Today was pretty challenging. We had our Interview with the Psychologist back up in Chinquinquira about 3 hours north of where we are staying. So picture this. 4 adults and 3 children in a car about the size of a Chevy Geo - its actually a Peugot but everyone can picture a Geo. Donna and I and the kids sat in the back. Yes 5 people in the back seat and as Anji mentioned in her previous post she has become VERY attached to Mami who had to sit with her on her lap the whole way up and the whole way back. While I had Jhon Fredy (and at times Carol) sitting on my lap the whole time. It was a complete bonding experience. Anji has this book that plays music and she is absolutely CRAZY about this one song so we had to listen to that over and over and over. I still have it in my head! The kids did great tho they were troopers about the whole thing. No one got sick and the tears were kept to a minimum (as long as Anji got her way...just kidding).
Well, the interview was concerning how the relationships were developing. Jhon-Fredy put on a brilliant show immediately after we got in there by hugging and kissing me non stop and reaching for Mami. Carol batted her eyes and sat and smiled looking beautiful in her dress while Anji - well she was just Anji and won everyone over. The interview went really well and we were then off to the courthouse to present the papers to the judge, sign some other papers and we were done. Oh and we got to meet the judge who talked to the children for a few mintutes. That was pretty cool. Wanted to share a picture with you of the WHOLE Krebs family coming out of the courthouse. And yes I AM wearing a fanny pack - but where else is a guy supposed to carry his emergency wet wipes, matchbox cars and Polly Pockets paraphernalia?!
Well that's about it for our day. I wanted to mention a few other things as well. I was thinking that all we've been reporting is pretty much the smiling faces and warm fuzzies. I received an email today from someone mentioning how much they were liking the blog entries and how happy we all looked, but that it must be a little overwheming even as happy as we are with having the children.
Yeah it hasn't been without its challenges. The language difference has been a little frustrating for both us and the kids - especially the first couple of days. It's also a bit intimidating when you are supposed to be taking care of these children but you you have to rely on others to translate for you at the grocery store. Some emotional stuff has come up as well. Just today - Carol woke up this morning and was very upset because she knew we where going back to where we met and she thought we were taking her back and leaving her there.
But honestly, things just seem to have a way of working themselves out. This morning when Carol was upset - Donna was able to use the Spanish dictionary to help explain to Carol that we were together forever and that we were only going for a visit. Afterwhich Carol just beamed.
We have met a wonderful bunch of folks here who have helped out IMMENSELY with helping us communicate with the children. So later this morning Donna asked one of the women to help reiterate with Carol that this was truly just a visit to the ICBF.
I guess what I'm trying to say - and I think I touched on this in an earlier post - that I had been reading a book by Erwin McManus (Chasing Daylight) where he mentions that prayer is not always about trying to get God to take obstacles and challenges out of our paths but more about asking God to help us to continue to be strong through the learning experiences He places before us. In other words God doesn't deliver us FROM our challenges but he delivers us THROUGH them.
So He provides us with the solutions we need to get through the hard times. The tricky part is whether we are willing to listen to Him and brave enough to take the risk of trusting Him.
Well - that's about it for tonight. Keep the posts coming cuz it's been really good to hear from everyone.
later,
Scott
What a GREAT family picture! Being able to read the BLOG has been so wonderful... we would be going nuts wondering how things were going without it... Today when we were at the pool -- the Krebs BLOG was a topic of the day -- we were all commenting how we look forward to the NEXT post! I bet Carol was super happy to get back into the tiny car to head back to the hotel tonight! I'm glad she was able to communicate why she was upset. It's great that you were able to reassure her and comfort her!
Scott and Donna,
Thank you for sharing so much. Your faith is transparent and God will continue blessing you all.
You are so brave to take the trip and come back the same day. That would be a lot for my kids. HOpe you had time to rest some. I really wish I would be in Bogota to help you in any way I could..
I enjoy teaching children and have developed more patience after having two kids..
Thinking about the behaviors that you mention about ANGI, I am not around her but since I met her only once she looks like a very bright girl. And the fact that she feeds by herself she either does this because she has had to learn to survive or else she is a gifted girl. Also,the way you mention she talks a lot to herself, it is a sign that she is very smart and just needs some intelectual estimulation.. I do not know but when I saw her for the first time she looked like a girl that is very bright and sharp... Watch her she may have signs of being a gifted child.Those children do erratic behaviors when not stimulated.. But of course this is just my opinion and I am not a professional in the field.
I finally made it to Buenos Aires. I picked up more workbooks from their school so we have a lot of homeschooling to do for the next two months. I will return to Bogota September 30th. Are you leaving for Pittsburg at the end of August??? Do you have to go back to Chiquinquira???.
Did you see the virgin of Chiquinquira in one of the Churches?? she is famous for perfoming miracles.. But you guys do not need any miracle... you already had yours...those children... Thank you for teaching me such lesson of love....love for children from my homeland. That have touched my heart so deeply.
Adios amigos,
Please say hello to the kids, from Aunt GIna, Tia GINA
So it looks like everything is official now?
We all know that you share the most touching and moving parts of your experience on the blog b/c that is what is most important to you and we understand that there is a whole lot of other stuff that you guys are working through each day that is demanding. You do however make me cherish parenting by the way you describe the special moments and kind of chuckle at all my challenges with Victor's sweet little tantrums that he lovingly shares with us.
Thank you so much for your updates. It is so exciting for us to read about the start of your family! What a wonderful insight to the start of a brand new family. The story about Carol and her feelings about going back to her town was just precious.
We can't wait to see you all again and meet the new family. Joseph is in the loop and looking forward to meeting his new friends!
By the way - there is nothing wrong with a fanny pack. You'll be missing the whole carrying the diaper bag stage so a fanny pack is nothing.
Scott, can you update us and tell us what the next step is for the final completion of the adoption? Are you now just waiting for the judge to sign off on the paperwork and then you can come home? Just curious and excited!!!
KM
I'll need to somehow print a copy of that wonderful family picture! Just wondering if Maria C. took you guys yesterday and if that other adult in the car was Santiago?
Scott,
I have not been blessed to meet you (just your awesome wife at our adoption small group), but WOW, you impress me. Your love for and dependence on the Lord is so awesome and commendable. Thanks for the inspiration you impart because of your obedience. Donna, your moment with Carol touched me so deeply to tears. That is the love God has for us and she is learning about. A forever family. I am so thrilled for you all and hope you can join us in the group sometime in the future to share with and encourage us all. I cannot describe how very overwhelmed I am at seeing God at work in this all. Enjoy your blessings. You are doing an awesome job!
love,
darlene grieco
It sounds like things are moving along as expected - ups and downs, tears and smiles, Spanish words, English words, fanny packs.....
Your blog is absolutely wonderful!! I have shared it with Raul - who also loves it!!!
Talk to you soon!
What a wonderful message on challenges, Scott. Each day I read and enjoy your photos. Each day I also learn something about myself as I imagine myself in your shoes. Your patience, faith, and love are an inspiration. Thank you so much for sharing this entire experience with allof us onlookers...maybe you could have done reality TV?? :)
What a wonderful picture of you and your family. I try to imagine how these children must feel as it slowly sinks in that you will be Mom and Pop forever. Can't imagine your own feelings. We're sending you positive vibes. I'm sure you can feel them 'cause we're all here to help.
Unc.
Hey folks
Such a beautiful family and I like Donna's spunk in getting out that dictionary! Let me know if I can help in anyway with some over-the-phone translations to let the little ones know how committed you two are to them for the rest of their lives. Lost of love.
Marnie
Hey, I have sent a few comments from Brodyn and I and none have them have been posted.......
do you have me blocked ?
I want to make fun of your "fanny pack".
Little Broyn wants to know why Uncle Scott has a purse around his waist ??
Great Family Photo......
Nice to see you are comfortable showing your feminine side while holding Carol. That brings a big smile to my face. Never thought I would be dressing up in drag, my new favorite color would be pink, and loving every minute of it.
Enjoy it all. This is a once in a life time experience ! And, HE is with you every step of the way......
Love ya both, Ry Guy
I'm loving the "Krebs Family Adoption" blog. I look forward to it every day! I hope you won't stop when you get back to the states. You don't have to post every day... but please do if you feel like it :o)
Love to All,
Laura
So glad to see the whole family together. What a great picture! Your car ride sounds like fun--cramped legs and all. Our love to all.
Unc "C" and Aunt Eileen
Scott, Pastor David preached this in a sermon 2 weeks ago. I see you are getting it. It all sounds like you are having a great time. One day you will be able to look back on the trials with a knowing smile and see how far God has brought you and the kids. It is so great to see your smiling faces. Donna, you make a beautiful mother. Can't wait to see you all.
LOVE JANE
I love the family picture! I can only imagine the car ride! I thought I had it rough with 2 squirmy Chihuahua's on my lap for a 3.5 hour trip. I'll remember your story next time! :)
p.s. I bought a fanny pack about 2 months ago for dog walking--haven't used it yet--but Peter has already given me a lot of grief about it. Go fanny packs! ;)
-Jill