Day 5 of the journey...

Oh my! We woke up today. Exhausted. Valeria/Abi was up three times in the night. It was horrible. The first time she had 4 oz. of her sweet milk. The second and third time I held her but it didn't seem like enough. Remember, she doesn't whimper and then begin to cry. She just begins by a back-of-the-throat YELL. (Also be reminded that we are all in the same room!!!) The third time this happened I had little to give. I know my body language must have told her that too. I could hardly see straight.

She woke (for the day) at 7:15ish with a yell and then both Josh & Bella were up too. Bruce had been up all three times in the night (not to the length that I was, but still woken...is woken a word?) so I knew he was spent. We all went downstairs, ordered the kids their usual hot chocolate (Colombian tradition) with ham/eggs and toast. During that hour, of course, Valeria fell asleep in her stroller. I felt nausea but had to ignore those feelings. Right about the time breakfast was ready, Bruce came down the stairs...praise Jesus! He took over and I went back to bed for a couple hours.

We were able to connect with some of Bruce's family via SKYPE today! It was great to see familiar faces, talk through the computer, laugh together and be encouraged by them. If you'd like to talk with us via SKYPE, you have to download it on your computer. Then contact us (through email) as to when it might be a good time to visit. They LOVED seeing Valeria/Abi on the screen...sweet!

At noon we had "church" together as a family on our little balcony. It was lovely. We started with a couple praise and worship songs, then we were interrup

ted by Doris, one of the housekeepers. She came to check on something in the bathroom but then came out to the balcony and began to talk with Bruce about God. She told him she is a Jehovah's Witness and that she believes in God. I believe she likes what she sees in us...which is Jesus. After she left, Bruce spoke briefly about there being only one God. He talked a bit about what Jehovah's Witness believe, what we believe and what the Bible says to us..."No one comes to the Father except by Me (Jesus)." The kids were surprisingly involved. Bella had her Bible out and Josh had his Bible opened on his Itouch. Bella then wanted to share a scripture. She opened her Bible to Psalm 119:17, read it to us and then pulled out her memory verse card from kid's church and it read that we should obey God.

It was really precious. She also talked to us about a time that God spoke to her after she asked Him to speak to her. Josh chimed in and said that a couple years ago, at kids camp, God gave him a special word for two friends who were with him and they were encouraged. It was priceless.

Vicky, came atnoon to guide us for the day. She could tell I was tired and I explained that I was up most of the night. She was sorry and said that some babies, in the early days of bonding with their new parents don't want to sleep. First of all, they don't want to miss anything and secondly, they are reminded in the evening of their foster families. Just like adults they get "down" in the evenings when the sun goes down and something heavy is already on their/our hearts. Poor sweet baby girl.

Vicky took us to the mountains today. She said most people in Medellin leave the city and head to the mountains on the weekends. We drove for about 30 minutes and had lunch at a lovely restaurant. Me and the kids had steak and chicken shish-kabobs with fries and cokes! I also had a side of sauteed vegetables...so delicious. All of us are really enjoying the food here. So much so that next week sometime, Lillia, the owner of this B&B said she's willing to teach me how to cook Colombian food! I'm so excited. It's really not THAT different but the seasonings are different. I was expecting spicy but everything has been seasoned perfectly. I'm so thankful my stomach has cooperated with this trip. All of us are healthy!

Vicky and I have a beautiful, connection. The more we visit, the more we find that we have in common...and there is alot in common between us. Our documents state that our guide/interpreter is Gloria but Gloria wasn't well after having had surgery. I really believe that God gave us Vicky for a specific purpose! She is just beautiful ~ inside and out! We all enjoy her greatly!

In the same area as the restaurant, there was a large play area! They don't have what we (Americans) call "normal" parks in Medellin. There may be a swing set near but not a play ground or an area that's created for kids to play. Our kids loved it...including Bruce! After I got bit by several ants (I think they were ants?) we were on our way to a new location. We went

to a store that looked a bit like a market. It was full of souvenirs and so colorful. It looked like "Colombia" to me and I loved it. Bruce, on the other hand, is not into souvenirs. Bella and I did our shopping and as we were driving away, I realized we spent way too much money on a hat that Bella wanted. I thought the price read, "13,500" in pesos, which would have been about $7. Actually, the price read, "$135,000" pesos...oh my gosh!!! Did we just spend $70 on a hat for a child?!!! We turned around and after discussion we were allowed to exchange the hat for other items. It was not a happy time. Bella was sad but understood.

Bruce was less than thrilled to be in the store in the first place and I was left looking for more items (in a rush) to make the exchange. I ended up getting two nice items for gifts, handmade in Colombia, and a few children's bracelets, also handmade in Colombia. Not what I would have chosen to spend the money on but it all works out in the end.

On our way home, Josh was leaning his head on my left shoulder, Bella leaning up against my right arm and Valeria/Abi sitting asleep in my lap. The joy of motherhood. That was my favorite part of today...being surrounded by my beautiful treasures!!!

This evening we spent our time here at the house. No one else was here so the kids ran around, we talked with Doris and just played together. I noticed while we were eating that Valeria had a different look in her eyes towards me. She was more open to me. She was giving me some of her food and I was acting like I was going to gobble her hand off. She smiled from ear to ear! We sang. We danced. We acted super silly and I feel as though we had a new level of bonding today.

I held Valeria tonight while the kids watched Toy Story 1 in Spanish. You would have thought they knew the language. Very cute! Then gave her a bottle and prayed that she would find rest in her spirit tonight. That she would sleep through the night with no concerns of whose face she might see in the morning. That she would feel loved and chosen, mostly by God, but also by us.

It's 9:27pm. If you know me, you know that I'm a night owl. I love to stay up late. I love it! However, everyone is in bed around me and I'm signing off as well.

Please agree with me that Valeria will find hope, security and love in us. Pray that each day brings a deeper bond. Pray that she remains healthy. It's "winter" here and although it's not cold to us, everyone is bundled up...especially the babies. Due to her history, she can struggle sometimes with upper respiratory problems. This is the area you can pray for. Please also pray that Bruce and I remain close in our hearts. Three kids is more than one...in case you didn't know. We are busy showing all of them love, can't take time to get away and I don't want us to pass each other.

No pictures tonight...don't have the energy. Your comments the last two days are what keeps me blogging. Obviously, I want to jot down my thoughts and what we are doing but I'm tired. Knowing that you are enjoying or reading this blog, blesses me!

We appreciate and love you!

Ps. 139