We heard that the orphanage is throwing a Quinceañera party for several of the older girls who have recently turned, or are about to turn, the big ONE-FIVE.
The Quinceañera is sort of like our Sweet 16 milestone for girls. But it's an even bigger deal. As I understand, it often has a religious component, as well. I won't pretend to be an expert. We've all got access to Wikipedia and Google, after all. But I have enough sense of its significance to know that we should send something to the girls turning 15. So we're putting together a little gift package, which will include a doctored photo of each of the birthday girls.
Besides plopping pink crowns onto photos of these sweethearts, I've been:
1. Gathering the last few pieces of paperwork to complete our home study.
It should be done any day now. The next steps include getting some clearances from U.S. Immigration, completing a psychological evaluation (which Peru requires), and gathering another round of paper for agency #2. Oh, and writing a big ol check to agency #2.
2. Checking plane ticket prices from Philly to Peru!
This morning we got the green light from Jose, the orphanage director, to come down for a visit. We asked him about the second week of October, and he says that's perfect because the kids will have just finished exams at school and will be bored.
Want to come? There may be an opportunity for us to bring a few others. Here are some details:
When: October 9-19 (ish)
Where: Arequipa, Peru (and anywhere else you want to travel on your own).
How much: Plane tickets will be around $800-900. Expenses will be minimal, unless you decide to do some tourist travel while you're there. (Hello, Machu Picchu!)
Accommodations: We will most likely stay at the orphanage with the kids. There is an apartment with its own kitchen and room for 6 people at one of the orphanage homes (they opened a 2nd home since we left). Accommodations will be basic, but comfortable and safe.
What: This is a go-with-the-flow kind of trip. We'll be hanging out with the kids, helping with homework, sharing mealtimes, and helping with miscellaneous projects around the two homes. If you come, you're welcome to spend all or part of the time with us at the orphanage.
How: Let us know if you're interested in coming, and we can discuss details.
We're both feeling a rush of mixed emotions thinking about going back. We're super excited, of course, but also a little nervous. (Will the kids even remember us? Will the kids that we hope to adopt like us? Will we have second thoughts about the adoption?) In logical moments, we're 99.9% sure the answers will be yes, yes and no. But you know how it goes when your emotions drown out the logic.
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