March 28, 2009

Updates... sent in paperwork! Just waiting for fingerprint cards and a call to set up the home study. I feel like I should study for the home study! Other than this... not much more to report. Oh! I've been in contact with two other families planning on participating this summer, too. Very cool people!

March 20, 2009

I am going through a gamete of emotion right now. Can I do this? Am I certifiably crazy for even thinking to ask for a home study? Will I be good at parenting a stranger between the ages of 8-12? I feel silly thinking about steps x,y,z when step "c" isn't even reality yet! How do I proceed without thinking of EVERYTHING? What kind of parent am I? How would I set the rules, limits, and lines to be drawn? How will my child see the need to respect my rules, ideas and non-negotiable ways of life?

I spoke with a couple, who are in the Colombian process as I type. We had a great conversation. I point blank asked them everything. They assured me that the background given was accurate and the kids come here with a huge support group. They keep an eye out for us and for the kids. The Colombian government doesn't want this to fail. So... they take this program seriously.

We spoke about some other issues which I won't blog about. Sometimes people just say what you know is true in your heart, but you can't hear your heart until someone turns up the volume for you. I'm so happy I called them! Good move!

March 13, 2009

I spoke with a dear friend in detail about my thoughts and concerns. He is a very cautious man. Negative at times, but in a polite way. His concerns were more for me not getting hurt, I assume. He encouraged me to talk to more people in the program. If possible, to the kids in the program from years past. We talked about the diversity in Colombia about the kids that sniff glue to the kids who grow up in the country clubs. Good talk!

March 11, 2009

BVS informational meeting today! In all honesty, I didn't want to go alone. I was scared. I asked my mom. She was ecstatic! On a side note, my mom should have been a detective. She knows what to ask, when to ask it, and how to listen for BS. She was a great choice! The ride to Lackawanna was memorable. I shared with her my concerns, curiosities, and hopes. She shared with me her excitement and her fear of the language barriers. The meeting was informal yet very informational. Every detail I wanted to ask, I asked. Laura talked about the background of the kids, their health on a physical, mental and emotional level. She explained the paperwork, INS forms, and other documentation. She gave me a price list! A broken down figure of how much I need and when I will need it! We watched news footage of last year's group. We left with my mom crying. There was so much information in my brain. I needed an outlet. I turned to eating. Something I haven't done in over 2 and a half years. It made me sick! Lesson re-learned. Hopefully lesson not forgotten!