de Cafe. They have an area where they will take care of the kids while you can have lunch. The area has games, crafts and television, and is supervised. The boys joined us to eat, but played in this area before the food was served, and after they finished eating. What a great idea to have this!!
They have an area where they will take care of the kids while you can have lunch. The area has games, crafts and television, and is supervised. The boys joined us to eat, but played in this area before the food was served, and after they finished eating. What a great idea to have this!! Can you find Diego? Yes, this is the 3rd day that he has worn his Spiderman costume. However, today, he did agree to put some sweat pants over the costume. He did have a shirt over the top, but it was too warm for both. 
The food at Tienda de Cafe was fantastic. We even had a dessert. I think this brownie beats any of the ice cream here in Bogota. It almost looks to good to eat- but it was delicious.
The food at Tienda de Cafe was fantastic. We even had a dessert. I think this brownie beats any of the ice cream here in Bogota. It almost looks to good to eat- but it was delicious.
We spent the rest of the afternoon at the hotel, just relaxing. It has been fun to have Tia Jeanne visit us. The boys really attached to her, and we will miss here. We wish that she lived in Wisconsin with us, so we could visit her more often.
Monday is a holiday here in Bogota, so there will be no paperwork that we will be able to complete, as the offices will not be open. I think I need to start organizing my things, to try to fit everything into the suitcases that I have allotted.
Adios,
Joyce, Eric, Diego and Jeferson.
Adios-
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