Day 18

Hello everyone!
Day 18 and all is well. Sorry I do not get the opportunity to update everyone daily. I am flying solo now and Miss Sofia keeps me very very busy. During her nap time the only computer in the hotel is used by the children. By late evening, when it is free, I usually crash alongside Sofia. Other times, I enjoy talking with the women in the loft. All the kids are asleep, it is quiet, I have my coffee, and breathe.

After a full weekend of outings, we enjoyed a lazy Monday. We slept in, walked to the grocery store (whoo whoo,) and played at McDonalds. The food tastes the same however, their menu is very limited. Saturday, we went to Panaca Sabana where Sofia enjoyed riding a pony, petting the goats, horses, and rabbits. She seems quite fearless. She layed on the ground to come face to face with a goat. They also had pig races which all the children loved. On Sunday, our Colombian Coordinator Lucia, sent a bus for all the families from Children's Hope International to visit a village called Guatavita. It is about an hour from Bogota. We got together with the Adelman's, Hollis', and Boyacheks. They had fabulous food and great shopping. It is my mission to find Sofia 18 items from Colombia that somehow incorporate a butterfly. I thought I could give her something from Colombia on every birthday. She seems to love them. Thus, the nickname "Mariposa." You really have to make sure the items here are Colombian. My husband previously noticed many items which were manufactured in China. Guatavita also had a museum, parks, and a gorgeous lake. I could not have managed the stroller by myself. Big thanks to Emi, Nate and Mark! All of these families have been so supportive of us. It may be a blessing we lost our camera because they have taken some awesome photos of Sofia. She is becoming a real ham.

Last evening the hotel hosted a "Day Spa" for the girls. They brought in a stylist who did their hair and nails. The "pre-teen set" here adore Sofia and included her in the festivities. She cried and pulled out every rubber band within an hour. Well, she looked extra adorable for an hour anyway!

We found out late last week that we are in courtroom #13. At first I flinched, superstitious you know. However, I have been assured that this is an efficient courtroom. Being that Thursday is a holiday here, it is unlikely we will receive sentencia this week. Just know, we are fine. I have just a little touch of homesickness. I really miss my boys! However, I can relax a bit knowing they have been cared for so well. Talk to you all soon, my princess is now awake. We love you.