Colombian Culture, Colombia Adoption and Raising Colombian Kids

I know that I have posted two blogs about these guys -- Choc Quib Town -- in the last two months, but I have now listened to the album and can say I really like it! It is a Latin Hip Hop type album, but with overtones of Currulao and other Colombian music genres that make it uniquely Colombian. It also is replete with references to Colombian political and social issues. Overall, a super addition to a Colombia lover's music collection Listen to samples, buy the CD, or MP3's of the songs here: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/product-description/B0031Y4A5S/ref=dp_proddesc_0?ie=UTF8&n=5174&s=music

I wanted to call this post the Holiday Gift Guide, but I know that many adoptive families are busily saving money to bring home their child(ren). This may mean that checking your local library might be a valuable replacement. I actually requested that our library buy some of these titles. If you do want a few suggestions for spreading holiday cheer, come back over the next few days to see other titles. The first selection is a collection of Colombian music classics. It is called "Colombia es passion: 100 joyas de nuestra musica por nuestros grandes interpretes" -- translation "Colombia is passion: 100 gems of our music by our best performers." These are classics, not necessarily modern hits. The first song is very famous! It is always on the list of greatest hits ever. On a personal note, when we were first married (16 years ago) my husband put part of the song on our computer -- a Dell Pentium 75 :) -- and every time we would turn it off we would hear, ...

I'm taking a long weekend to enjoy time with my family. I hope all of you here in the States enjoy some turkey and Black Friday shopping. I also hope to see everyone back on Monday, when I will start a series on holiday book and gift suggestions for Colombia lovers. See you Monday..... Clip art found here: http://www.christmas-graphics-plus.com/free/thanksgiving-clipart-gallery.html

I know many families that are trying to improve their Spanish. Some are learning in preparation for meeting their child/children, others are struggling now that their kids are at home, and still others are hoping to teach their kids more of a language that has slipped or is slipping away. I have found a resource to help you with your Intermediate Skills. NEWS IN SLOW SPANISH Obviously, this is a listening comprehension program, but there is also a grammar and vocabulary aspect. Just so you know, the accent is most definitely from SPAIN, yet it is very SLOW and easy to follow. There are several expressions that they use that are not what you would use in Colombia. Still, I think that the practice could be helpful for many of you. Also, be aware there is a subscription charge if you want the whole service, however , you can listen to the news for free and access some of their content for free also. You may want to learn more at their website: http://www.newsinslowspanish.com/

Friends of Colombian Orphans Inc. is a grassroots, nonprofit charity dedicated to improving the well-being of young Colombians who are living in orphanages. Established in 2007 by U.S. parents who adopted a Colombian child, the organization focuses on structural improvements to orphanages, and vocational and entrepreneurial training for teens and young women. You can learn more by going to their website, or clicking on the Friends of Colombian Orphans tab to the right. Follow this link to start the bidding: http://shop.ebay.com/friendsofcolombianorphansinc/m.html

There is probably not a Colombian 30 years or older that does not remember the Armero Tragedy. There is also probably not a Colombian that hasn't heard of Omayra Sánchez. Most people know her simply as Omayra. She became the face of the tragedy. She was thirteen years old the night of the eruption. She became stuck in the mud and concrete after having stopped to help others. For three days, she remained in mud and water up to her neck while rescuers tried to save her. She showed grace and dignity despite her condition and was joined by rescue workers in prayer. In the end, however, after 60 hours, she died. Her death became a symbol of the government's inaction. Here is a brief video of her:

I got the new wait list today -- gracias Nina :). I thought that you wouldn't mind if I preempted Friday's post for the new Wait List. I am also posting it Thursday night for Friday's post. This most recent Wait List was published by ICBF on November 10, 2010. Once again, there has been a lot of movement. Great news for adoptive parents and for Colombian Children!! 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. Nearly all of the dates have advanced again this time!!! YEAH!!! The dates that have moved are in BLUE. Also, this list only reflects that there are no more dossiers at the national office prior to the date shown. Dossiers from before Feb 2007 in the 0-23 months category, for example, may still need a...