ICBF Meeting at Casa de Maria

This morning we went back to Casa de Maria to meet with the ICBF Minor Defender to discuss the bonding process. Other people present at the meeting were a social worker and another employee from Casa de Maria as well as Gloria who was there to translate. They started off the meeting by asking us how everyone is adjusting. Then they went on to ask us what we have done to prepare for another child and how we have prepared Joey for becoming a big brother. They wanted Joey to tell them what he thinks about having a brother but he was being a little shy so they didn't push it. Sam was starting to get fussy so we took out his bottle and right away Joey wanted to help feed him. They seemed to really like the fact that Joey was so willing to help. Then they explained that the reason they have this meeting is to make sure the family is transitioning well and to provide assistance if necessary. All 3 people were very friendly and it was obvious that they truly care about the children and want what's best for them. Then they told us congratulations and that was about it. The whole meeting lasted about 10 or 15 minutes. Gloria's English is limited so the most difficult part was trying to keep our phrases short and simple so she could translate what we were saying. Sometimes it was hard to get our point across but everything must have translated okay because they seemed pleased with our answers and the ICBF official said he would write a favorable opinion and give it to our attorney to present to the court today. So now we just sit back, relax (yeah right) and wait...


After the meeting we were able to take a tour of the orphanage. We first went to the room Sam was in and met some of the caretakers and saw the crib he slept in. He seemed very happy to see everyone again and right away wanted to get down to play with his friends. It was so nice to see where he's been living the past year and to have pictures to show him as he gets older. After that, Gloria took us to see the lunchroom and kitchen where they make all their baby food from scratch. It was all very nice. Then we walked by the 1-3 year old room and all the little boys and girls came running up to greet us... they were so sweet but it was hard to see so many children without a family and I pray that they are all united with their forever families very soon.

Here is a picture of us with the ICBF official...

This was Sam's crib...

Outside play area...

Here are some pictures from the outside of the building...