Ups and Downs

Yesica and Sucena started their ESL program this week. They have responded in a very positive way to the program, which is great. They talk about it constantly and this puts the other two girls in a bad mood since their program has ended and they don't get to see friends anymore. Today they went to Devil's Lake and had a great time. We had a visit from our social worker who asked us some questions and seemed positive about our transition. I know people give us a lot of compliments about how much we have accomplished, and of course we would have to say that the girls have done a lot of work from their part as well. But there are a lot of tough days and issues that we continue to struggle with. Most of the things I write about in the blog are very positive, but the truth is that most days continue to be up and down. I know in the past I was criticized for my negative tone on my blog entries, but I think it is necessary sometimes for people who are reading this to know that there are days that are difficult, and I think this is what any other parent would say. Even though the girls are adjusting nicely there are grumpy sad days, where the girls make comments about going back, missing the food, friends, La Casita etc. Today I asked Mirellen what she wanted for lunch and she gave me a long list of Colombian foods, including one that I had never heard before. Sometimes it is just a sad look, of just a quiet time or a wild time in which they seem to revert back to a time when they were toddlers or just much younger and I feel like a stranger looking in (this happened today at the pool). I have had to work lately and I am beginning to feel more of the pressure of getting some work done at the office or at home. People are surprised I am back at work almost every day for a few hours. I don't know what I would do if I would wait until late August to work. Yikes! Going to Crab Lake was just wonderful and I have been taking the girls to the pool and diving in myself to practice with them what the teacher has been teaching them. It's nice to at least get a little bit of exercise in, although I need a lot more.

I have been reading a lot about adoption lately especially some wonderful blogs that are out there with other parents who have adopted Colombian kids. I am reading a wonderful book called: Raising Adopted Children by Louis Melina. This book has helped me to understand many things.

Yesterday we went to a party and I met a teacher I had known for a number of years there to find out she adopted a girl from India at 13. It was nice to talk to her but at the same time face the reality of how much work we have to do with the older girls to help them catch up academically. She said " Wow, what an exciting adventure for all of you". I looked at the girls and thought to myself "This is exactly right". MM