Christmas Day in Bogota

On Christmas Eve we enjoyed a festive dinner with other embassy families who were staying in Bogota for the holidays. It was lovely to share in this wonderful community of friends and feel a sense of celebration at this time of year. We woke up early Christmas morning with Isabel eager to see what was under the Christmas Tree. The night before she left some milk and cookies for Santa, and firmly told us that we must not make a fire in the fireplace so Santa can come in without burning himself. She then struggled a little with whether or not she wanted to eat the cookies herself (which we had baked earlier that day). After some reflection, she decided that it was more important for Santa to have the cookies when he arrived, rather than for her to eat them up... as tempted as she was to gobble them up. Our Christmas morning felt very quiet without family around... and looking out the window at the sunshine and greenery was certainly odd. Yet, watching Isabel truly enjoy opening each package... with so much excitement as she pondered about who each gift was from... it was wonderful to have this experience in such a serene setting as a family of three (soon to be four). Isabel savoured each gift as if it was magical... not ready to move on to the next until the first one was fully enjoyed. When we offered something new before she was finished enjoying the prior opening she would simply say: "but i am reading now, mama/papa". She also got a taste of her first Candy Cane... and that too was an enormous delight. Thanks to so many of you for the wonderful packages you sent our way. It was incredible to feel you all so close, even from afar. We hope each of you had as much fun on Christmas Eve and Christmas morning as we did. Tomorrow, Patrycja's mom and Julian arrive... so that will offer another touch of family connection over the holidays. As usual, more photos can be found at http://picasaweb.google.ca/jpstories

Christmas amidst green leaves and butterfly lights

Christmas is a magical time of year, and especially so when in a home filled with the pitter-patter of little feet who are curious about all the activity that surrounds this season. Isabel is definitely enjoying all of the lights (even if they are of butterflies and salamanders, rather than reindeer and santa claus). She is also loving that she can get chocolate on a daily basis -- with her Christmas calendar that she opens each day with papa. It is also a time when we miss those near and dear to us even more... and while you are present in our daily lives (with 'little parts' of each of you that fill our home and our thoughts), it is just not the same as the 'real thing')!! I will admit that as our third month of living here comes to an end, I am feeling more nostalgic about the human contact with friends and family that are no longer near to me. The reinforcement of sharing a coffee/tea/wine date with a good friend, the joy of watching Isabel giggle to hiccups with neighbours, the constancy of those who know your heart, your past, and inspire your future. At the same time, we continue to feel incredible blessed to have this amazing experience... to establish a home in a foreign land, to build new connections with friends that are quickly becoming life-lines, and to deeply engage in a new culture and language. I will most definitely write more about our first Christmas; and I look forward to hearing what blessings this season -- whether celebrating life, light or other good things -- has bestowed upon each of you. Feliz Navidad y Prospero Ano Nuevo!!

First Horseback Ride!!

Today we drove out to a beautiful farm (finca) just over an hour outside of Bogota. It was an absolutely glorious day and we were thrilled to enjoy a drive out in the rolling hills and the sun filtering in through the windows. As our car just arrived a few days earlier, we were all excited to be in it -- even Isabel just chatted and read the entire way not at all complaining about the length of the drive. The scenery was spectacular -- fields and farmlands surrounding us, and of course clear blue skies above.

We arrived at the in the early afternoon and were greeted by an amazing meal and more beautiful scenes. The event was hosted/organized by one of Joshua's embassy colleagues whose family owns the farm. To make the day even more spectacular and magical -- Isabel got to enjoy her very first horseback ride. It was amazing to witness. She has always loved horses... in theory. And to see her eagerly waiting for the saddle to be placed on the horse, patiently sitting as she was strapped in, and then calmly enjoy the ride... it was a site to behold. She seemed to relish every moment with awe and wonder. And, as this horse did not yet have a name, we all agreed to call her Bella -- in honour of Isabel. What a special day!!!

As usual, you can find more photos from our day at the finca at www.picasaweb.google.ca/jpstories