School Days

You know how soup tastes better the second night after the flavors have had time to marry? Well, let's just say a little confidence, good attitude, and optimism married to produce a better second day of school!  (As Angela says, “Yippee!”)  After waiting in line at Madison, here comes Angela, finding me and beaming with a huge smile, as a Hispanic amiga walked with her to the car.  She made a friend!  Thank you, Jesus!  She said good-bye to her new friend and quickly produced her name and number scrawled on a piece of notebook paper.  She quickly told me about her day, shared her excitement for the two hours of homework she had, and gulped down a cold bottle of water I brought her.  Xavier soon followed to tell me his day was great, too! He told me about a cool science experiment they did in class.  It sounded like something demonstrated the actions of a volcanic eruption.  Lizet waited patiently for me as we waited in a very long line at Ranch Heights.  She was thrilled about her day, saying it was better than yesterday.  Three for three!  Hooray!  Xavier had no homework, with which I'm about to inquire.  I'm a bit concerned there's no homework for a 7th-grader, two days in a row. Lizet's homework consisted of a math worksheet about place value of whole numbers, and a spelling activity: coloring, cutting, and gluing spelling words and the matching pictures in her spelling spiral.  Angela's homework was an assignment from her math book on the basics of pre-algebra, a Spanish worksheet on numbers, and a take-home quiz over a film they watched on bacteria and viruses.  She showed me a library book she checked out - it's in Spanish, but in English it's called Hank the Cowdog.  After homework, they showered and are now watching their favorite program. 

You know the one.   

Carpool Lane

I had no trouble getting up today at 6:30, luckily, neither did the kiddos. Xavier was already awake when I entered his room; hopping out of bed and into the girls' room to wake them up for school.  They joined me in the kitchen for cereal and juice and seemed happy about beginning something new and different.  No more Phineas and Ferb, Hannah Montana, or The Suite Life on Deck in the mornings.  They all dressed (since they showered last night), styling their hair perfectly for the first day. Their lunches were packed and refrigerated from last night;  turkey sandwich (Xavier having two), a bag of chips, a Zinger, banana, and a Caprisun juice pouch.  In addition to last night's preparations, we excitedly wrote their names on school supplies and filled their backpacks. Their lunch packs are cute: Angela's is hot pink and resembles a purse.  Lizet has a princess bag, and Xavier's is lime green.  This morning, Xavier placed his arm through the hot pink bag, and waved while saying in a girly voice, "Hi."   Everything was ready to grab and go!  Unbeknownst to me, Dave decided to go in a little late so he could participate in their first day of school, as well.  That was a nice surprise!  We all left around 7:30 to take Xavier and Angela to school.  On Mondays, they have an assembly in the auditorium, first thing.  Dave and Lizet stayed in the car while I walked Xavier and Angela through the building to the appropriate location.  We were met by the principal and counselor who escorted them to a seat. Since they were in good hands, I joined Lizet and Dave.  We went back home for a little while until time to take Lizet to school.  After thirty minutes of cartoons and some time alone with Fletcher, we were back in the car.  Dave and I walked Lizet to her classroom to meet her teacher, Mrs. England. Lizet was comfortable being left with other students while waiting for the bell.  As we were leaving, I kept looking back over my shoulder - it seemed I was the one who needed reassurance.  Dave dropped me off at the house and I got busy organizing the girls' closet, made a stop at Goodwill, treated myself to some Mexican food, bought several items of clothes for the kids and headed home.  I baked some chocolate chip cookies until time to pick up the kids. While waiting, I received a phone call from Bartlesville schools.  It was from the counselor at Madison to inform me that the kids were having a wonderful day. What a relief! I was so glad to hear there were no tears or hiding out in the bathroom.  Fortunately, they had an ELL teacher with them, escorting them from class to class.  I sat in the carpool lane outside Madison for a few minutes until I saw them with their ELL teacher come out the front door at 2:35.  As soon as they saw me, they smiled!  They were so happy to get in the car to tell me all about their day.  Xavier loved his day, while Angela expressed she didn't want to go back, even though once we were home, she couldn't wait to show me her things from school.  They had a snack of cookies and chocolate milk, then it was time to pick up Lizet, who ran out smiling and waving at me.  She had a wonderful day!!  It turns out I was the only one with homework.  Questionnaires for parent and child.  I double-checked by calling the homework hotline, only to find some teacher's hotline had recordings from March of last year.  It is official, I guess... no homework.  Angela is napping on the couch, Xavier and Lizet are playing outside, a little piano has been played, and now we're waiting on our soup to finish simmering.  Dave surprised the kids by purchasing the Peru package on our cable, so tonight... Al Fondo hay Sitio. Even I am happy about that!   

Registrations and Inoculations

My children are enrolled!  I woke up the children at 8:00 and they rapidly put on their clothes for the day, brushed their hair and teeth, and popped on their shoes.  We left, heading for Madison Middle School where we had an appointment with the registrar.  She was amazed I had everything filled out correctly and had all the necessary paperwork.  Of course, I've actually maintained her position in an elementary school, so I was ahead of the game in that regard. So, the process was quick as far as enrolling.  We also received bus passes for Xavier and Angela, received a tour of the school; their classes are clustered in the same area of the building by grade, and they even had a chance to practice operating their lockers.  They were each given their class schedule and an agenda notebook.  In addition, the ELL teacher gave each of them a hand-held translator.  They have already been speaking more English just today!  I've never seen Angela so excited!  Since our time at Madison was a bit longer than expected,  we ventured on to Sonic for some hamburgers and tater tots.  After lunch, we visited Ranch Heights, enrolling Lizet. Everyone has been so wonderful and helpful in the Bartlesville school system, thus far.  After our day of registration concluded, we went home for some television and then prepared for our next activity out:  more vaccinations.  In Peru, there were some shots the doctor felt the children are too young to accept, while in the States the schools require.  I have little patience for employees in government offices, by the way.  The woman who was "helping" us get in the system was asking about the children's ages.  I whipped out their birth certificates (in case she needed proof) and she says to me... "Well, I don't see any vaccinations they've had at all."   I say, (a bit sternly, I think) "Those are their birth certificates."  Then, I produced their shot records from Peru to help clarify.  Too bad there wasn't an interpreter there because apparently the vaccines were difficult to read.  I didn't have any trouble, and I'm not fluent in Spanish.  Anyway... We waited a bit longer since the computer wasn't cooperating.  We finally see the nurse who eventually came back after getting approval for the vaccines.  So, Angela and Xavier received the Hepatitis A, and the Polio vaccines, while Lizet received those in addition to her Tetanus, which stung quite a bit since a bit of wailing commenced. After a day of vaccines, I'm the kind of mother who makes a trip to Braum's afterwards.  I told them it was a double-dip day, so they each chose chocolate and strawberry for their waffle cones.  While eating their ice cream, Xavier suggested I show them the town's cemetery. Okay... He proceeded to tell me about the cemetery in Arequipa where there are legends of "terror".  I assured him there is nothing like that in Bartlesville. We drove around one of our cemeteries and the girls were commenting on the pretty flowers and statues, when Xavier asks, "Will I be here when I die?"  I told him if he made that decision, but Mamí and Papí would be there long before he would.  He turned to me with this look of horror on his face and informed me that I would never die.  Oh, okay.  We returned home, playing with Fletcher and watching another program. Dave came home and we had leftovers from the previous two nights.  The kids played outside while Dave and I prepared dinner.  After a fun and talkative meal, we headed to Wal-Mart to buy school supplies, lunch makings for the week, and a few miscellaneous things.  Xavier spent some of his money on a World Wide Wrestling poster for above his bed.  Lizet spent some of hers on a pink pretend phone.  Angela is opting to save.  When we came home, we unloaded groceries and Dave mentioned tonight's movie would be X-Men.  While "attempting" to have some alone time, I started running the bath.  I closed the bedroom door and the bathroom door, was in the bathroom on the toilet, half-dressed and in walks my girls to ask me a question.  Really?  Oh yes, really!  Lizet then took some fake pictures of me with her pretend phone - thank goodness it's fake!  I asked the girls to give mommy some privacy and they did, only for Lizet to return once I was in the tub, to feed me popcorn (and take another "picture").  But, I did thank Dave for my mommy time.       

English Proficiency Test

We had one of the more popular breakfast choices this morning:  an egg sandwich.  Angela likes strawberry milk with her well-done egg.  After a late breakfast, the kids made their beds and showered/bathed, getting ready for the day.  We met with the ELL (English Language Learners, as opposed to ESL:  English as a Second Language) team at Madison Middle School so the kids could take their English Proficiency test.  They measured 1.0 on a 1.0-6.0 scale, which is not unusual.  In some instances, a child may have been back and forth with Spanish and English -speaking family members and know more; therefore, they begin with a higher level workbook. While they were testing, I visited the Social Security office to see what I need to request their social security cards.  It turns out, they need their Green Card to process a social security card. Fortunately, the school doesn't need a social security card immediately, to enroll them.  So, after discussing their ages and abilities, I discovered our children are in 4th, 6th, and 7th grades.  I was able to meet the counselors at the middle school, as well.  I'm pleased with the help I received at Ranch Heights Elementary, also.  Lizet is excited she will be at a school without her siblings.  The ELL teacher let us borrow the LeapFrog learning booklets and kits.  We went home and the children had Chocolate Brownie ice cream - Blue Bell, of course.  The kids watched The Hunchback of Notre Dame while Angela busily worked on her LeapFrog machine.  Xavier had worked on it when hitting the door.  I popped in a casserole a friend from Dave's office prepared for us... three hours later... done.  We had the poppy seed chicken casserole, fruit, and rolls.  They played in the backyard for a little while after dinner.  Then - the big moment - Dave decided to mow, giving each one a ride several times around.  The kids were cheering on one another; Lizet yelled out to Xavier... "Xavier, buena suerte" which means, good luck.  Each one watched the other, then Angela was corralling Fletcher, saying "good boy" in pretty good English.  Lizet has picked up my line of, "Come on, Baby" when calling Fletcher, except she says, "Come on, Bebé."  Next, the kids tidied up their rooms, put on their pajamas, and Lizet discovered a black dot on the underside of her foot.  It was a blood blister, but Xavier insisted it was cancer.  I said, "It's not cancer."  But he kept saying it.  Dave helped pop it, while Xavier and I held Lizet.  Lizet was brave, and then said, "Cancer.”  I said, "It's NOT cancer!"  They are now in bed listening to music while relieved they are cancer-free.                

Arvest

Our kids woke up fresh and energized this morning.  I made them scrambled eggs and then we watched a little television while Mamí emptied suitcases and started the day's laundry.  We got ready to go have a pizza party at Papí's work.  Arvest Bank employees are amazing! The kids had a wonderful time, even though they were a bit timid, meeting friends of Mamí and Papí's. Our Arvest friends had purchased numerous pizzas, many drinks, salad and a couple desserts.  We left happy and satisfied.  Next, we went downstairs and Papí handed out their first week's allowance of ten dollars each.  I drove the kids by the church we attend and then we stopped at Food Pyramid for a variety of gum.  Braum's was next on the list: ice cream cones.  While they ate their ice cream, I drove them to see their schools. They are looking forward to making new friends and learning English.  We went home to watch movies while Mamí did more unpacking and laundry.  While I worked on my task, Xavier organized his room by making his bed, refolding his clothes and placing them in the drawers of his choice, and setting up his dresser like a toy shrine.  Angela had done the same in the morning.  We had watermelon for an afternoon treat. Papí came home with a large supply of foods, drinks, desserts, and snacks from his friends at work.  We are well-stocked now!  We had leftover pizza for supper and now the children have gone with Dave to Dollar Tree and Wal-Mart for a few things like extra hangers, laundry baskets to collect their clothes that need washing, radios, etc. After Monopoly was played - to be continued tonight - the children went to bed offering hugs and kisses to Mamí and Papí.  Xavier pulled me to him, kissed me, and said, "I love you, Mamita."  

Christ Church

Sunday morning came early after Dave's sister's wedding day.  The children cooperatively got out of bed and put on their clothes from yesterday's nuptials.  We left for Christ Church and were looking forward to seeing all the Roof Dogs; their Tías and Tíos.  We were embraced at the door by a few of them and sat with others, while others joined us for refreshments in the fellowship hall between services.  Dave's parents joined us at church and Fr. David even mentioned us during the sermon, which was on "being adopted by Christ" and becoming a part of His Kingdom.  My parents and brother joined us in the fellowship hall for a final farewell before heading to Oklahoma.  One Roof Dog, Tía Kelly, took a picture of us in front of the altar before leaving.  We said our good-byes and headed back to Dave's parents’ house for a lunch of hamburgers and hot dogs. There was time for another swim while Dave packed the car.  Angela chose to watch television while I lathered up Xavier and Lizet with sunscreen.  Then they put on their life jackets, even though Xavier is clearly a fish in the water.  After changing into dry clothes, we headed home. Fletcher (our Westie who stayed with my parents and brother while we were in Peru) slept the whole way home on my lap.  We had a couple bathroom breaks in Atoka, then a McDonald's stop in McAlester.  Our drive was smooth and peaceful.  The children were counting down the minutes until reaching their new home.  We had to make a brief stop at the Tulsa airport to pick up Dave's car, since he flew into Dallas for Tía Kim's wedding.  (While we were visiting family in Texas, Dave had to return to work.)  Lizet, Fletcher, and I drove Dave's car home, following the others.  We pulled into our neighborhood and Lizet says, "muchas casas" with much excitement.  She was thrilled as we entered into the drive, got out joining her siblings, and walked in together.  They opened doors, drawers, and closets.  They LOVED their rooms and after showing them their closets, they thought someone had left their things.  I had to explain to them, "these are YOUR things"... they were speechless. They couldn’t believe their closets and drawers were stocked with clothes in all their sizes (thanks to several of my dear friends in Bartlesville).  After a couple hours of “oohing” and “aahing” at the backyard and realizing we don't have to share it with the neighborhood, they were ready for bed.  I think they were eager to get in their beds.  When I asked Lizet, "¿Es tu cama confortable?"  She responded, "No, es SUPER confortable." And giggled.  We left on the hall light and they left their doors opened, hoping that Fletcher would choose one of them to sleep with during the night.  Poor Fletcher conked out with Dave and me.  I think he was equally pooped!        

Wedding Day

This morning was an exciting morning... an early morning at 6:30... but exciting!  The children put on their "el matrimonio" clothing for Tía Kim and Tío Russ's special day, and I even had time to polish Lizet's fingernails with a pearly white polish my mother gave her.  We arrived at the Addison Event Center about 8:30 in the morning in time for the 9:00 photographs.  After many combinations of photos were taken, the wedding began.  It was a beautiful ceremony with lots of arched mirrors, gold chairs, and chandeliers.  The children seemed to enjoy the experience and were ready for lunch.  We visited with family and the children met more friends of the family, giving away free hugs.  The wedding party formed a line to enter the buffet filled with salad, casseroles, meats, fruits, and breads.  We had more than enough to please the children's taste buds. The children ate with my parents and my brother Eric, while I had lunch with some of Dave’s extended family, close by.  Dave ate with his parents, his other sister Kelly, and some family friends.  Cake followed, decorated with chocolate-covered strawberries.  Once the dancing started, people were out on the floor, dancing to oldies like Ghostbusters and Billie Jean.  Towards the end, one young woman was wearing what appeared to be a tunic with a belt... a little short to say the least.  I glanced at Xavier and he had both hands covering his eyes.  Once we left, he asked me in the car if I saw that one girl in the short dress and told him I had.  He shook his head with a grimace and said, "es mal, no bien" and I had to agree.  It was bad, not good.  Overall, they had a good day... it got even better later.  

We hit the pool for a while in the afternoon, then they changed in preparation for an early dinner.  My in-laws had several couples visiting from Kansas, so while they visited with the children, Dave’s cousin Bryan and his wife Shellie treated us to dinner at Jalapeños.  Afterwards, they bought a few board games for the kids from Target.  Once we got back to my in-laws, Lizet and Xavier got in the pool once again.  Bedtime hit around 11:00 p.m. and they were ready!    

Family

As you may have guessed, there hasn't been a spare moment for me to blog.  Every moment has been filled with family, food, gifts, enjoyment, games, love, and prayers of thanksgiving.  Our children have been grateful, gracious, loving, and mannerly towards everyone they've been around.  My daddy has helped them with their English and lets them play his harmonica, my mama has cooked with Angela, and Lizet took to my brother affectionately. Xavier loves the pool at my in-laws, my mother-in-law took the kids to Build-a-Bear and baked chocolate chip cookies with Lizet, and my father-in-law watches them as they swim and hugs them, loving them unconditionally.  Tonight, my son asked if he can live with us until he's 100. Would it surprise any of you to know that it thrilled my soul?!   

I've discovered they enjoy Tex-Mex.  Thank you, Jesus!  Even Angela, who wasn't fond of beans in Peru, gobbled up her refried beans!  Chicken quesadillas with beans and rice was their meal of choice and they all loved it! Lizet and Xavier ask for no ice with sodas, but Angela accepts ice. It's interesting to see the newness they embrace and the familiar to which they cling.    

    

Ft. Lauderdale

We landed safely in Ft. Lauderdale at 5:40 a.m.  The kids were all able to sleep on the plane, so they were refreshed.  Dave caught a couple 40-minute sections of sleep and I was unable to sleep at all.  We deplaned, heading in the only direction available: Customs and Border Protection.  Each time we turned a corner we thought, “well, that’s not so bad” until… we entered the big room filled with many lines.  Fortunately, every window was available, so it moved rather quickly.  We headed to the window with our unopened adoption packets and passports.  They stamped what was necessary and then escorted us into the Homeland Security office to have their Green Cards processed, which will be mailed to our house.  After opening and verifying said packets, they stamped more documents, had the children sign their new names and took their fingerprints.  We then waited in a small room for about thirty minutes.  Finally, they declared our kids U.S. citizens!  Next, we headed to gather our bags, which were all together and no one was around except for an airport employee who helped us retrieve all our things.  Then, we walked through Customs – no line – we were congratulated, and told to pass through – no checks!  And… we’re done!  We found a cart, grabbed a shuttle to take us to the car rental, and loaded up our Chrysler Town & Country.  We made it to the Marriott successfully.  Dave took Xavier and Lizet swimsuit shopping while Angela and I stayed in the hotel.  After a lunch of Burger King, Xavier, Lizet, and Dave headed to the beach after being slathered with sunscreen.  I hope if Xavier collects any rocks, he won’t take a bubble bath with them this time.  While they were at the beach, Angela took a bath and I knew she was happy because I could hear her singing the whole time.  Dave and the kids returned having played in the ocean and burying Xavier in the sand.  Xavier brought his mamá seashells.  They had a great time.  We got ready to go to dinner and asked the downstairs receptionist for suggestions.  We went across the street to Dave & Buster’s, per one of her many suggestions.  After dinner, the kids got to spend their arcade cards.  We are now in our room; the kids are happy sharing one bed right beside us.  We are also introducing the kids to one of our favorite cartoons, King of the Hill.  They seem to be enjoying it.  They are quiet.         

Anglican Cathedral of the Good Shepherd

This morning our children didn’t want to go to church.  Too bad!  They got up finally and had breakfast.  We left the condo, got a taxi, and made it to church.  The Anglican Cathedral of the Good Shepherd is a beautiful church, which I was glad to visit again after our tour from Susan.  We were greeted and handed a hymnbook (Anglican Hymns Old & New) and The Book of Common Prayer.  Inside one of the books was the service bulletin.  We attended one of the English services and the children enjoyed it.  That’s a relief.  I told them that it is good preparation for when we get home, and it will help them with their English.  It took a while to “pass the peace” since we found our English friends who were visiting Arequipa.  After communion, we were asked to come forward for a blessing for safe travels.  This was after Susan had announced who we were; as she became tearful, so did we.  After the service, we headed to the fellowship hall where they had refreshments and the continuation of a book sale from Saturday.  Xavier found three books - thrillers.  After visiting with others in the fellowship hall, we helped box up books to send back to whomever, or from wherever they came.  We left, taking the children to have lunch at an up-scale, all-you-can-eat buffet.  It specializes in seafood, specifically, ceviche.  Okay, I was hesitant, but tried it.  I need to be that example because I’m sure I’ll tell our children to try something in the future.  The shrimp ceviche was my favorite, if I have to pick a favorite.  Raw fish isn’t necessarily up my alley, but the spices and citrus were delicious.  Lizet chose the dessert buffet as her favorite.  She also seems to love the drink, chicha morada.  (I just had Angela type the spelling for me on the plane.)  This drink is made from the purple variety of corn and is fermented; then pineapple juice, cinnamon, and cloves are added.  She also had a gelatin-like pudding made from the same ingredients.  Her upper lip was purple.  Lizet also devoured a certain kind of fruit that is gelatinous and seedy called granadilla.  She loves her fruit!  The others enjoyed a modest helping of foods.  All in all, it was a good experience and I can now say I’ve had ceviche in Peru.  Next, we hailed a taxi to return us to our abode for a few more hours, anyway.  We finished our packing and cleaning and Xavier and Angela took turns taking a bubble bath.  Xavier likes to sit in the tub, rest on his calves, and “dive” into the bubbles.  So, he did that for a while.  He had to show me, of course.  Then Angela spent about 35 minutes in the bubbles, sliding back and forth on her belly.  I had to tell them to keep water off the floor, so I had to repeat myself a bit and wipe the floor with towels.  They are so excited about bathtubs!  I can’t get too mad about things like that.  After a few cartoons and more progress with a jigsaw puzzle, Paul, our English friend came to inspect the condo, and refunded our deposit of S./.900.00 ($300) and we handed him our key.  He walked with us downstairs to our driver, the same gentleman with the van who drove us to our condo in the first place.  We kissed and hugged good-bye and were driven to the airport.  We were fortunate to not experience any traffic and arrived safely.  We were first in line at the Spirit Airlines ticket counter.  I don’t know how that happened.  We checked our bags, and each of us took our carry-on and headed upstairs to the food court.  We had McDonald’s.  The kids got happy meals; actually, Xavier got two.  After restroom breaks, Dave decided to go ahead and pay the departure tariff.  Next, we grabbed our things and headed to security.  We made it through security without a problem, not much of a line here, either.  Then, we went to the immigration line - we were fourth in line.  I think we each had an angel with us.  Everything checked out and we proceeded to the waiting area.  We boarded and here I sit, on a dark plane, typing away while Angela sleeps next to me in 1^st class.  Good-bye Peru… for now.      

      

Raúl and María

Today was a lazy day... my favorite kind of day. Everyone got up on their own today and we had breakfast together. We watched a little television and read. Dave went out for a couple ready-made pizzas.  So, we had a strange concoction of pizza and leftover tamales for lunch.  After lunch, we told the kids we needed to clean the place and “leave it better than when we found it”.  Xavier took charge and wanted to sweep, while Angela chose to mop and Lizet volunteered for the "supervisor" position. Shocking, I know.  (She actually did make her bed and organize her laundry.)  They did a fantastic job!  

Lizet wanted to take a bath, so I got the tub warm and bubbly.  She told Angela to come get me, so I went in thinking she needed something, but she just wanted to show me her happy self, rolling around in the bubbles and laughing.  She wanted me to help dry her off, so I did. Then, Xavier wanted to take a bath, so I prepared him a fresh bubble bath.  He wanted me to come in and wash his back, so I did. Angela and I have been assembling her jigsaw puzzle this afternoon.  There sure is a lot of yellow!  Raúl and María came over around 5:30 with a cake made of chocolate mousse.  Two different kinds of chocolate pleased everyone.  We have fallen in love with Raúl and María.  They are our Peruvian "parents" and we will be in touch with them forever. We are having soup and bread with butter for dinner.  The kids are accustomed to small meals in the evening, which actually results in better sleep.  

We have had a wonderful experience in Peru. It's a great preview to our future!     

United States Embassy

Getting up was pretty easy for a 6:30 wake-up call.  Lizet isn’t much of a morning person, and at the breakfast table, she resembles someone in a coma.  But, once she has something in her tummy, there’s no stopping her!  We got a taxi in front of our condo around 7:30, arriving at the United States Embassy early, but we allotted for traffic.  We met Raúl in front of the building only minutes apart.  The line wasn’t long, but we entered it to be greeted by someone who’s been expecting us.  He knew we were the Nelsons. That was impressive!  Of course, being the only adoption case for the day and at the top of the list doesn’t hurt.  We entered security after having our passports reviewed and they kept our camera and phone for the time being.  We then entered another line in a different building within the confines of the Embassy, going through another security check.  We headed to the correct window, presented our information and unsealed documents to the appropriate person, and paid.  She entered our information and organized the already organized packets into separate blue file folders.  We waited.  Finally, we met with the Consulate.  I think I finally found a job I would love – if I were bilingual, that is.  We went into a little room with a security door facing this young woman shielded by bulletproof glass.  In fact, all the windows were bulletproof.  She was very nice, asking the children some questions and then us, and then them again.  We were with her for about fifteen minutes and she approved us.  She said their visas would be ready Monday. That’s when my blood pressure rose a bit.  Raúl was right in suggesting we print out our plane  reservations, so Dave calmly said that our flight is on Sunday and our condo lease is up on Monday.  She responded with a quick, “okay, hang on just a second…” She returned and said they would try their best to have them ready between 2:00 and 3:00.  She handed Dave the second half of these red tickets and said it was only necessary for one of us to return.  Raúl said they would have it done - Americans always get the job done.  To us, it was just a matter of when.  So, around 10:45 we were finished, said goodbye to Raúl and headed to Larcomar.  

Larcomar is a spiffy outdoor mall on the beach.  We let the kids play in the arcade for about forty minutes; Lizet tried to turn in her tokens for toys, immediately.  I persuaded her to come join Angela and me at one of the machines.  Dave and Xavier played with machine guns in a mock safari and drove racecars.  The girls found a basketball game to be fun, as well as racing cars.  That was worth the $21.00.  Xavier collected a lot of tickets, but we were all getting hungry so we told him we would return to “buy” something from their “store” after lunch.  We had lunch at TGI Fridays.  There was also a Chili’s and a Tony Roma’s.  I had nachos, Lizet had a chicken plate with green beans (which she didn’t care for since they were steamed) and French fries, Angela had a regular hamburger with no cheese.  Xavier had a barbecue beef sandwich, and Dave had something off the lunch menu including tacu tacu, fried plantains, French fries, and a thinly cut piece of meat, grilled.  Tacu tacu is different, but very good.  It is a mixture of beans and rice that have been rolled in a crisp breadcrumb, like Panko, and fried.  The kids all got a fruity beverage; Angela chose a banana-pineapple smoothie, and Lizet and Xavier chose a strawberry slush.  After lunch, I took the kids back to the arcade to redeem Xavier’s ticket, which ended up being something SO not worth the time, but he was happy, so it turns out it was.  You all probably know what I mean… carnival trinkets aren’t that impressive.  Dave met us in front of the arcade after attempting to find a calling card, having no luck.  We walked up the steps to the main entrance and were greeted by someone offering us a taxi service.  We accepted.  It’s often that when leaving the airport, grocery store, department store, etc., taxi services are readily available.  It’s a good business strategy on their part.  We headed back to our condo and the kids and I relaxed watching television while Dave headed back to the Embassy.  I was thrilled when Dave returned within the hour with their passports and visas enclosed and the unsealed envelopes for each child to hand to the appropriate official in Florida when we reach Customs.  We’re done!  We had a good dinner of leftovers and ended with more birthday cake.  Next, it will be time for Al Fondo hay Sitio and then to bed.  What a great day!         

Birthday Girl

The birthday girl was the first one up this morning: showering, making her bed, and having breakfast.  The others followed, sleepily eating their cereal.  Xavier immediately came in to our room where Angela was watching television with me and hugged her and said, “¡Feliz cumpleaños, hermanita!”  Angela opened her presents: a jigsaw puzzle of Rockefeller Center, two books on myths and legends, and a travel book of Arequipa.  We also included $40 US dollars.  (She has shown an interest in makeup and getting her ears pierced.)  For lunch we had fried chicken and green rice.  Raúl came by for an hour to discuss tomorrow with us, and what we need to bring with us to the Embassy.  We have sealed packages of their medical reports and x-rays that only the consulate can open.  We are taking those along with their passports, our passports, other documents, and mucho dinero.  We thought it would be wise to also take copies of our airline tickets for Sunday.  Raúl said that if we present the tickets, the process could be expedited if there is a foreseen delay.  Our appointment is in the morning, so hopefully if there is an issue, we can rectify it by the afternoon.  This is the final thing we have to do before we can leave: receive their exit visas.  The children and I relaxed and watched television, specifically a cartoon called Gato Cósmico, while Dave went out to print the airline reservations, get money (at various ATMs since there’s a daily limit at each machine) and pick up a red-tipped white rose for Angela.  For dinner, we had tamales with peas and carrots.  For dessert, we had Angela’s tres leches cake and special ice cream floats with crushed cookies prepared by Dave.  Xavier is in bed now, listening to music, and the girls are finishing up with their showers since they’re not crazy about getting up at 6:00 to do so.  Can you blame them?  I know I’ve taken my shower tonight.  And Angela didn’t mind a second one.          

Doctor Visits

The kids got out of bed refreshed this morning, having showered and eaten breakfast.  Raúl collected us and took us to our first doctor's appointment for the day.  We arrived for our 11:00 appointment to have Xavier and Angela's chests x-rayed, testing for Tuberculosis.  Lizet is too young.  We then met with the doctor's assistant who took the children's vital signs and filled out preparatory paperwork for the doctor at our 6:00 appointment in the evening.  We then went to pick up paperwork from the translator for the U. S. Embassy.  Next, Raúl dropped us off at La Quinta to buy the kids some clothes.  Dave and Xavier went in one direction while the girls and I went in another.  This store is set up with tables each manned by a different person.  If you want to purchase something, they write you a ticket, giving you two copies.  Next, you pay in the center of the store and then return to each booth to collect your bagged items, handing them one of the stamped receipt copies.  Next, we walked to Ripley, a three-story department store.  Again, going in both directions, Xavier was the only one who found something:  a t-shirt.  We were ready for lunch so we stopped at a café called Palachinke for sandwiches.  They specialize in "panqueques" and is decorated with Scandinavian motif. Our next stop... the condo. Dave decided to go out again to get Angela a tres leches cake for her birthday.  We also got her some gifts.  We will celebrate her 12th tomorrow!  Raúl picked us up at 5:30 and we arrived for our 6:00 appointment.  We were told it would be at least an hour (which is why I thought you made appointments, but okay).  We walked to a café specializing in pasteries and other baked goods called Balthazar.  The children had warm milk and cookies. Dave and I shared a lomo saltado empanada; Lizet wanted bites from my fork, so I shared.  Dave ordered lucuma helado.  Lucuma is a fruit native to Peru, Ecuador, and Chile.  We also shared a slice of crème brûleé cheesecake.  We chatted for about an hour and headed back to the clinic.  We finally met with Dr. Situ and he examined their ears, noses, throats, respirations, and pressed on their abdomens.  After the good news of the kids having clear chest x-rays, Dave paid and we headed upstairs for their inoculations. None of them cried and they all received at least three vaccines, Xavier and Angela receiving four.  I'm glad they each were given the meningitis vaccine.  The others were standard U. S. vaccines, as well.  Dave gave them each chocolate for doing such a good job.  He's such a good papá.  Raúl attempted to take us home, but his car wouldn't start, so he hailed two taxis and we headed in one direction while Raúl headed in another.  Dave made hamburgers for dinner and now the kids are watching Garfield.  We asked Angela what she would like to do for her birthday tomorrow and she basically said:  Stay home!  I can't blame the girl.  I’m a homebody, too!       

New Passports

Raúl picked us up this morning at our apartment at 9:00.  We went to the passport office (located in a parking garage) handing them our new birth certificates and our passports in order to get expedited to the appropriate office.  We then went to an office that checked our paperwork and verified the children's birthdays and names, while a woman entered them in a computer.  Next, we went to the office next door for the photographs.  Then we waited.  And waited.  Within the estimated hour, we were called to pick up their ready passports.  Considering in the States you have to wait six weeks, it wasn't bad at all.  Then, Raúl drove us to the SNA office for us to sign a couple post-placement adoption forms.  Then, Dave and Raúl, Xavier, and Lizet walked to have photo copies made for Raúl.  Next, Raúl dropped off the received papers from the adoption office to have them translated.  Finally, he dropped us off at the Anglican church where Susan and John Park reside, as they had invited us over for lunch.  Their house is situated within the confines of the church.  A man opened the gated door and led us to their front door, ringing the bell.  John welcomed us, donned in his Anglican attire, collar and cross.  John is a very warm man, a gentleman, and a friend.  We chatted as the children played Legos; Angela perused a coffee table book.  We had a lunch of pizza from the neighborhood Pizza Hut and Susan made cherry Kool-Aid for the kids.  I tried iced tea (green) that was quite tasty.  After having pizza, Susan presented the children with cookies.  After much visiting, Susan gave us a tour of the church.  Good Shepherd is beautiful.  I wasn’t surprised since I first admired the church windows through their living room windows.  They seem only three feet away from the living room.  Susan told us the history of the church while I admired the stained glass.  After departing, the five of us headed to a local grocery store called Wong's.  The market is filled with employees dressed in Asian attire which were bright red shirts and pants outfits with squared-off red hats.  Their uniforms reminded me of the chefs at P.F. Chang's.  We collected several items for the week.  Dave surprised me with a can of Dr Pepper that is only sold at Wong's.  After returning to the condo, Angela, Lizet, and I chilled out watching cartoons while Dave and Xavier walked to the beach.  Xavier was so excited to bring back a handful of rocks to show me.  It was cold and there weren't many people there, according to Dave.  For dinner, we had Dave's homemade meatballs and bucatini pasta with sauce. We are now watching our favorite program: Al Fondo hay Sitio.  Buenos noches.           

Lima

Naty arrived at 8:00 this morning to stay with the children while we tackled City Hall, once again.  When we arrived, we were pleased to see Rocio was already there with our Italian friends.  They were finally able to sign their paperwork and together, we were all waiting for the chief to leave his index print to make it official.  We were a bit nervous at first because the chief was out again.  But, Rocio whipped out her cell phone and made a call getting the approval to have the assistant make the final signature and print.  Thank you, Rocio!  We all walked together to make copies for Rocio and our file in Arequipa.  Before departing, we took photographs of one another, exchanged e-mail addresses, and tearful hugs.  Dave and I stopped to check e-mail and also to see if we could add the kids’ document numbers to our airline tickets.  We couldn’t, so we walked over to the LAN office only to be told to come back at 3:30 since the supervisor wasn’t in at the moment.  We arrived home just in time to find the kids finishing breakfast.  They bathed and then watched television while I found some remaining things to pack.  We had leftovers for lunch.  Dave left and returned with much success from the LAN office and we put the finishing touches on the luggage.  Padre Juan Carlos and his wife, Maria, came around 4:30 with his van to take us to the airport.  Once arriving to the airport, we got all eleven bags and headed to the ticket line… we were first in line!  We got our bags tagged and their document numbers and our passports approved.  We went upstairs to watch planes come in and take off.  Dave decided to go ahead and pay our airline tax, another first-in-line situation.  While still waiting closer to time to go through security, Naty arrived to sit with us and presented us with a beautiful, decorative plate from Puno and some chocolates.  Before Naty left, Lizet pulled out three Coke Zero bottles, which had been refilled with Coca-Cola and handed them to Naty.  It was like a clown car.  We had no idea she had stuffed those in her backpack.  Dave had gone through them for that very reason and we can’t figure out when she would’ve had time to do it.  We went through security – our final first-in-line situation … I think I like this airport.  Security was easy and quick.  The kids volunteered to be scanned with the wand.  This was too funny.  We sat for a while waiting to see our plane come in for landing.  After everyone had deplaned, we were called to board.  We each grabbed our carry-on and headed to the line; yes, in this situation, there was a line.  As we walked outside (this plane calls for walking up the stairs to the plane), the kids looked back and waved to Naty.  I had no idea she was still there!  I felt teary again.  We have experienced so much love in Arequipa.  Something I’ve noticed about Latin airlines of any type is this:  the flight attendants are not only beautiful people, but their uniforms are suits - some three-piece.  The women (since it’s winter) were wearing navy blue coats (dusters, actually).  The men wear red ties with their navy blue suits, which is very classy.  Xavier had a window seat with Lizet in the middle and Angela on the aisle across from me.  Dave sat behind Angela.  Xavier and Lizet were so excited to be on a plane and to see the city lights; Angela, not so much.  When the attendants came by to offer drinks and snacks, Lizet somehow ended up with three.  I remembered her asking something to the “Señora”, but didn’t catch it, until I saw her pull out an extra snack box for each of the children.  Later, a male attendant walked by and handed Lizet another box.  I never heard her ask him anything… Wow!  This was quite embarrassing!  Our luggage arrived as we loaded up two carts.  Our friend Susan, a missionary in Lima, met us with two bags of groceries and had arranged a van to take us to our condo on the beach.  Susan also arranged our living arrangements for us.  Susan and her husband have been long-term missionaries for about twenty-five years.  They have lived in Lima for six years, and Honduras for eighteen.  Our apartment is actually located in Miraflores.  This apartment is very modern with wood floors, ceramic tiles, ceiling fans, plush furniture, washer and dryer, three bedrooms, two baths, and a view of the beach from the fifth floor.  We found out we will be here for the week.  Tomorrow is our appointment with the passport office, but our appointment with the U.S. Embassy won’t be until Friday.  So, most likely, we will be traveling home over the weekend.        

Plaza de Armas

This morning the children got up and had a small breakfast of cereal and yogurt.  We headed to church around 10:00, finding all our familiar friends from the last couple of weeks.  We were able to visit with the mission group of sixteen from the United Kingdom.  Lovely and caring individuals from various Anglican churches throughout London.  They apparently knew about us, so for them, they were happy to meet the proud new parents.  The church service began with songs and prayer.  Padre Juan Carlos loves music and it is so cute to see him “jam” in his robe.  Back and forth he would clap and smile; you just know he was feeling spiritual.  Even though their children’s church was in the middle of the service and Lizet went with her friends, the sermon was wonderful for Xavier and Angela.  It was about not being fearful.  Xavier was especially attentive and seemed to relate to Padre Juan Carlos when he himself stated that at fifteen, he would be afraid at night thinking there might be a thief in the house.  One of the missionaries from London translated every sentence, so I had a good grasp on today’s lesson.  Lizet and some other children returned before communion.  Father Fred from London helped conduct communion.  At the end of the service the announcements were made.  A new little girl from San Jose who speaks Quechua was introduced.  Attention was given to the team from London and many tears were shed from the beautiful words Padre Juan Carlos expressed.  Then, our family of five was asked to come to the front for a special blessing from both priests.  At the end of the service, so many individuals came up to us - hugging, kissing, crying; expressing their thanks for us taking in three children from Arequipa.  I have felt moved throughout this entire trip, but it still gets you when others relay such deep emotion.  Milagros, the kids’ older half-sister was at Cristo Redentor to say a final farewell.  She brought them bottles of drinks and bags of chips.  After church, the five of us caught a tico (the type of taxi we usually catch – tiny) to Plaza de Armas for lunch.  We had lunch at Capriccio.  Xavier and Lizet wanted hot dogs - they have shoestring potatoes and slaw topping the dogs.  Xavier had a Sprite and Lizet ordered lemonade.  When her drink arrived, she said, “¡Muchas gracias!”  She took a sip and said, “Delicioso.”  She shared with her siblings and said, “¿Delicioso, no?”  I ordered a Sprite and Strogonoff Crepes, while Dave ordered an Italian sandwich, and Angela ordered a chicken dish with mashed potatoes and white asparagus.  Angela and Dave had regular cokes.  After paying and tipping, which Xavier had a quick lesson on leaving a tip, we walked to a market to purchase a few gifts for those who have helped us.  Angela wasn’t crazy about shopping, but under the circumstances, understood as to why and for whom we were buying.  After finishing our shopping, the kids and I headed to the center of Plaza de Armas to feed the pigeons while Dave went to Super to purchase some hot dogs and buns, since it was expressed to us at lunch, that was what they wanted for dinner.  Angela wasn’t at all interested in feeding pigeons.  Lizet went through both her bags of seed, but Xavier stretched out his time with his two bags, seeming a bit disappointed when none would eat from his hand.  He tried so hard, filling his hand with seed and laying the front of his hand on the ground.  Finally, Dave met up with us and we took a taxi back home.  The kids played and watched television while mamá took a siesta.  We had a hot dog dinner with shoestring potatoes.  The children are packed and ready for our journey to Lima tomorrow.  For tonight’s last night in Arequipa, we’ll have ice cream and they can stay up until 10:00. 

I had a brief lesson on "love" from Gloria tonight.  I asked her about the "te amo" and the "te quiero" difference.  I now know why Angela giggles and smiles when I say, "te amo."  Te amo is more romantic, while te quiero is what is normally said among Latinos to mean "I love you".  High school and college Spanish taught that, interchangeably.  You live, you learn…  

       

Delay

The kids got up great this morning!  They had pancakes and eggs, and were finished before Naty arrived.  Dave and I had been ready for a while and ready to go back to City Hall to sign the new birth certificates.  We were a little early, so we went to our Internet café for a few minutes.  We met Rocio around 11:40 in front of City Hall along with an Italian couple we keep running into due to a commonality… being adoptive parents.  We have seen them many times at SNA and they have always been so friendly.  While there was no line and only seemed to be open for us, we still waited for a couple hours.  But the time passed as we chatted with the couple.  Anthony is originally from Calabria and works for his father in a paper recycling plant and Katya is a secretary at a university.  They live in Milan.  They have adopted a seven-year-old named Franklin.  Franklin lived on the street when he was five and had an alcoholic mother.  He has lived in an institute for the last couple years.  You’re probably wondering how I know all of this; well, apparently I speak Italian, as well.  Even though Spanish and Italian are similar, I actually was able to carry on a conversation… perhaps it’s the gift of tongues.  We also found out they still have a house in Calabria for the summers… nice!  We were finally able to sign the new birth certificates and imprint our index finger in the space provided by our names.  However, the chief who works on Saturdays and has to sign and seal the certificates was out sick.  So… we’re back on Monday!  Our tickets for Lima are for Monday anyway.  After hugs and kisses between families and Rocio, we left to get a bite to eat.  Dave and I had lunch at Patio del Ekeko.  I had lasagna and was able to taste some of Dave’s alpaca, which is similar to steak, but lighter in color.  Dave ordered a plate of three meats; lamb, alpaca, and beef, which came with French fries.  Since our receipt at the restaurant came with a sticker for 30% off in their store, Dave had to check it out!  They carry nice pieces of pottery and textiles.  We left the restaurant to return to the Internet café for a brief moment to check on booking hotels in Florida.  We were able to successfully rent a car.  After returning home, we found Naty had helped them pack after their spaghetti lunch.  The children are ready to go!  I took a nap after much frustration with the day’s slight delay.  I was ready to have those certificates in hand so we could leave tomorrow.  Oh, well…  Lizet woke me up by climbing over me and hugging me tightly.  We got up and watched Lady and the Tramp.  Then, Dave called Sandy to ask him if he could order us a pizza for delivery.  While Dave left for the store across the street for another Coke Zero, the Domino’s guy was delivering The Dominator!  If you haven’t tried this, order it when you have five people… it’s pretty huge!  And our kids can put away pizza.  We talked a lot at dinner about Florida and swimming in the ocean and playing on the beach.  They are thrilled!  Dave also had me tell them tonight that if their grades are good, they clean their rooms, and sleep in their own beds they will earn $10 weekly.  When they realized that’s about S/30.00, they were ecstatic!  Xavier plans on saving his and buying something big.  They also enjoyed counting Dave’s money tonight.  Xavier wrote out how much in change Dave had and then in bills and told Dave the total… as if Dave doesn’t know how much he has at all times.  We are all watching Kangaroo Jack while the kids are having ice cream.  Lizet has been taking notes about me and just brought me a note that has my name, my age, my birth year, my birthday, and across the page says: Mamá, Te Quiero.  I love you, too.           

Farewell, Tía Kym!

Every morning we experience a man with a megaphone riding his cart down our street, singing a ditty about needing old clothes.  I haven’t quite figured out if these clothes are for him, or for others in need; but nonetheless, I’ve learned his song. 

Cornelia arrived around 9:30 as the children were having breakfast, and Dave and I were getting ready to leave to meet with Rocio at SNA.  We needed to sign a few more papers and receive our original final adoption papers.  We then walked together to a store to have copies made for María and Raúl when we go to Lima.  While I stood with Rocio, Dave went to a store down the street to purchase a book for each of the children.  Xavier had requested it, but we weren’t sure exactly what he wanted; we just knew the girls had chimed in asking for it as well.  The book is entitled, Mitos and Leyendas de Arequipa, by Pablo Nicoli Segura.  The man at the copier place knew and directed Dave.  Next, we returned to City Hall to request five more original birth certificates for each child, as we needed more than had been suggested.  They should be ready for us to sign tomorrow, even though it will be a Saturday.  We checked our e-mails while at Plaza de Armas and then hailed a taxi to Franco’s.  Franco’s is a small supermarket that is clean, well stocked, and organized.  We went to buy lettuce and beans for Cornelia since she was planning to make tacos for lunch.  I immediately eyed some chocolate covered meringue cookies.  They are similar to pinwheel cookies in the States.  We left Franco’s and arrived home to find the children downstairs.  Dave unloaded groceries for Cornelia, and I gave the books to Dave to distribute.  He handed Xavier his first, asking him if that’s what he wanted and he jumped towards me with a strong hug, all three of them to be exact.  Dave gave me this look like… I gave him the book…  what just happened?  Shortly after, Xavier asked for a pen and swiftly wrote his name neatly in the front cover of his book.  He also told me, as we shook pinkies, that he would read his book of “terror” in his bed tonight, solo.  He’s made it three nights alone in his room, by the way.  

Lunch was delicious as usual.  Our children LOVE guacamole!  Thank goodness!!  Flour tortillas were lightly fried, so they could be folded.  Angela copied me and made a burrito.  Xavier likes to eat all the ingredients mixed up without the tortilla.  And Lizet, eats everything she gets her hands on… like I’ve said before… we don’t know where it goes.  I passed around the box of meringues for dessert and everyone had one.  Angela’s favorite drink is Kola Escocesa.  It’s a red-tinted cola, which according to Padre Juan Carlos tastes similar to a cherry-flavored Dr Pepper.  Personally, I taste more cherry than anything.  Dave thinks it tastes like cough syrup.    

Dave went for a haircut while I stayed with the children and watched some of their favorite afternoon shows.  Shortly after Dave returned, we made dinner plans to have a meal with Kym before she left to return to the United States.  So, we planned on Norky’s with Kym, Sandy, and Gloria. 

Norky’s is a kid-friendly chicken restaurant.  They specialize in rotisserie chicken.  Kid-friendly because they have an inside play area.  Most of us chose the combo; a large roasted chicken breast with French fries, a side salad, drink, and dessert.  This was all a $6 meal.  The prices have amazed us!  I kept eyeing Xavier and Lizet to see if Lizet wanted any more food that Xavier was willing to sacrifice.  Last night at Brunno’s, we told Xavier he could have the last piece and Lizet looked at him sadly.  So, without anything said, Xavier took his knife and sliced his pizza down the middle and put half of it on Lizet’s plate.  Some of the cheese had pulled off in the process of cutting it, and he gave her all the cheese, as well.  I told him he is such a good brother.  He smiled. 

We said our goodbyes outside as Sandy put Kym and the five of us in different taxis, giving the drivers directions for us, and we left.  But not until the man with balloons gave Lizet the ones he either gave, out of the goodness of his heart, or because he was tired of working for the night.  I sat with the children in the back seat with Lizet on my lap, facing me with her head against my chest, watching the traffic and repeating, “combis, combis combis”.  Combis are run-down-looking mini vans with side doors.  People are crammed inside – I mean CRAMMED… you can’t see through to the other side.  And people are usually hanging out the door; I’ve actually seen these vans only slow down to let people on or off.  Xavier even glanced over and said, “muchas personas” and Lizet nodded, sleepily. 

When we got home, the kids got ready for bed.  Angela got out of her funk after I gave her some big smooches on her neck.  She really doesn’t like to leave the house.  So, even going out to eat isn’t too exciting.  We gave Xavier and Lizet permission to read together for a little while.  He’s back in his bed, now.  I hope they all have sweet dreams.                            

Spa Day

Naty arrived this morning around the same time the kids were getting ready for the day.  After breakfast, the kids brushed their teeth, made their beds, and began their television marathon.  Naty, the girls, and Dave went to a market called Franco’s to get a few things, while Xavier and I watched the end of War of the Worlds.  Upon returning, Naty made our lunch which was a pot roast served with rice.  She fried  the meat and then stewed them with the carrots, potatoes, and onions.  After lunch, Dave and I went to our usual Internet café.  We found out through a phone call from María that the gentleman who is printing out our new birth certificates for us to sign not only needs one more for each child, but won't have them ready for us to sign tomorrow, but definitely Saturday.  Fortunately, that doesn’t affect our flight to Lima.  Dave will go tomorrow to order the additional three and then will take the receipts to Rocio to put with the other fifteen receipts.  After getting more money from the ATM, we went back home to spend some time with the children.  Around 5:00, Dave thought he'd treat me to an hour massage across the street at a spa called Cappricio. My massage therapist's name was Ruth, pronounced "Root".  She was a beautiful Peruvian woman around her late twenties and gave the best massage!  The oils, the fragrances (which were scented pine cones in a basket beneath the hole where your face is rested), the warmth of the bed and blanket and music were relaxing before the massage even began.  All this for S/.25.00, which I may have mentioned is about $9 US dollars.  It's no wonder she hugged and kissed me when I tipped her the same amount!  I've now recommended her to our missionary friend, Gloria.  I think Ruth will have a new customer.  After returning back home, Naty left, and we took the kids out to eat at Brunno's.  We ordered the same pizzas we've ordered in the past along with the cheese bread, and cold cokes.  I emphasize cold, since warm cokes are the usual, and not as refreshing.  But I don't want to order the ice, hence the bacteria.  Now the kids are home, comfortable, and watching their favorite program.  Xavier made it all through last night without getting up, and without awaking! Success!!         

Countdown

Dave and I had a meeting this morning at 8:30 with Rocio at SNA, so we left the children sleeping while Cornelia watered the plants and sprayed the patio.  We arrived at her office a bit early, but we were able to begin right away.  She explained to us briefly what we would be doing.  We left together, got a taxi, and traveled about five minutes to the municipal building to have the official adoption paperwork stamped and registered in Arequipa.  We then traveled to City Hall to request their new birth certificates.  We ordered 15; five for each children.  Hopefully, they will be ready on Friday for us to sign.  According to Rocio, they will be ready.  We were finished in an hour.  We said our farewell to Rocio for today as she will take care of other things for us tomorrow.  Dave and I walked to the bank to retrieve more money for the week, then, we caught a taxi to take us home.  Driving through neighborhoods, I am amazed how content people are with such simplicity.  It bothers me that there are small children selling candy when they should be in school.  It upsets me that there doesn’t seem to be enough food or adequate housing for these Arequipans, and yet they’re content with life.  One of the things, only a touch further down the list, is seeing a great need for an SPCA.  Saying that, I do realize it is not the most important need in Arequipa.  But, if you’re an animal lover like me, it would break your heart to see the stray dogs (and a few cats) wandering the streets.  I’ve noticed they usually travel in pairs.  They are filthy and panting.  Some have fallen asleep on sidewalks and I wonder if they’re breathing.  Who feeds these animals, I wonder?  Dave and I arrived home to sleeping children.  By the time we had breakfast they seemed ravenous.  They normally have a healthy appetite for a morning meal, but today was quite different.  After gobbling down their cereal and request for scrambled eggs, Cornelia prepared them each a fried egg sandwich.  They also had their juice and yogurt.  Dave and I took a taxi to a different part of town since, as you may recall, I’m in dire need of a haircut.  The side of the street we exited the cab, caused us to walk up a flight of stairs and walk across the bridge over traffic, then down again.  We found a salon called, Gala.  I got a cute haircut; a shoulder-length bob with bangs… I think I’ll call it: The Arequipan.  Then, we went to Plaza Vea and purchased Xavier a three-pack of socks, since we just realized he’s been wearing the same pair he owns for over a week.  We also got Lizet a pack of jumbo crayons, and Angela a pack of pens.  You’d think I had handed them each a $100 bill!  We had leftover hamburgers and chips for lunch.  Angela is fascinated with cheese that is individually wrapped in plastic.  They’re not too accustomed to eating processed foods, so she found it quite weird.  She calls it queso plástico.  The kids watched cartoons this afternoon while Dave and I took shifts, napping.  After awaking, I played a couple games of Uno with Xavier and Lizet.  Then, Xavier proceeded to play his marble game.  Lizet left for a moment, I thought to get a drink.  But then, I hear the zapping noise the gas stove makes when you turn it on.  I raced down the stairs to find her grilling bread in a bit of oil.  I told her to never cook without her mamí or papí.  I finished grilling her snack for her and took it up to her.  She shared it with all of us.  Thank goodness the gas stove makes a clicking sound!  And thank goodness we don’t have one.  Dinner was more leftovers; soup, sandwiches, macaroni and cheese with ground beef, and chips.  For dessert, I found a small orange pound cake at Plaza Vea, which they loved.  They are now watching a Scooby-Doo cartoon and at 8 p.m. we will watch their favorite program, which has become my favorite program, Al Fondo hay Sitio.  When it ends at 9:00, they will go to bed.  Thankfully, Xavier made it through the night in his own bed;  although, it wasn’t an easy night.  He would sleep for a couple hours, then be up for an hour, and so on.  The music and headphones helped settle his nerves at times, but once he wanted me to lay with him, and then at 2:30 a.m., he knocked on our door and wanted Dave to lay with him.  I told him this morning how proud I was of him and how tonight would be much easier.  He grinned and nodded, but then looked puzzled, like “I have to do this again?”  Yes, son, you do.                          

Day of Silence

Today is our “day of silence” which is not to suggest I have mandated a “no talking” day with the children.  It is a legal term of sorts, which enables someone to refute the adoption.  No worries, though.  Everything is fine.  This was probably created for the one-in-a-million case where there was an issue of some kind.  Similar I think, to those strange unheard of side effects you read on the warnings of a prescription. 

We had our typical morning.  After breakfast, Naty arrived to begin laundry, and Dave and I left for Plaza de Armas for Dave to check the Internet, and for me to call my mother.  We also went shopping for more souvenirs.  Since I skipped breakfast this morning, I was feeling peckish, so Dave and I stopped at Capriccio for a bite.  I had a small plate of guacamole and chips.  The chips were shaped like tortilla chips, but were actually wontons.  The guacamole was excellent!  Dave had a mini sandwich and we both had cold cokes.  Normally, when ordering a meal at Capriccio, in addition to your ordered drink, they bring you a shot glass of hot apple cider, but not today.  Perhaps it’s because we chose an appetizer.  S/15.00 was the total cost, equivalent to about $6.00.  After this much needed snack, we did a little more shopping. 

We headed home to find the girls helping Naty scrub the laundry.  Xavier vacuumed for us.  We understand they are used to chores, but they don’t just seem used to them, they seem to really enjoy them.  Last night they automatically turned off the television at 9:00 without being told and began getting ready for bed.  After having a spaghetti lunch with Naty, the children helped clear the table as usual, and proceeded to finish their paused movie.  Dave and I went for a walk.  I found a salon across the street - I’m in dire need of a haircut.  I also noticed they offer 1-hour massages for S/25.00 – that’s about 9 dollars!  I’m booking that, as well! 

We had a nice dinner of homemade cheeseburgers and potato chips.  Dave made a pineapple Kool-Aid-type drink.  The kids loved it!  They really enjoy fruit-flavored drinks.  Speaking of drinks, last night Xavier mixed regular coke with Inca Kola and called it a cerveza.  I’m thinking… great, I have a 13-year-old already interested in mixing drinks!  Sometimes at the table, one will want to “experiment” with flavors.  For instance, one day Angela added mustard to her causa de pollo.  It was actually good, tasted like potato salad.  She gave me the thumbs up!  I concurred. 

Sometimes, these children look out for us.  Last night, we were having dinner and the doorbell rang.  We weren’t expecting anyone and it was getting dark.  Xavier tells Dave to ask who it is before opening the door.  I thought that was cute and felt reassured that when at home, they will use caution in various situations.  Even though we have a peephole, and we’re locked up like Fort Knox, Dave said, “Okay.”  Someone just had the wrong house.  

We need more of Cornelia’s chicken and rice soup.  I learned through the children that what I thought was potatoes in her soup, (which I didn’t care for at first) was actually yucca.  She also had included large yellow corn kernels, which tasted like hominy.  Another ingredient I’ve never been fond of, but happened to enjoy in this soup.  She had supplied us each with a chicken thigh in the soup, as well. 

When smiling for pictures here, you say “whiskey.”  The kids love cameras!  

Well, I’m hoping for another “I love you” in English tonight.  Last night, Dave and I got two in English – Xavier and Lizet.  Angela shows it in so many ways, but she’s also the most mature and I guess she’s just not there, yet.  But that’s okay.  We’ve got plenty of time.  But we’re going to keep saying it!  

Xavier is in his own bed tonight… pray he stays there.    

 

    

ADOPTION DAY

A heart-warming tidbit:  I listen intently to their prayers at the table and have noticed that they all pray for the poor and for the hands that prepared our meals.  It always hits me so strangely, when they pray for the poor.  On the one hand, I feel like they have been fortunate at San Jose, but have been surrounded by obvious poverty; on the other, their hearts are filled with riches we may never understand.   

Today is officially, adoption day!  We found out last night through María and Raúl that we don’t need to sign anything; they will be issuing a document stating the fact that we are the adoptive parents and this document will be couriered to us from Lima.  We should have it on Wednesday, so we can take it to request their new birth certificates, which we will sign.  The children are so excited and have grown quite comfortable with us.  Even when we have to be strict about a particular issue, they are respectful, and we don’t have to repeat ourselves, at least at this point.  This morning we had Zucaritas (Frosted Flakes).  After breakfast, the kids watched Kangaroo Jack.  Cornelia arrived around 9:30 and began preparing her grocery list of ingredients for the meals we request.  Today she made a delicious cannoli con pollo; basically, a chicken lasagna with diced ham and a cream sauce.  The salad consisted of lettuce, tomato, avocado, and asparagus.  I’ve also found that I never need to dress a salad, here.  I haven’t figured that one out, yet!  Xavier continued to play with his bag of marbles while the girls helped Cornelia with the dishes.  Later, Xavier was bothering Lizet a bit upstairs and I actually had the opportunity to respond to “¡Mamí!” from Lizet.  I had to tell Xavier, “¡No más molestando tú hermana por favor!”  He responded with a simple “Sí,” and continued looking at the puzzle book I gave him.  Angela is laying flat on her stomach on her bed, listening to the radio, and looking at her puzzle book.  Xavier confiscated a small spray bottle of water from Lizet’s purse and started spraying the air with it while visiting Angela, who was uninterested.  I asked him to leave her so she could relax, and he did.  The next time I checked on her, she was under her blanket, with the radio on softly, falling asleep.  Anyone who knows me really well knows this is my twin! Of course, our next big event was Lizet getting mad at Xavier for getting in her purse, resulting in Dave taking the bottle away from both of them, and Lizet stomping off to the backyard where she sat for awhile. It’s been an hour now, and we’re still getting the silent treatment with the occasional glare.  What fun!  Dave has now gone to purchase some of that Arequipan bread we love so much, since Cornelia made us a pot of chicken and rice soup for dinner.  After returning, Dave also had a chocolate cake and ice cream to celebrate Adoption Day!  The candle he picked was a question mark; after all, what DO you place on an adoption cake?  The children thought that was funny.  After dinner and dessert, the children went to their usual spot:  Television Central.