Hola from Ubate,
Johnny, Manny and I arrived yesterday and checked into a quaint country hacienda where we were to stay for a couple of days. It turns out that someone stole their phone lines, and they would not have a phone for two weeks. Because the hotel was 6 miles out of Ubate, we would not have access to a phone. Their cook was also sick, so they were not able to provide meals. We decided to stay at a hotel in town that has a phone where we can receive in coming calls, but can not make calls out. We also do not have internet at the hotel, and I am updating this from an internet cafe in Ubate. Our hotel doesn´t have accomodations for babies, so Manny is sleeping in our suitcase! It´s actually pretty cozy, and it prevents him from rolling around. So, for now, it works pretty good. Hopefully he doesn´t get much taller, because he wón´t have much room left!
We met with our Lawyer at ICBF (Child social services). We then went to the court house, to sign papers and get our case entered into the courts. When we were at the court house, we were told that we would have to stay in Ubate for the full time it would take to get Sentencia. That usually takes two weeks. We had only packed for two days, and started to panic a bit. We had a hard night as Manny did not adjust to the new accomodations easily. The next morning, we called our representative and she helped translate some of our needs to the hotel and that turned out to be very helpful. She also called our Lawyer and confirmed that we CAN go back to Bogota this Friday after our case is assigned to the Judge. (Fingers Crossed : )
So, if all goes well, we will head back to Bogota on Friday or Saturday morning, and then wait for Sentencia. They are saying we could have Sentencia by Wednesday! (Again, Fingers Crossed : )
In the meantime, we won´t have easy access to the internet, but will try to make it to the internet cafe one more time this week to update. Thanks for checking in on us, and keep us in your prayers for a quick Sentencia!
Love,
Dulcie, Johnny and Manny
P.S. - I will post pictures when we get back to Bogota.
It's good to hear you are there safe and sound! LOVE the story of Manny sleeping in a suitcase...hey, you do what you gotta do!!!
ReplyDeleteWe'll look forward to hearing how things are going but in the meantime, know that our thoughts and prayers are all being sent your way for a swift sentencia!!!
Take care!
Brian, Mary, Lauren & Ben
Good luck Becker Family!!!
ReplyDeletexoxo- skb
What an experience!! You will definitely have some interesting stories and memories to share with Manny as he gets older! So good to hear that your case is now in the courts. We'll keep hoping and praying that things move as quickly as possible. In the meantime, enjoy a few days out of Bogota. Looking forward to hearing about what happens next!
ReplyDeletePatsy and boys
WOW - Dulcie, you are amazing! I cannot even imagine the ups & downs which you are facing but oh so worth it in the end. Good Luck - we're sending lots of prayers your way! Thanks for the updates!
ReplyDeleteHey Becker "family",
ReplyDeleteYou sure have to be adaptable, don't you!!! And in a foreign country at that! Like another person said earlier, you WILL have lots of stories and pictures for Manny when he gets older and can understand how much you loved him from the get-go! Prayers that you have a quick Sentencia and a safe trip home.
Love, Colleen
Hi Becker Family! I just got word of your blogsite and your situation. I wanted to let you know that we did our adoption through Ubate and it went VERY quickly. We had a meeting with the judge and two days later, the paperwork was done and ready to go. So overall, it took one week to meet with the judge, get all paperwork, birth certificates, passports, etc., and we were on our way back to the States. Hopefully you'll experience the same expedience!
ReplyDeleteHola Familia Becker!!!
ReplyDeleteDid you make it back to Bogota? We are anxious for an update on how things are going! You better enjoy this weekend as it could be your last in Colombia! :0) Wouldn't that be great?!?! So glad you know there is an end in site!!!
Take care!
Mary & all