Homeward Bound

We've safely and efficiently navigated through the paper chase with the amazing guidance of MTP and sheer will.  It's been a whirlwind of activity and we are still nailing down final travel arrangements as I write this.  It's been 8 weeks today that we arrived in Bogota.  We've gone through every emotion possible to (wo)man, met amazing people, reveled in the excitement of being new parents, struggled through crying fits, and nursed a few bumps and bruises, but mostly we were blessed to have spent every waking moment of the last 57 days molding ourselves into a little family. 

El Refugio has been serving adoptive families for 15 yrs.  Carmen and her staff have given their heart and soul in their occupation, literally being there for the infancy of so many adoptive families and gently guiding them through the process.  We, along with countless other families, will be forever grateful.  We have the honor of being the last family to stay at El Refugio as it closes at the end of this month.  It is a bittersweet day, as we are so excited to bring Emanuel home to MN, but are saddened that a long tradition of adoptive families being beautifully cared for by the people here at El Refugio has come to an end. 

We'll end the blog with a few photos of the staff and us on our last day here.  We also want to thank all those who have been following the blog and for all the wonderful comments, as these have enhanced our experience and made our journey that much more memorable.  To our family, friends, FANA family, neighbors and colleagues we are coming home and can't wait for you to meet Emanuel!

Top Row:  Maria Teresa, Carmen. Bottom:  Emanuel, Leah, Jeff, Myriam and her son Juan

Ofelia and Emanuel

Repeat picture with Diana at far left as she was not here for our final day.

We are due to arrive home tomorrow night close to midnight.  Wish us luck!!

Love,
Leah, Jeff & Emanuel