Airport/Home!

It was of course a nervous day -- exciting too. We had lots to do -- make up beds, get the backpacks ready, of course I managed to be on knitting deadline as usual for the Colombian "ositos" (teddy bears), food shopping (more food shopping!), etc.

We got out to JFK at about 9:00, 45 minutes before the scheduled meeting time. Robbin and Carolyn were there -- two of the other host parents. We hung around together for awhile and then the Kidsave rep arrived along with other host families and we all waited together. The flight didn't land until 10:25, and they didn't come out through the arrival gate until about an hour later. But then there they were -- a little group of 8 children and their chaperone, wearing Kidsave shirts. We approached the group, found Fernanda and Wendy, and started talking to them in Spanish. Wendy had a big smile, Fernanda seemed much more shy. We showed them their backpacks and the pinwheels, which they liked playing with. After a few minutes, Fernanda said "sueno" (tired), so we asked them if they were ready to leave and they said yes. On the way to the car they asked us a few questions about the dogs and pool, so it seems they did see the letter and picture we had sent.

We got in the car and drove home -- both fell asleep on the way. It was after midnight by this point. When we parked the car they both woke up and seemed to have gotten a second wind. They were both talkative and happy, very impressed by the building and the elevator. When we got inside the apartment and showed them their room they seemed so thrilled. They loved the clothes and the dolls and especially the coloring binders -- in fact they both wanted to sit right down and color, which they did.

After about ten minutes of coloring, it was time to get ready for bed. Much talk of finding pajamas and toothbrushes, where to put dirty clothes, getting the bears and dolls ready to sleep with them, brushing teeth. We said the Our Father and Hail Mary with them in Spanish (which they already knew by heart), kissed them goodnight, and not a peep since.

We're both really pleased with how it all went -- they seemed to get comfortable quickly and both are so sweet. We're excited for tomorrow! Plans include pool time, walking around Riverdale and meeting the dogs. :)

For some reason the pics won't post, so I'll try again tomorrow.