Bogota Visit; Dossier Update

Big news: I'm going to Bogota on Friday to see the girls! :) :)

We have Monday off for Columbus Day, and I received permission from the girls' defender to visit them. Chris can't make it, so my sister Christine is going to join me. We will arrive in Bogota Friday evening, go to the fundacion on Saturday morning to visit and then take the girls with us for an overnight and bring them back on Sunday. I can't wait to see them! Chris and I spent yesterday morning getting some different treats and activities for them -- new coloring/activity books & colored pencils, some card games, cute new pajamas (couldn't resist at Costco!). I also went through the children's books we have and picked out some new ones to bring as well as some old favorites from the summer. I was a bit verklempt organizing it all last night -- it brought back some wonderful memories.

Our agency's representative, Manuela, has been fabulous in arranging everything for our visit. She is going to meet us at the airpot and has also planned some fun day trips for us to do with the girls. On Saturday, after we visit the fundacion, we are going to see the Salt Cathedral, a cathedral carved into the side of a mountain in an old salt mine. On Sunday, weather permitting, we will go to Monserrate, a mountain near Bogota that has a cable car to the top. Afterwards on Sunday we're going to tour the colonial city and visit the Museo del Oro, the most famous museum in Bogota.

We are staying at Betty's Place, a guesthouse that caters to adoptive families. Some of the Kidsave families that we know have stayed there when they travelled to visit or adopt. It sounds very down to earth and welcoming.

And, update on our dossier! We have been told that the Regional committee will consider it this Wednesday, October 7. If they approve us at that meeting, then a referral should be issued by next Tuesday (Colombia observes Columbus Day too so Monday is a holiday) and hopefully translated and sent to our agency within the following week so we can get started on the immigration paperwork which is the last step. We are still hoping to travel to adopt in November but we are cutting it close . . . so keep those prayers coming!