tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9324162993882567312024-03-06T20:33:48.042-07:00Colombian Culture, Colombia Adoption and Raising Colombian KidsHelping families with Colombian children stay connected with the Colombian culture. You may contact me at the following e-mail:
colombiansadoptcolombians @ hotmail.com (please remove spaces around the @ symbol).Colombian Mommyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08159182119933326242noreply@blogger.comBlogger783125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-932416299388256731.post-36880858328079321092017-11-07T15:32:00.001-07:002017-11-07T15:32:16.610-07:00Changing Your Adopted Child's NameNAME CHANGES:<br />
So, I decided to investigate Colombian law on name changes. I wanted to be clear on when it is ok for the kids to change their names.<br />
The law governing name changes is found in the: Ley 1098 de 2006 - Código de la Infancia y la Adolescencia Articulo 64 #3. [Law 1098 from 2006 - Infant and Adolescent Code Article 64 #3].<br />
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This is what is states in Spanish:<br />
El adoptivo llevará como apellidos los de los adoptantes. En cuanto al nombre, sólo podrá ser modificado cuando el adoptado sea menor de tres (3) años, o consienta en ello, o el Juez encontrare justificadas las razones de su cambio.<br />
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The Translation:<br />
The adoptee will carry the surnames of the adoptive parents. With respect to the name, it can only be modified when the adoptee is younger than 3 years of age, or consents to the same, or the Judge finds justifiable reasons for a change.<br />
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WHAT DOES THIS MEAN?<br />
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This helped me understand why a letter from the child is required, in which the child expresses their desire to change their name. It also helped me understand why a letter from the parents may also be required in cases where the name might need to be changed to make it more culturally acceptable in the US. For example, changing a name like JHON or JOHN to match the US spelling.<br />
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Legally, the law makes it clear that name changes should not be a huge deal as long as the child is on board.<br />
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WHY SHOULD YOU CHANGE THE FIRST OR MIDDLE NAME IN COLOMBIA RATHER THAN IN THE READOPT PROCESS?<br />
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The only advantage is for children who will some day want to return to Colombia. Having a US birth certificate in one name and a Colombian birth certificate in another name might cause problems when the child reaches 18 and wants to get a Cedula de Ciudadania. At that point, the child will have two different identities unless they pay to have their name changed to the US name in Colombia. Does that make sense?<br />
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WHEN AND HOW SHOULD YOU DISCUSS THIS WITH YOUR CHILD?<br />
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While you are in COLOMBIA, before submitting to court, please make sure that you discuss this with your adolescent or child over age 3. This conversation may need to include a discussion of spelling as well as the child's desire to change their name. It may need to include cultural things like the fact that going by your middle name in the US is not as common as in Colombia.<br />
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Be sensitive. Remember, this should be the child's decision, never the parents' decision. Kids may feel that their name is the only thing that they have left, and even after they are told about spelling or pronunciation difficulties, they may wish to cling to the Colombian version of their name. Then again, you might be surprised to find that some kids want to change their name and completely start a new life.<br />
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You may also want to discuss this with them after you are approved to adopt by the Colombian government, via Skype so that your child will begin to think about it.<br />
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IF THE CHILD DECIDES TO CHANGE THEIR NAME, THEN WHAT?<br />
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Speak to you agency representative during your INTEGRATION week so that paperwork and letters can be prepared in order to request the change during SENTENCIA process. Once your case is submitted to the court, it is too late to make the change as part of the adoption process. You will have to wait until the readopt process in the US.<br />
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Lea más: http://leyes.co/codigo_de_la_infancia_y_la_adolescen…/64.htmColombian Mommyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08159182119933326242noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-932416299388256731.post-52177341692735512032016-01-06T07:07:00.001-07:002016-01-06T07:07:28.124-07:00Colombian Culture, Colombia Adoption and Raising Colombian Kids: Where is the Happiest Place on Earth?Colombian Culture, Colombia Adoption and Raising Colombian Kids: Where is the Happiest Place on Earth?<a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/this-country-was-just-named-the-happiest-in-the-world-again_568c0ce4e4b0b958f65d1d7a" target="_blank">http://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/this-country-was-just-named-the-happiest-in-the-world-again_568c0ce4e4b0b958f65d1d7a</a>Colombian Mommyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08159182119933326242noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-932416299388256731.post-75026427295111785902016-01-06T07:03:00.002-07:002016-01-06T07:06:36.851-07:00Where is the Happiest Place on Earth?Could it possibly Colombia? <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/this-country-was-just-named-the-happiest-in-the-world-again_568c0ce4e4b0b958f65d1d7a"></a>Colombian Mommyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08159182119933326242noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-932416299388256731.post-74587765420895896732014-06-01T14:49:00.000-06:002014-06-01T15:00:33.656-06:00ORGULLO CHIBCHA -- WAY TO GO NAIROIt has been quite a while since I have posted, but I am so proud of Colombian Cycling I just wanted to share. In the Giro d'Italia, one of cycling's most important races -- behind the Tour de France -- COLOMBIANS TOOK FIRST AND SECOND PLACE! And they won the King of the Mountain. 3 different Colombians! AWESOME!!! <a href="<script height="409px" width="640px" src="http://player.ooyala.com/iframe.js#pbid=Y2EwZTZjZWEzZTVjYTI5MzE5YWY2NTlh&ec=NnMWg0bjoSKJEdcRZo7Tk-5_STh3kiRv"></script>"></a>Colombian Mommyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08159182119933326242noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-932416299388256731.post-57962159773844783552013-03-04T17:46:00.003-07:002013-03-05T07:58:05.470-07:00The New El Dorado Airport<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyd0AxDFGMl_fuZ173GnsDAv42WrlSy0pLz0wX8soI4qGso3ZLxZADo6SjRi0ZyScRh0r67PPCReSsg8cMclvq6fRS2JNCuKHXXfl4Ond9ZIC4JonZkMNFfPm-ccX8mv0lqF5Z_WpWK2ir/s1600/IMG_1218.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyd0AxDFGMl_fuZ173GnsDAv42WrlSy0pLz0wX8soI4qGso3ZLxZADo6SjRi0ZyScRh0r67PPCReSsg8cMclvq6fRS2JNCuKHXXfl4Ond9ZIC4JonZkMNFfPm-ccX8mv0lqF5Z_WpWK2ir/s640/IMG_1218.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrA6l8iRspbxmUPwb1yHlQ7LEVBzunDdP6LzzFGyeyeM_Zboj2-a7oVnukEZG0vBWbghnx2O4zRxPU06Pk3CGgpOFzNHLB1b3AWhMmdN5RUCHnXNjRAB8X6SyOcusPcNchqxG6O9lPWBPH/s1600/ElDorado+iPhone+Esposa+003.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrA6l8iRspbxmUPwb1yHlQ7LEVBzunDdP6LzzFGyeyeM_Zboj2-a7oVnukEZG0vBWbghnx2O4zRxPU06Pk3CGgpOFzNHLB1b3AWhMmdN5RUCHnXNjRAB8X6SyOcusPcNchqxG6O9lPWBPH/s640/ElDorado+iPhone+Esposa+003.JPG" width="640" /></a><br />
WOW!! Forget everything I ever mentioned about traveling into Bogota via the El Dorado Airport. Everything has changed. Just a few months ago, there was a grand opening, and in December, our family got to experience it first hand. New! Sleek ! Modern! and dare I say it -- EFFICIENT! Your arrival in Bogota will now be easy. Even immigration -- on Christmas Day -- went smoothly and quickly. You get off the plane, go to immigration, wait in any number of short lines, check in, get your passport stamp and head to real luggage carrousels. Amazing!! Even the ADUANA (aka customs) was a breeze. NO more stop light, just hand them your form and you are off. Finally, WELCOME TO COLOMBIA!!!!!!Colombian Mommyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08159182119933326242noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-932416299388256731.post-40776808430772519102013-01-02T20:56:00.000-07:002013-01-02T20:56:00.515-07:00Preparing for Another Visit to ColombiaI reviewed my notes from the blog posts I made 2 1/2 years ago and found them to be very helpful while preparing for this trip. Here is a link:<br />
<br />
<a href="http://raisingcolombiankids.blogspot.com/2010/07/one-familys-return-trip-dealing-with.html" target="_blank">http://raisingcolombiankids.blogspot.com/2010/07/one-familys-return-trip-dealing-with.html</a><br />
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Here is another thing that I an remembering to bring this time -- BUG REPELLENT. I am the flea banquet person, so this year I will be wearing lemon eucalyptus repellent every day in hopes of preventing those painfully itchy bites. Colombian Mommyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08159182119933326242noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-932416299388256731.post-1111100460085978002012-12-20T20:44:00.000-07:002012-12-20T20:44:00.586-07:00Christmas Traditions in ColombiaDon't forget to check out the posts from December for the last three years, you will find a host of ideas for celebrating a Colombian Christmas. Also, you can look forward to more posts on One Family's Return Trip 2 in the coming month. Colombian Mommyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08159182119933326242noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-932416299388256731.post-14881908194655905252012-12-19T20:43:00.000-07:002012-12-19T20:43:17.274-07:00Colombia is the "Mover of the Year"<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWa3C-hP5YjfWX9oTZR3jCuZ7LwZIsHVJvAC47OH_NBqxVn5-uX103oYXcYcj3b2yYacu_N1-V01178tEyidqIfB3eyIaN2vmp-utwp27qJiINHG-pT011MC43Wy8teUlj9zF31XNikhAW/s1600/COLFUTBOL.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="316" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWa3C-hP5YjfWX9oTZR3jCuZ7LwZIsHVJvAC47OH_NBqxVn5-uX103oYXcYcj3b2yYacu_N1-V01178tEyidqIfB3eyIaN2vmp-utwp27qJiINHG-pT011MC43Wy8teUlj9zF31XNikhAW/s320/COLFUTBOL.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
The FIFA announced the final standings for the 2012 soccer season. Spain is in 1st place, but is a surprise -- COLOMBIA is in 5th!! They were awarded the " Mover of the Year" status for having gone from 36th last year to 5th. WAY TO GO GUYS!!!! Colombian Mommyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08159182119933326242noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-932416299388256731.post-3592425548797265352012-08-07T12:24:00.002-06:002012-08-07T12:24:41.987-06:00Battle of BoyacaToday is a National Holiday in Colombia. It is the day that celebrates the victory of the Battle of Boyacá. This was the battle that brought Independence from Spain to Colombia.<br />
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You can read more about the History here:<br />
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http://raisingcolombiankids.blogspot.com/2009/08/battle-of-boyaca-preparing-for-august.html<br />
<br />
and here:<br />
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http://raisingcolombiankids.blogspot.com/2009/08/pedro-pascasio-child-hero-with.html<br />Colombian Mommyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08159182119933326242noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-932416299388256731.post-40516652379417228272012-07-30T07:03:00.000-06:002012-07-30T07:09:04.678-06:00Colombia Wins SilverOn Saturday, Colombia won a SILVER medal in CYCLING!!! <br />
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I couldn't be more excited for this post. Partly because I am back to posting, partly because Colombia won its first medal, and mostly because I personally know the bicycling coach of the Colombian team. Felicitaciones Jenaro!!! :)<br />
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Bicycling in Colombia, and particularly in Boyaca, is a huge sport. You can read more here:<br />
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http://raisingcolombiankids.blogspot.com/2009/06/cycling.html<br />
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Here is a video of the end of the race. Colombia was so close to the gold medal, but I am happy that he got a medal.<br />
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<iframe width="420" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/ikOz8uHuKa4" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe><br />
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Here is an interview in Spanish with the coach --<br />
http://vimeo.com/46539640<br />
<br />Colombian Mommyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08159182119933326242noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-932416299388256731.post-89577901114660597872012-07-20T17:15:00.003-06:002012-07-20T17:15:20.469-06:00Feliz 20 de JulioHappy Colombian Independence Day!!<br />
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Here is a link to a past post that explains the story of Colombian Independence.<br />
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http://raisingcolombiankids.blogspot.com/2009/07/colombian-independence.htmlColombian Mommyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08159182119933326242noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-932416299388256731.post-59636420721090996192012-07-03T22:28:00.000-06:002012-07-03T22:28:07.750-06:00Interesting ICBF statisticsThe Director of the Protective Custody division of ICBF, Adriana Gonzalez Maxcyclak, recent held a conference for the Family Advocates from 9 departments and Bogota. In her address, she revealed the following statistics:<br />
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1 - There are currently more that 60,000 children in protective custody. <br />
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2 - 15,054 of them are in protective custody because of abuse<br />
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3 - 7,594 are victims of sexual violence<br />
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4 - 3,859 are in custody because of substance abuse<br />
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5 - 3,031 were homeless<br />
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6 - 1,562 were malnourishedColombian Mommyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08159182119933326242noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-932416299388256731.post-7263214802548018202012-04-25T09:00:00.001-06:002012-04-25T09:00:37.993-06:00Latest Wait ListThere was a new wait list posted April 9, 2011.<br />
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Remember, the ICBF Wait List applies to adoptions through ICBF only -- not through CASAS PRIVADAS. It also ONLY APPLIES TO NON-COLOMBIAN FAMILIES. It DOES NOT reflect special needs children. The definition of special needs are children with disabilities, children over 8 years of age, and sibling groups of 3 or more.<br />
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The dates that have moved are in BOLD.<br />
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Also, this list only reflects that there are no more dossiers at the national office prior to the date shown. Dossiers from before January 2008 in the 0-23 months category, for example, may still need a referral, but they have already been sent to a region and are no longer waiting at the national office.<br />
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Age of Child ------- Date of Application Approval by ICBF<br />
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<b>Child 0-12 months ------ Feb - 2008<br />
Child 13 - 23 months ---- Feb - 2008</b><br />
Child 2 - 3 years -------- May - 2007<br />
<b>Child 2 years ----------- NOT LISTED ON NEW FORM</b><br />
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Child 3 years ----------- Feb - 2008<br />
Child 3 - 4 years -------- Feb - 2008<br />
Child 4 years ----------- NOT LISTED ON FORM<br />
Child 4 -5 years -------- Jan - 2009<br />
Child 5 years ----------- Oct - 2009<br />
Child 5 - 6 years ------- Oct - 2009<br />
Child 6 years ----------- NOT LISTED ON FORM<br />
Child 7 years ----------- Oct - 2011<br />
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2 Siblings 0 - 4 years --- MAY - 2008<br />
2 Siblings 0 - 5 years --- Feb - 2008<br />
2 Siblings 0 - 6 years --- Sep - 2009 <br />
2 Siblings 0 - 7 years --- Apr - 2010<br />
2 Siblings 0 - 8 years --- Mar - 2011Colombian Mommyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08159182119933326242noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-932416299388256731.post-32383877803385443732012-04-02T21:59:00.003-06:002012-04-02T22:58:16.820-06:00Political Correctness?!?! Or Lack Thereof<div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; ">A reflection from Colombian Daddy:</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; "><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; ">As a kid growing up in Colombia, I spent a lot of time playing outside with friends. One of those friends was a blondish kid whose face would turn beet red after a few hours in the sun and therefore responded to the nickname of Tomate (tomato). I was also friends with Largo (Long or Tall) Bayona, Tatoo Pérez (he was short), Enano (Dwarf) Higuera, and Flaco (Skinny) Miguel. At school I also knew, Gordo (Fat) Germán, Cara-de-Mico (Monkey Face), Pajarraco (Bird-</span><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; ">looking</span><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; ">), and Azteca (A Native American-looking kid). At home, I lived with El Loco or El Viejo (My Dad) who was good friends with El Chulo (The </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; ">Vulture</span><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; ">) down the street.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; "><span style="font-size: 100%; "><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span><span style="font-size: 100%;">Receiving a nickname, as a sign of being </span>accepted<span style="font-size: 100%;"> into a group, may not be a uniquely Colombian thing. I think this is akin to what happens in the military or in other close knit </span>groups<span style="font-size: 100%;"> anywhere. The difference is that in Colombia, without the constraints of political correctness, people tend to get labeled based on how they look, or worse, based on their noticeable physical defects, or should I say physical challenges?</span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span><span style="font-size: 100%;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span><span style="font-size: 100%;">Thus, a word that describes the physical ailment becomes the describer, the qualifier before the name, the de-facto first name. The amazing thing is that we have single, short words which make this really easy to do. Examples are Gordo if you're a little Chubby, or Flaco if you're blessed with some ribs that show, Tuerto if you're missing an eye, Manco if you're missing a hand, Calvo if you are bald, Chivo (goat) if you wear a goatee, Cojo if you limp or are missing a foot or leg, Ñato or Chato if you have a flat nose, although this could also be applied sarcastically to someone who has a big nose, Mueco if you lost a tooth or two, Muelón or Conejo (Rabbit) if your front teeth are long. The list is long, and also includes descriptors for skin color.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span><span style="font-size: 100%;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span>Yet, the unspoken rule seems to be, "no offense intended, no offense taken". I have seen tears in the eyes of many a young American girl when her Colombian friends called her Gordita (you little Chubby you) as a term of endearment. The truth is that no offense was intended, and taking a defensive or hurt stand will just confuse people who thought they were being nice. Just last month, I was happy to report to my very Americanized niece from Colombia that after seeing the photos of her that I had sent, my mother (her grandmother) exclaimed: "She (my niece) looks great, all chubby and pink (gordita y rosadita)". </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; ">So keep this in mind: When in Colombia be prepared to hear the most preposterous compliments about your looks. Smile, and remember, you were just told that you are accepted. </span></div>Colombian Mommyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08159182119933326242noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-932416299388256731.post-21645057351465205782012-04-01T22:11:00.003-06:002012-04-01T22:37:18.684-06:00LEVEL ORANGE ALERT -- RUIZ VOLCANOThe status of the Ruiz Volcano was updated from yellow to orange yesterday. The orange alert means that the Observatorio Vulcanológico y Sismológico de Manizales (Volcano Observatory in Manizales) feels that there is a significant risk of an eruption in the next few days or weeks. This may impact families travelling to Manizales, Ibague, Armenia, Pereira, and perhaps even flights to and from Bogota (it is down wind and got over 2 inches of ashes in the last big eruption in 1985). <div><br /></div><div>You can read more about that eruption here:</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="http://raisingcolombiankids.blogspot.com/2010/11/anniversary-of-armero-disaster.html">http://raisingcolombiankids.blogspot.com/2010/11/anniversary-of-armero-disaster.html</a> </div><div>and</div><div><a href="http://raisingcolombiankids.blogspot.com/2010/11/face-of-tragedy-omayra-sanchez.html">http://raisingcolombiankids.blogspot.com/2010/11/face-of-tragedy-omayra-sanchez.html</a> </div><div><br /></div><div>Here is a link to a map of the area.</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="http://maps.google.com/maps?hl=en&safe=off&rlz=1C1CHOL_enUS406US406&q=nevado+del+ruiz&ix=seb&bav=on.2,or.r_gc.r_pw.r_qf.,cf.osb&biw=1366&bih=643&um=1&ie=UTF-8&ei=xip5T_eDIOLXiQ">http://maps.google.com/maps?hl=en&safe=off&rlz=1C1CHOL_enUS406US406&q=nevado+del+ruiz&ix=seb&bav=on.2,or.r_gc.r_pw.r_qf.,cf.osb&biw=1366&bih=643&um=1&ie=UTF-8&ei=xip5T_eDIOLXiQ</a> </div>Colombian Mommyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08159182119933326242noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-932416299388256731.post-3510885873788910132012-03-22T00:01:00.000-06:002012-03-22T00:01:00.294-06:00SXSW -- Colombia Well Represented - Part 4<span style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; ">The group</span><b><i> Mr. Bleat</i></b> from Medellin Colombia bring more Colombian rock to the stage. <div><br /></div><div>In English,<br /><br /><iframe width="390" height="294" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/axoAwER7LiI" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div><div><br /></div><div>In Spanish:</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><iframe width="390" height="228" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/K8-I4WIbD4I" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe>Colombian Mommyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08159182119933326242noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-932416299388256731.post-6816990123636577242012-03-21T00:01:00.000-06:002012-03-21T00:01:00.114-06:00SXSW -- Colombia Well Represented - Part 3<span style="font-weight:bold;">Ancestro<span style="font-style:italic;"></span></span>s bring the music of the Pacific coast of Colombia to the festival.<br /><br /><iframe width="390" height="294" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/DNsTYAOLjUE" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe><br /><br />Read more and hear another song by the group here:<div><br /></div><div><a href="http://schedule.sxsw.com/2012/events/event_MS15812">http://schedule.sxsw.com/2012/events/event_MS15812</a> </div>Colombian Mommyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08159182119933326242noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-932416299388256731.post-2496939869704339962012-03-20T00:01:00.000-06:002012-03-20T00:01:00.123-06:00SXSW -- Colombia Well Represented - Part 2<span style="font-weight: normal; font-style: normal; ">Today's SXSW Colombian musical group is</span><i style="font-weight: bold; "> Il Abanico. </i>They are an Indie/Experimental band. The two performers are originally from Bogota, but now live in New York. You can read more about them here.<div><br /></div><div><a href="http://schedule.sxsw.com/2012/events/event_MS19623" style="font-size: 100%; ">http://schedule.sxsw.com/2012/events/event_MS19623</a></div><div><br /></div><div>Here is a sample in English:</div><div><br /><iframe width="390" height="228" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/_KlWfQj4_xk" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>And in Spanish:</div><div><br /><iframe width="390" height="228" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/ki_symJmYe4" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div>Colombian Mommyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08159182119933326242noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-932416299388256731.post-45627060702891176432012-03-19T00:01:00.002-06:002012-03-19T00:01:00.054-06:00SXSW -- Colombia Well Represented - Part 1This year Colombian bands were well represented at the SXSW festival. Over the next few days, I will highlight the Colombian bands that were invited to participate.<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; "><br /></div><div>The first is<b>,</b><b style="font-style: italic; "> Telebit</b>, an alternative rock band from Bogota. You can read about them here:</div><div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; "><br /></div><div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; "><a href="http://schedule.sxsw.com/2012/events/event_MS15542">http://schedule.sxsw.com/2012/events/event_MS15542</a> </div><div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; "><br /></div><div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; ">Here is a sample of their music.</div><div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; "><br /></div><div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; "><br /></div><iframe width="390" height="228" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/yDNZn1H2MGc" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe><br /><br />And another one.<br /><br /><iframe width="390" height="294" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/iraydkZaPTs" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe>Colombian Mommyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08159182119933326242noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-932416299388256731.post-7923776618187243722012-03-08T00:01:00.001-07:002012-03-08T00:01:00.272-07:004 Rules for Initial Attachment -- Rule #4<div style="text-align: justify;font-weight: normal; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; "><span>Our social worker, a woman with over 25 years of International Adoption experience, suggested that we keep others away from our then 2 year old and try to settle in for a few months. She called the first 6 months crucial for bonding and attachment. She suggested a few basic rules. Today, I am highlighting her rule # 4.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;font-weight: normal; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; "><span><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; "><span><b>4- Do not introduce them to extended family too soon. </b> You will know when your child is secure and calm. That is the time to meet new people. For some babies, it will take a few weeks. For toddlers or young children, it can take much, much longer. This can be difficult to explain to excited extended family members. Try reminding them that your child has just lived through a major trauma and that your child does not see his adoption as a joyous, happy, long awaited moment. He has just lost everything he knows -- a home (however sad), food, smells, sounds, friends, schedule, etc. He is trying to make sense of the world. The more that things change, the more difficult it is for them. Having more people coming in and out of his life for a short term does not promote stability. It causes more internal stress and confusion. However hard this is for extended family, they need to know that the best way to show love to this new little one is to wait just a bit longer. </span></div>Colombian Mommyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08159182119933326242noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-932416299388256731.post-11098144776254083302012-03-07T00:01:00.001-07:002012-03-07T00:01:00.137-07:004 Rules for Initial Attachment -- Rule #3<div style="text-align: justify;font-weight: normal; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; "><span>Our social worker, a woman with over 25 years of International Adoption experience, suggested that we keep others away from our then 2 year old and try to settle in for a few months. She called the first 6 months crucial for bonding and attachment. She suggested a few basic rules. Today, I am highlighting her rule # 3.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;font-weight: normal; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; "><span><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; "><span><b>3- No one should comfort your child but you. </b> That means NO ONE. Your child will fall, have a bad dream, get angry, get sick, etc. Under no circumstances, I repeat, UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES, should anyone be allowed to comfort your child but YOU. </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; "><span><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; "><span>I cannot emphasize this enough. Your child does not immediately see you as the kind, loving parents you are and want to be. You are strangers. By allowing other strangers to comfort her, you are sending mixed signals about your own willingness to be the comforter. This can be especially important while in country. Children may seek others who understand them for comfort, or perhaps a helpful maid or interpreter will jump in to assist you. While the interpretation may be helpful, do not allow them to speak the kind words on your behalf. You should, at the very least, learn the language of comfort in your child's native tongue. In English, we say, "It's okay." "You are going to be alright." "You are safe." "Everything is OK, Mommy's here." etc. Be able to say these words, and do not allow others to say them for you.</span></div>Colombian Mommyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08159182119933326242noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-932416299388256731.post-63094040909532670892012-03-06T00:01:00.002-07:002012-03-06T00:01:00.135-07:004 Rules for Initial Attachment -- Rule #2<div style="text-align: justify;"><span>Our social worker, a woman with over 25 years of International Adoption experience, suggested that we keep others away from our then 2 year old and try to settle in for a few months. She called the first 6 months crucial for bonding and attachment. She suggested a few basic rules. Today, I am highlighting rule # 2.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span><b>2- No one should hold your child but you.</b> That means NO ONE. </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span>Your child, in spite of your best efforts, will likely still not really see you as Mom and Dad, even after spending long weeks </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; ">with him </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; ">in country. He may be beginning to like you, and perhaps even trust you, but you are still relative strangers who likely don't even speak the same language he does. </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; ">Therefore, do not confuse him or upset him by allowing him to think others may now be a caregiver. </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; "><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; ">In some cases, children appear to prefer a new comer over the new parent. This can be detrimental for bonding and attachment on both sides. Therefore, remember, HANDS OFF. No holding, loving, hugging, by anyone but you. </span></div>Colombian Mommyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08159182119933326242noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-932416299388256731.post-52326859600035484022012-03-05T00:01:00.002-07:002012-03-05T00:01:00.155-07:004 Rules for Initial Attachment -- Rule #1<div style="text-align: justify;"><span>Our social worker, a woman with over 25 years of International Adoption experience, suggested that we keep others away from our then 2 year old and try to settle in for a few months. She called the first 6 months crucial for bonding and attachment. She suggested a few basic rules. I am sharing that advice with you here over the next 4 days, the parenthesis are my own thoughts:</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span><b>1- No one should feed your child but you.</b> That means NO ONE, and this is especially true of treats. (This is tough for grandparents who like to spoil.) The child should know that all good things come from Mom and Dad. </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span>For a baby, this means you hold the bottle for them -- even if they are old enough to hold it for themselves.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span>For toddler age and older, you should hand the food to your child. </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; ">Even at a restaurant, you should ask that any plate be handed to you, and then you hand it to your child. Most of these children have never been to a restaurant, they don't know that that is just the way it is done. They think, "Oh great, we are going to that place where we eat everyday and where the nice lady -- who speaks my language -- hands me delicious food. I like that nice lady. I wish I could live with that nice lady." This rule is particularly important for children who might have had problems getting enough food in the past.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; "><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; ">Remember, you should be the source of everything good! </span></div>Colombian Mommyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08159182119933326242noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-932416299388256731.post-62699103704948712012012-03-01T00:01:00.002-07:002012-03-01T00:01:00.552-07:00Get Ready For National Recycler Day<img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 358px; height: 285px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCQZmFy4s8L57byd7KRZKWgVUKhjFgX1PLsecfboTZiZ_yGFNjgX77Pc7FlAeRuZClcG5oqDAgMLC2P07WktW_-kzxKOLI3S-11GyLGuGc5OY6cCWIfansq6PG8zF55cORoNUqBR4qTMEI/s400/Ley-511-de-1999-logo.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5713289061044236466" /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">According to Law 511 from 1999, March 1st is National Recycler Day in Colombia. Note, I did not say National RecycLING Day. Nope, this day is dedicated to the people who perform some of the hardest, dirtiest work in Colombia [see yesterday's post].</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">While the law lets each department and city decide how to best celebrate this day, they are required by law to offer the “Condecoración del Reciclador” -- Recycler of the Year award each year. This award is to be given to the person in their community who has most "distinguished him or herself in the collection of recyclable materials so that they may be treated and reused."</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">One of last year's National winner: Jaime Henao Gómez M</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><img style="text-align: justify;display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; cursor: pointer; width: 259px; height: 194px; " src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6NXRf45sbASJNH6zoTuo3SiBUwMMJYu7nookmH7dRF8BFLz5SyIc1g8r0M22jOzeh8JbJTgyHI5df9NGKfS9VD05zHTagZht54YpQT_BVEB3YSKgyBl156RZRvQC4feMPJ13cP9RiR-Ac/s400/images.jpeg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5713293032107352402" /><div style="text-align: justify;">"All of his working life he has worked as a recycler thus contributing to the betterment of the environment and the quality of life in the community." </div>Colombian Mommyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08159182119933326242noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-932416299388256731.post-34095152801554836702012-02-29T08:01:00.007-07:002012-02-29T10:10:23.711-07:00Casa Privada Price List<div style="font-weight: normal; text-align: justify; "><span style=" ;font-size:100%;">ICBF (as of a couple of years ago) requires that Casas Privadas or Instituciones Autorizadas (as they are called in Colombia) list, on the ICBF website, the prices that they charge people in order to pursue an adoption. Yesterday, the latesest list was posted. There are two columns for each Casa. The first is what they charge in Colombian Pesos to Colombian families. </span></div><div style="font-weight: normal; text-align: justify; "><br /></div><div style="font-weight: normal; "><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style=" ;font-size:100%;">Colombian families are required to go through workshops and training, as well as receive a homestudy through the Casa. They must pay fees to the Casa for this service. If, however, the Colombian family chooses to adopt through ICBF, the service of training and homestudy is FREE. Unlike here, if a family receives training from ICBF the Casas do not accept it. Therefore, a paid training is the only option if a Colombian family wishes to adopt from a Casa Privada. </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Additionally, while the training with ICBF is free, so is the adoption process. The only fees a Colombian family must pay are to a private attorney (typically around $500 - 700 US) and to the Office of Civil Registry for a new Birth Certificate (US$4). </div></div><div style="font-weight: normal; "><br /></div><div><b>Total Cost to Colombian Family for ICBF Adoption </b><span style="font-weight: normal; ">= about US$504-$704</span></div><div style="font-weight: normal; "><br /></div><div><b>Total Cost to Colombian Family for Casa Privada Adoption:</b></div><div style="font-weight: normal; "><br /></div><div style="font-weight: normal; ">CRAN = US$5288</div><div style="font-weight: normal; ">AYUDAME = US$4883</div><div style="font-weight: normal; ">FANA = US$4083</div><div style="font-weight: normal; ">PISINGOS = US$3914</div><div style="font-weight: normal; ">MADREYNINO = US$3661</div><div style="font-weight: normal; ">CMARIAYNINO = US$2394</div><div style="font-weight: normal; ">CHIQUITINES = US$2291</div><div style="font-weight: normal; ">CASITANICOLAS =US$1532</div><div style="font-weight: normal; "><br /></div><div style="font-weight: normal; text-align: justify; ">I was amazed to see the vast difference between the lowest cost -- CASITA DE NICOLAS and the highest cost CRAN -- a difference of $3756 dollars. In a country where the average income is around $250-$300 dollars a month, it certainly puts adoption from a Casa out of the affordability range for most Colombian families. </div><div style="font-weight: normal; text-align: justify; "><br /></div><div style="font-weight: normal; text-align: justify; ">Juts to compare, here are the costs listed for foreign families at the same Casas.</div><div style="font-weight: normal; text-align: justify; "><br /></div><div style="font-weight: normal; text-align: justify; "><br /></div><div style="font-weight: normal; text-align: justify; "><span style="text-align: left; ">MADREYNINO = US$5108</span></div><div style="font-weight: normal; text-align: justify; "><span style=" text-align: left; font-size:100%;">CHIQUITINES = US$4322</span></div><div style="font-weight: normal; text-align: justify; "><div style="text-align: left; ">CRAN = US<span style=" ;font-size:100%;">$4300</span></div><div style="text-align: left; ">AYUDAME = US$3900</div><div style="text-align: left; ">PISINGOS = US$3500</div><div style="text-align: left; ">FANA = US$2634</div><div style="text-align: left; ">CMARIAYNINO = US$1200</div><div style="text-align: left; ">CASITANICOLAS =US$1000</div> </div><div style="font-weight: normal; text-align: justify; ">Interesting, no?</div><div style="font-weight: normal; "><br /></div>Colombian Mommyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08159182119933326242noreply@blogger.com5