A Day of Extreme Emotions

"Pueblito Paisa"

Today has been quite a day! We received word early this morning that the judge had signed our final adoption decree and that we were to be at the courthouse at 11am to sign the papers. We were shocked and amazed! Typically, families are here in Medellín at least 3 weeks before going to Bogotá to complete the embassy paperwork. We fully expected that Victor and the girls would be returning home late next week and we hoped that I would travel with Camila and Leandro the following week. Everyone involved in our case is absolutely stunned! Apparently we are the first family anyone knows of who have had their interview and received setencia in just 10 days. We know that God's hand has been in our whole adoption process and we are giving Him the glory. We were thrilled to tell the children that they are officially part of the Nichols' family.

Before our appointment at the courthouse, we took a quick trip to "El Pueblito Paisa." It is an interesting park that is a replica of an old village town here in Antioquia. The flowers on the balconies were beautiful and the views of the city below were great. Each time we've driven to see the views of the city, it has been very hazy and not great photos. Gloria has been very disappointed. We picked up a few souvenirs and then rushed off to court.

Our visit at the courthouse was simple and quick. We were not even required to present before the judge. We only had to show our passports and sign the setencia. Now, a representative from the orphanage will travel to the town where the children were born to requests new birth certificates with the children's new last name Nichols Caskey. The children were born in different towns several hours from here. The rep. is hoping to make the trip there and back in one day. If that is possible, we should be able to apply for the children's passports on Monday and feasibly travel to Bogotá late Monday or early Tuesday. We are just so surprised by how quickly everything is moving along.

After a wonderful morning, we received some very difficult news this afternoon. Victor's mother, Melba, has not woken up since her surgery on Tuesday. The doctors expected that it might take a little longer than normal for her to come out of the anesthesia since she was so weak and compromised before the surgery; however, today they have become very concerned. We spoke to our sister-in-law this evening again and she told us that they were going home with Victor's dad to try to get some rest and be back early to the hospital. Melba's doctor told them this evening that the situation is very serious and that she needs Divine intervention. We are fervently praying for a miracle!! We appreciate all of your prayers on her behalf. It has been extremely difficult to be so far away while Victor's mother's health has declined so rapidly. We also need wisdom to know when and if Victor needs to fly home. Because of our early interview and setencia, he is allowed to leave the country now. It is even feasible that we could all fly home together next weekend. We are taking it one day at a time at this point ~ actually more like an hour at a time. We hope to wake to good news in the morning.