some observations

I am guessing that a lot of you are no longer reading this. but then again, how would I know? for those of you who are still around, here is an update. Bur first, some history; Harry had an abusive past, primarily from his father, and it has always been a major concern about how he would attach to a male authority figure. In rencent months at the orphanage, he was able to switch to a male therapist and the Director's son was able to take him to some soccer games, so there was always hope that he could bond with a male again, it was just (potentially) going to be difficult. We knew this going in to it. But I will say this: so far Harry has bonded to me extremely well. He helps me get dressed in the morning, sits in the bathroom waiting for me until I am done with my shower, and holds my hand when we are walking without even asking. He seems very comfortable with me already. in fact, maybe too comfortable. As expected, Addie is having a hard time sharing my time with Harry. She is working pretty hard at getting my attention. Not that I am that distracted with Harry, but it is all new to her. So I am pulled in directions I never knew existed. Honestly, how does anyone handle more than 2 kids?!!
so I had the 'this is your forever family' conversation with Harry. Who hasn't had that one, right? I had to rely on google Translate to get me through so I didnt accidentally say we were taking him back to the orphanage or something. He responded with a loud and long " Siiiiiiii!" Colombia may be a drug haven, but I swear that was more powerful than anything grown on trees.

We took our first adventure out to the old downtown ( and I mean OLD, built in the 1500's). In Bogota, you dont hail a cab on the street, apparently. there is a (slight) possibility you will be kidnapped. Not really kidnapped like in the movies, but maybe taken way out of your way and forced to withdraw all your money from an ATM. How do they force you, you ask? they make you smell  something (the name I forget but it is a great name, trust me) that temporarily makes you lose your will. Then they rob you and take your money. BUT, if you call for a cab ahead of time, it is safer. but you still have that image in your head as they zip in and out of traffic to who-knows-where. So we went to the Gold Museum today, with a REAL pirates treasure chest and Gold from the pre-colombian era. very cool. There is a custom on Sundays called Ciclovîa, where everyone rides bikes instead of driving. so the main streets are closed and there are people everywhere. Jugglers, street performers, thieves and beggars all right up in your grill. Its a pretty intimidating place to be as one of only a few gringos. But we survived with all our limbs and cash. The picture of Harry and Addie is probably the only time all day he wasn't smiling or running, but we were at a museum, so what do you expect? Addie did great but freaked out at the seat-less toilets in the museum, so we had to leave. And the van on the street was selling men's underwear out of the back of a van. What a great idea! The water here must be harder on the digestive track than I was told. Oh, we have it so easy in the states. The bottom picture is how we feel after one of Mariaellena's home cooked Colombian meals.  -Brian