[meganicolson]

We are excited to announce the referral of our three children from the Risaralda Region, Pereira, Colombia!

We have a new daughter age 10, another daughter age 8, and a son age 5 1/2 in addition to a daughter age 3 1/2 and a son age 2 1/2 at home. We are very excited to welcome them home.

The agency officially knew of the referral three weeks ago, but we only found out earlier this week due to several paperwork issues in Colombia.

We were also told today that the Risaralda Region was not included in the strike and that the strike (nation wide) has ended today, with most court employees returning to work.

We are currently researching our options for obtaining a visa because it would be rather costly for us to take time off and travel to apply in person in Chicago (our nearest consulate), as we have been told is the new requirement. In the past we just fedexed the application. Has anyone obtained a visa in Chicago recently without having to apply in person? Are there other options for obtaining visas without having to apply in person?

I'm looking forward to hearing good news of other families traveling around the same time we will be! And good news for the families in Colombia who will hopefully be able to return home soon!

Megan
Colombian Brewed

[xraymom62]

Congratulations!!! I knew it wouldn't be long if you had a regional assignment. So you should be in Colombia for Thanksgiving! So much to be thankful for.
Last year we didn't have to travel to Chicago for the visa, but I believe the families I have seen lately had to. I'm sure someone else has more insight on the visa situation.
Older sibling groups aren't the same as adopting a baby (ie: a whole different set of challenges), but the transformation they undergo as they learn to be a part of a permanent family and know they are loved and cared for is amazing. Being primarily in Pereira instead of Bogota should make for a shorter trip, which should be easier for everyone too.
Praying for a safe, quick trip and easy transition into a family of 7!

Karen

[DrLaura]

Thats great news! Congratulations and hopefully you can make it down and back before the holidays. Are you taking your other 2 kids with you?

[entropy]

it happened!!!! Congratulations! I'll be very excited to read your blog.

[AuntDonna]

Congratulations!!! It seems like just yesterday that you were hoping someday to adopt a sibling group. Wow it is happening. Can't wait to follow your blog on your trip.

[Zuke]

Congratulations!!! What wonderful news!
So sorry to hear about the visa changes...I hope you can work it out so you don't have to travel to Chicago.

[mko]

Yay, that is so exciting! I am so happy for you, and can't wait to hear all the updates.

If you have to go to Chicago, you can stop by or stay with us--we're on the way
Congratulations to Nic and the kids too.

[meganicolson]

Thanks! We are very excited and still sorting out the priorities for what comes next. We are taking our two children at home with us. The older one is excited, the younger one hasn't a clue, he just want's to play ball with his brother. I'm still trying to catch my breath and organize my to-do list. It feels great!

One of these days I'll get around to updating the blog, but today I need to make phone calls while the house is quiet.

Megan

[emi]

Congratulations!!!!! I've been checking your blog for the good news!

What great ages, too - a nice span for your family!

Can't wait to follow your journey!

[NashvilleGirl]

Oh wow, what AWESOME news!!!! Congratulations! I'm so excited for you guys and can't wait to follow your journey through your blog. As far as the visa goes, I think now you are required to apply in person, but only one of you has to go. In our case, my husband had to go to the consolate in Atlanta, but I didn't have to. Good luck with all the preparations to leave!

[Nancycs]

Congratulations!

[AdoptInMN]

Many congratulations on your new additions!!! Wow, you'll soon be a family of seven! How cool! Hope you can travel soon and be home before the holidays!

Kate

[Sumerce]

Megan, I was reading some interesting things in the new rules of ICBF. I think that you should be aware of. ICBF now allows and encourages you to have contact with your kids prior to placement. You can request and schedule phone calls, you can also request an Internet video conference vis things like Yahoo instant messenger. You can send them a care package, etc.

I thought you might be ineterested in these things. Let me know if there is anything I can do to help you.

[meganicolson]

WooooooHooooo! Wonderful news! We're swamped today with company coming to help with projects to finish getting everything set up here at home this weekend. However, I'll process this new info this weekend and get back to it after the house clears. We are so excited and do already have a small care package on it's way! The past week has been a blur - and we can't wait to go. Still no travel date yet.

Megan