Hi everyone! I hope this Christmas season finds you all healthy and happy. I wanted to give you a quick update before Christmas and I am happy to report that our translation of our Dossier to Spanish was completed on December 4th! This took the one month that our agency estimated it would take. So things are moving on schedule.
During this time, our agency has been researching what our best options would be considering our child preferences. They have concluded that it would be best for us to be submitted to the ICBF (The Colombian Institute of Family Welfare). They feel there are more siblings waiting to be adopted than any of the Casa Privadas (Private Orphanages).
Once our paperwork has been submitted to the ICBF, we are told it has been taking them 3 to 4 months for them to review Dossiers. We then will receive a formal letter stating the age range and number of children they will be referring to us.
So it looks like we will not hear anything till sometime in March or April!
In the mean time the other day I was searching for information on the traditions of Christmas in Colombia. Here is some information that I found.
One person wrote:
“The main religion in Colombia is Roman Catholic. This affects the way they celebrate Christmas. The way Colombia is known to celebrate Christmas is similar to the United States but also different.
Nine days before Christmas, parties and religious observances begin. On Christmas Eve, families gather together and eat a large dinner. They also pray around "el pesebre" (the nativity), sing Christmas carols and exchange gifts. On Christmas Day, children receive gifts as did baby Jesus. Some even believe the gifts come from Jesus.”
Another person wrote:
“As in any Catholic country Christmas is an important celebration both for the common people and for the establishment. Principal celebrations start on December 16 with the beginning of the "Novena", a nine day count down leading up to the 25th, Christmas Eve. During these days people build altars in their homes with miniature figurines of the Christmas scene: The little hut with Joseph and Mary and the cradle which actually stays empty until Christmas Eve, when as part of the family celebration the little child Jesus is put into the cradle. Of course there is special food for the gathering which usually reunites the entire family. Gifts are exchanged at midnight and the bigger cities put up some fireworks.”
As I dream about the possibility of our children being home next Christmas, I am excited to learn about their Christmas traditions and share with them ours!
Merry Christmas and God bless everyone.
Love,
Donna
Merry Christmas
I'm ready for 2007! May the new year bring you both many dreams come true. I pray that your children are home with you soon. Feliz Navidad.
Congrats
Hey Scooter and Donna - Nice to hear it is all going so well. Let me know if I can be of any servie reviewing the Spanish stuff ok? Espero la llegada de los lindos ninos y para ser una tia carinosa para ellos. Ok ---- that's for you two to practice! Much love , cousin Marnie
Thinking of You
Dear Donna and Scott, We have read and reread your note about your expected children. Dad and I are so happy for you and looking looking forward to adding two more members to the family (or maybe more.) Keep us posted and let us know what we can do. In the meantime, we send all our love. Mom and Dad Kre
Best of Luck!
Hope this new year brings you your long awaited family. Hopefully, it won't be a needy family with 5 children. One never knows. Of course, there's always basketball.
A great 2007 for you!
Scott and Donna, It seems as if things are moving along for you. We hope this year brings all of the joys you both deserve. Raising children is such a joy (if a little challenging). We wish you the best of luck and speed in having this accomplished so your family will be complete. Love, Unc "C" and Aunt Eileen
A Thought
I had a thought the other evening. I thought about some siblings out there in the world and how their lives will forever be changed. The love and the opportunities that may have only been a dream will become reality when they are connected with their wonderful new parents-- Scott and Donna