Day 30: Reunion

What an emotional and exciting day! Today I met in person the beautiful women who carried, cared for, and birthed two of our children. They choose life for these precious little girls, and then choose to place them for adoption, knowing deep in their souls, that it was the right decision for the babies they loved so very much, but could not provide for. I can't imagine the heartbreaking pain of having to say goodbye, knowing the chances of ever seeing them again would be slim. 

We met Rose's birth mama this morning at Juan Valdez near Parque 93. She traveled on a bus all the way from Soacha, a small town west of Bogota. She skipped her class today to make the trip to visit with us. We were so grateful she was able to make the journey. Rose came bearing gifts - red roses (because her name is Rose), yummy treats, and a couple art creations she had made just for the occasion. 

We were all so nervous and the language barrier didn't help. Thankfully we had our friend, Jorge, who is fluent in English, translate for us. It was a bit surreal.

After drinks and treats at Juan Valdez, we walked across the road to the playground at Parque 93. The girls played while us adults chatted some more. Soon it was time for her to make her way back to Soacha so we said our goodbyes.

We must have just missed Shane and the rest of our crew. They walked right past the park on their way to attempt to find some packing materials for us to transport our delicate souvenirs home. While they didn't find any, they did stumble upon an Oma Cafe where they grabbed coffee and treats.

Shortly after Jorge left with Rose's birth mom to help her find a taxi, I got a message from Kate's birth mom. She was already at the park. She called me, but once again, the language barrier made the conversation impossible. I much prefer text so I can plop the words into Google Translate. After our failed attempt at conversation, I texted her that we were by the children's playground. I stood watching in all directions for her to appear, and then she did! Strolling along next to her partner Jose.

Kate had worked hard drawing rainbows to give to her and also picked up some pretty yellow roses and candies. Kate had wanted to buy her something "Kate" related since Rose was able to buy roses. So she was ecstatic when her birth mom gave her a necklace with a "K" pendent. Jorge returned and we walked down the street to El Corral for lunch. 

The love they have for Kate was clear every time they gazed at her. It was so heartwarming so see.

We are so thankful to have had the opportunity to meet these incredible women. And so grateful for Jorge to help us communicate and hear their stories, their challenges, and their perseverance to overcome the difficulties that life has thrown at them. 

Jorge drove us up the street to our apartment and requested we take a photo with his classic green car which is a legend among the many adoptive families he's helped over the years. 

Shortly after our return to the apartment, Rose and Kate were begging to go back to the park yet again. Shane obliged and let them get a bit too wild in the sand pit. We now have an apartment with a light dusting of sand on most surfaces.

Sam continues to be the most smily and sweet little boy. He loves having his photo taken. Those dimples are just too adorable. Nightime has been a bit difficult again. After doing so well, he's been having some night terrors lately and waking up screaming in fear. Poor little guy. We are getting anxious to get him home so we can finally adjust to our new normal.

Aria was very "off" this afternoon and all night. I thought it was due to me being gone the majority of the day. But then tonight, Cole started vomiting. I'm crossing my fingers it was something he ate and not something contagious. We have plans to spend our last day in Bogota at Parque Jaime Duque tomorrow and hoping that we can all still enjoy the day.