The End of This Chapter

Today is August 2nd, 2023. 

It has been nine years since I blogged our first trip to Colombia to adopt Eli. 

Yesterday, on August 1st, 2023, we flew to Bogota for a return trip with our now NINE year old son! It was exactly 9 years ago on August 1st that we traversed the same airports for our return trip...Bringing Eli home to meet his new American family. The serendipity of these coinciding dates gave me pause. I've been reflecting and remembering the incredible magic of that first visit here and those first unforgettable moments as a family. And I realized...

I never finished this blog. This chapter of our story was left dangling because our return to the USA was a wonderful whirlwind that completely consumed my time and energy. Introducing Eli to our family and friends, the pediatrician appointments, the return to a "real-life" of bills to pay, groceries to buy, a house to maintain...I always meant to write a final post and never got around to it. 

So, here it is. I'm back at La Fontana in Bogota, staying in an "apartamento" very similar to the one we were in nine years ago, and I'm inspired to use some of the vacation time to finish the telling of this part of our story. I will piece together the missing days from my Facebook posts and iCloud photos during that time. I'm hoping to have a published copy of this blog to give Eli for his 10th birthday this September. So, here we go...

A brief run-down of our last few days in Bogota during the end of July-August 1st, 2014:

July 28th-29th, 2014

After spending a beautiful day with the Cuesta family, it was back to paperwork and appointments! Everything seems to be moving along quite nicely for us. Eli now has a Colombian passport. Isn't he the cutest?!! Still hoping to be back in Buffalo later this week!

July 30th, 2014

Well, we spent the whole day waiting for a phone call that never came. We finished our part of the paperwork yesterday and now all we can do is sit and wait and trust. The US Embassy is experiencing difficulties with their computer system and that's delaying Eli's visa. We can't take him out of Colombia without it, so...maybe tomorrow. We are healthy, safe and together; I can't complain. But, we are so looking forward to bringing our son home to the family and friends who are waiting to meet him!

July 31st, 2014

9am: We just got the call!!! Eli's visa is ready! We go at 11am to pick it up and then we can book our flight. We will be home tomorrow night!!!

1pm: We have our tickets!

Arriving in Buffalo at 11:59 tomorrow evening- just in time to make it for Grandpa's memorial service Saturday morning! God has been good to us. We feel incredibly blessed.

3pm: It is hard to believe it is our last day in Bogotá...Eli and I took a break from packing and walked out to the playground. We both love being outside and are ready to enjoy the rest of Buffalo's summer season. We had such an amazing experience here, but I can't wait to introduce our family and friends to this little guy. He just melts me!

August 1st, 2014

What an epic day! We started our day in Bogota at 5:30am and finally crawled into a bed at my parents' house  in Pennsylvania around 3:30am! We flew out of Bogota to Atlanta, Georgia and had a long layover there that allowed us to get a little rest (somewhat uncomfortably) at the airport and eat a proper dinner at a restaurant in the airport. 

Saying "goodbye" to our Bogota Apartment!

"Resting" at the airport

Eli was such a trooper! He was easy and jovial for the majority of our day and slept through much of the second flight home in my arms. This boy has so much joy in him...His sparkling eyes, infectious laugh and dimpled smiles make everyone around him happy. So many people stopped to interact with him throughout the day and the staff at the restaurant we ate at all wanted to take turns holding him and making him giggle! I just love that he is so comfortable in social situations and seems to genuinely enjoy meeting new people. 

Now that Eli's a US Citizen, there's a whole new set of expectations...We Americans are very serious.

Hangin' with the restaurant staff...

We arrived back in Buffalo, NY around midnight and were greeted by the most wonderful gathering of friends and family. They brought signs, balloons, stuffed animals...It was an emotional homecoming and both Jamie and I cried happy tears as we embraced our people and introduced our son. I'm so grateful for the beautiful pictures my friend and fellow FANA mom, Jill Pogodzinski, took of that night. She truly captured the overwhelming love we felt in coming home with Eli. 

After about a half hour of greetings and hugs, we loaded Eli into his first car seat for the two hour drive to my parents' home in Eldred, PA. He wasn't too sure about the car seat and had a good long cry for the first part of the trip before falling asleep. We finally arrived around 2:45am and found that my sister's family were also camped out at my parents' house eagerly awaiting Eli's arrival. It was so good to see them. Everyone woke up for quick hugs and a peek at our boy and then we finally got to bed around 3:30am, knowing that the next morning was going to be difficult. It would be my grandfather's funeral.

Love and loss, laughter and tears, joy and sorrow...We have certainly been experiencing the fullness of life. I knew Eli would bring some light to my grandmother's darkest day. I was so grateful that I would be able to place him in her arms that next morning. 

Buckled in for the last leg of our journey...

August 2nd, 2014

The morning was full of celebration, love, snuggles and the warmth of family. My parents finally were able to meet and hold their grandson. They immediately embraced him with so much love and enthusiasm and Eli took right away to his "Sissy" (Aunt Kelley), Uncle Ricky, and his cousins Malachi and Lydia. 

The afternoon was much harder...But, as soon as my Grandma saw me she lifted her head, smiled and reached out for her great-grandson. I know she had prayed religiously for so many years that God would give me the gift of motherhood. I will never forget those precious first moments when Eli and his "Yaja" first locked eyes. I knew that we had made it home on that day for that exact moment. I truly believe God had a plan for us and it was bigger than we even realized. 

This chapter ends here. 

With a difficult "goodbye" and a jubilant "hello." 

Our family's story has only just begun and I know we have many journeys ahead.

Some of those journeys will be beautiful and exciting, but I know we will travel long, dark roads, as well. Whatever comes our way...We've made it this far. We are a family. We have each other and so much love...In the end, I will be able to say that I had the opportunity to love more than I knew I was capable of. I had the honor of being a mother. 

A Day to Remember: The Baptism of Maria Angel

On Sunday, July 27th, 2014, we became Padrinos or Godparents to a beautiful Colombian little girl named, Maria Angel. Those of you who have been following the blog know how this all came to be. Those who don't, can read the back story here: Communion with Strangers

Our morning journey started at 8:45am. Patricia, Jorge's wife, picked us up and accompanied us to the town of Chiquinquirá for the baptism. Jorge, unfortunately, was unable to attend, but his wife speaks enough English to be of great service to us and she was willing to sign on for a full day of travel and festivities. The Cuesta family decided to have the baptism in the town where Geraldin grew up and where her mother still lives, Chiquinquirá, rather than Chocontá where they currently reside and run their bakery. 

Chiquinquirá is often referred to as the religious capital of Colombia. In 1586, a miracle occurred in the original church at Chiquinquirá which involved a tattered old painting of the Virgin Mary suddenly appearing restored and illuminated. This was the first of many reported manifestations of Mary and she soon became known as Our Lady of the Rosary of Chiquinquirá. This South American title was given to Mary as pilgrims began to flock to the town to view the painting which remains there, in the basilica, to this day. Mary, the Lady of the Rosary of Chiquinquirá, is the patron saint of Colombia, Venezuela and Cuba. Many believe prayers received from Chiquinquirá will be answerd and even today, thousands of pilgrims travel to the town seeking a miracle. Perhaps, the Cuestas chose this site for their daughter's baptism, due to the rich religious history. In any case, it was an opportunity for us to experience a new place of note in Colombia, so we happily agreed to make the two and a half hour journey to be a part of Maria Angel's baptismal service. 

The trip there was definitely the most scenic car ride we've experienced yet. The ride was long, but there was so much beauty to take in. Incredible mountain views, green pastures, a lake, farms, and several small villages held our interest as we made our morning journey. What continued to surprise me was the contrast between the wealth of land and the poverty of home. The most spectacular pieces of property with views Americans would have to pay hundreds of thousands of dollars for were served as the foundation for homes those same Americans would deem unlivable property. No 3,500 square foot colonials looked out over these Colombian valleys. Simple shacks and cottages, instead, claimed the breathtaking vistas. There weren't any developments, model homes or the makings of an American-like suburb. In the city of Bogotá, there are shanty towns and homes packed close together. But, here in the county, there was an abundance of land. One small, simple house at a time, on a sizable piece of property...It seems to me a good way to live. 

Along the way, we encountered what seemed to be a mile long parade, honoring the Virgin of Carmen, Colombia's patron saint of drivers. Traffic proceeded in the right lane as a parade of blue and white decorated bicycles, trucks, cars, tractors and motorcycles slowly made its way forward in the left lane. Adults and children waved from flatbed trucks and blue and white balloons bounced and flew as the vehicles rolled along, honking horns and declaring their love and thanks for Carmen's protection.

We arrived in Chiquinquirá around 11:30am and met Octavio, Geraldin, Maria Angel, Sarah Valentina, and some of their extended family at  a small church on a local college campus. We gathered in the church's office, waiting for the morning mass to finish, and signed the necessary documents. Then we all gathered outside the church's main entrance for some photos.

Maria Angel sleeps while we wait in the office

Our new Colombian family: Octavio's grandparents and Geraldin's mother, aunt and brother

Jamie, Maria Angel, Octavio, Elias, Geraldin, and I 

Soon we were ushered into the church to talk very briefly with the priest. We explained that we had prepared an appropriate song to offer as a gift and almost immediately we were led to the keyboard and microphones set up at the side of the church. We were to perform the opening hymn! We had chosen a song by Sara Groves that was dear to us, You Cannot Lose My Love. The song explains that as we grow up, we lose many things along the way. But, God's Love, and similarly, the love of parents, is unconditional and cannot be lost. I have linked the song to this blog page, so you can hear it. The lyrics are below:

                                                 "You Cannot Lose My Love"

You will lose your baby teeth.
At times, you'll lose your faith in me.
You will lose a lot of things,
But you cannot lose my love.

You may lose your appetite,
Your guiding sense of wrong and right.
You may lose your will to fight,
But you cannot lose my love.

You will lose your confidence.
In times of trial, your common sense.
You may lose your innocence,
But you cannot lose my love.

Many things can be misplaced;
Your very memories be erased.
No matter what the time or space,
You cannot lose my love.
You cannot lose,
You cannot lose,
You cannot lose my love.

There were two other children being baptized that day, in addition to Maria Angel. All of the parents and Godparents sat in the front row of the congregation with the children. It was a full mass, with the rest of the music beautifully performed by two talented teenaged girls. 

The mass was entirely in Spanish, but I tried to follow along and said the prayers I knew in English along with the congregation. The priest gave a passionate homily, received by nods, a few chuckles, and even some verbal responses to questions he posed. Unfortunately, the language was delivered much to quickly for Jamie or I to catch most of it. He did, however, refer to the visiting Americans once or twice and gave us a big smile when he did. 

Listening to the sermon

The priest blessed Maria Angel and made the sign of the cross on her forehead and then asked Jamie and I to do the same. This process was repeated with oil and we were asked to dedicate Maria Angel to the Lord by saying her name out loud. 

Maria Angel receiving her blessing

Then, I carried Maria Angel over to a small, empty basin. Her mother, Geraldin, and I cradled her in our arms, with her head above the basin as the priest poured the blessed water on her forehead, and dedicated her soul to the Lord. 

Comforting a wet headed Maria Angel after her baptism 

After all three children were baptized, Jamie and the other Godfathers were given candles, which they lit from a large candle at the side of the church. The smaller lit candles were then handed to the families of the baptized, a prayer was said and then they were extinguished and kept as keepsakes. 

Holding the baptismal candle

The mass concluded with communion and then we greeted the priest, thanked him, and took some photos before leaving the church.

Maria Angel

Maria Angel, Elias James and Sarah Valentina

Mama!!! Help! I think she's trying to kiss me! 

Octavio and Geraldin's extended family had immediately welcomed us with warm smiles and hugs. Geraldin's mother and aunt sat behind us in the church and took turns holding Eli and keeping him quietly occupied. Octavio's grandmother (abuela in Spanish) immediately connected with me and we walked out of the church arm in arm. 

We all piled into cars and made the short drive to Geraldin's aunt's home where a small reception had been prepared. We were treated to large and delicious lunch plates piled high with chicken, rice, potatoes, and a cold salad of mango, peas, raisins, greens and sausage. The brightly painted walls of the home, teamed with balloons and a banner, made for a festive ambiance for our little gathering. 

We had a wonderful time chatting with the family, laughing with them at our own Spanish mistakes, watching the children interact, and sharing stories about family, our path to adoption, and the differences in American and Colombian culture. Octavio even convinced us to sing again, this time in Spanish. We sang a simple children's song we know while the family gathered around us with their cell phones, recording the performance! We tried to convince the crowd to return the favor and sing for us, but only Geraldin's cousin's daughter, a sweet and precocious three year old, was willing to perform "Let it Go" from Frozen, in Spanish! It was really such a fun afternoon. 

Geraldin and Octavio's Grandmother

Geraldin's younger sister, Laura, Geraldin's mother, and Maria Angel

Proud Parents: Geraldin and Octavio

Abuela y Abuelo- Octavio's Grandparents

Geraldin's younger brother, Sergio

The little ones: Maria Angel, 1 year old, and Eli, 10 months

Laura and Eli

Laura and Sarah Valentina with the English/Spanish bible stories we gave her as a gift

The party concluded with a delicious cake and hugs all around. Then, several of us got back in the cars for a quick walk around the main square in Chiquinquirá and a visit to the famed La Basílica de Nuestra Señora del Rosario de Chiquinquirá (the Basilica of Our Lady of the Rosary of Chiquinquirá). 

We walked the cobblestone streets, Laura and Sarah Valentina holding my hands, and took in the beautiful blue skies and old, quaint beauty of the legendary town. 

Suddenly, the street opened into a vast, open square and the basilica towered before us.

Heavenly Skies

The girls clamored up the steps, posing for pictures, and then we all entered the incredible sanctuary.

There was a mass taking place when we walked in, but visitors were allowed to walk around the perimeter of the church and observe the stunning architecture and monuments to various saints. 

Saint Martin- My grandfather's last name...

After the basilica, we wandered around the square, stopping in some shops and looking for a gift for my grandma. We settled on a rosary, made with rose petals. The flowers give the wooden beads a beautiful mauve color and a strong, sweet fragrance. 

Geraldin and Octavio wandered off for awhile and Patricia and I sent Jamie to get us some cappuccinos before we started the long drive back. I guess Jamie had trouble finding an open café, because we thought we lost him for awhile! Patricia, Eli and I stood out in the sun for awhile, chatting with Octavio's grandparents, Geraldin's brother Sergio, and their cousin. The grandfather mentioned that he'd like to show us the original church in Chiquinquirá, a smaller, quieter place, just a short walk away. Jamie finally found us, his hands full of hot coffees, and we all walked together to the little church. 

My hero, saving the day with caffeinated beverages!

The main square

Hanging out with our "adopted" Colombian Grandparents

 Statue of Simón Bolívar

I got a little help with Eli while I sipped my Cappuccino!

The original church site

A quiet, simple and serene sanctuary

We took a quick tour of the church and met up again with Octavio and Geraldin as we were exiting the church. They had gone off to purchase gifts for Jamie, Eli and myself, and returned with arms full of colorful packages. We told them how unnecessary this was, but we did appreciate the kind gesture. They had chosen bags for both Jamie and I; I received a colorful hand made purse and Jamie received a red and beige burlap messenger bag with "Mi Colombia" printed on it. They also presented us with a bag full of gifts for Eli: a tiny guitar, a little toy keyboard, maracas, and an adorable brown and orange striped sweater. We posed for one last photo, our children reaching for each other, before we started the walk back to the cars. 

Two good papas- walking and talking as they carry their children

In the parking lot, all of our group reconvened and exchanged hugs and well wishes. Geraldin's mother, her brother, sister, and her cousin all encouraged us to come back to Colombia soon and told us that we had Colombian family now. Octavio's grandmother embraced me, tearfully, and said that they would be waiting for us. Then we kissed Maria Angel and Sarah Valentina goodbye and said our final farewell to the Cuesta family. 

Jamie played with Eli in the back seat while Patricia and I happily chattered, reflecting on the amazing day we had all shared. I asked her if she had enjoyed herself and she said, "Today, lives were changed. I think this is very special to be a part of." 

I couldn't agree more.

 “Travel is more than the seeing of sights; it is a change that goes on, 

deep and permanent, in the ideas of living.” – Miriam Beard