Our third week in Bogota

We've been having lots of fun, and making lots of memories while we are here. However, we are getting more homesick, and ready to come home. Please be praying that we hear an update from our judge soon. We were told last Friday to 'consider our case accepted', but never heard that is was formally accepted. The way this stage works is that the judge has to accept the case, and then has 10 days to review and sign it. The signing is called Sentencia, and makes the adoption legal. After Sentencia we will only have one more week or so in country!

So if our case was accepted last week, then we should hear news about Sentencia next week sometime! Please pray that this happens, and that we can possibly go meet the judge to show him that Brielle needs to come home for medical care.

So picking up where our last blog left off:

Sunday (08/31): We went to church, and then went to the market in Usaquen. It is a traditional outdoor market with lots of handmade goods. Our goal is to get Brielle some cultural gifts that we can give to her as she gets older.

Monday: I made some potato soup for lunch, and Jen, Nick and the kids came over. Then we went and played at the park for a bit. Brielle is doing well, but is getting a bit of a runny nose. She was more cranky this morning, and just wanted to be held all day. I can't say I mind that though.

Tuesday: We had a chill day at home, which seemed to help Brielle feel better. Then we went to Jen & Nick's apartment for breakfast for dinner. It was really fun, and Emory & Trish (missionary friends) came too. We had homemade biscuits, cinnamon rolls, and egg casserole! It was like being at home!

Wednesday: Jen, Ashley (their friend from home), and I took this kids on a walk up the mountain to get fresh bread in the morning. The bread is amazing, and cheap! But the walk up the mountain pushing Brielle in the stroller was tough. Then we went to the mall for lunch, and Sipote. It is exactly like Chipotle in the states. Emily and Kevin got in safely around 10pm, and we tried to keep Brielle up, but she was asleep on my shoulder when then came. :)

Thursday: We are seeing some exciting breakthroughs with Brielle! She signed 'more' to us this week instead of screaming for more food. It is not always consistent, but I love giving her the ability to communicate. We are also working a little on potty training because she shows the initiative. We have gotten used to her potty routine, so now we just put her over the potty around those times. She has gone three times!! Otherwise we had a quiet day and did some grocery shopping.

Friday: We had to go to a meeting at La Casa to check on Brielle's progress. Emily went with me, and the meeting was pretty quick (30 minutes), but drive took over an hour with traffic! Then we met up with Kevin & Scott for lunch at Crepes and Waffles. It was delicious!! It is a chain that started in Colombia, and they employ single moms to help them raise their children.