Our interview with the defender of minors is finished. It went very well (we think!). We arrived at 9am and waited until about 9:30am. At 9:30, the woman that conducted the interview called us into a small room filled with folding desks. As soon as she saw Gabriela, she began to talk very fast and smile. She then proceeded to cry and we were told that she said how happy she is for Gabriela and how sad she is that we had not had the last three years to be with her. Maria Teresa (our driver and paralegal) told us that she had been following Gabriela for some time. They were all very impressed when Gabi used her new sign language skills to ask to read a book while we were there! We looked over the paperwork for accuracy and signed everything before we left.
The way we understand things, this was the first big step (other than getting Gabriela) to get the court process started. Our lawyer will try his best to file the paperwork today and we should know which court (there about 23 of them) we are assigned to soon. The court we get will determine how long we are here and whether or not our case will be consider for medical expedite. Our lawyer has also agreed to do his best to plead our case in hopes that we will be able to bring Gabi back to Minnesota (one step closer to surgery) as soon as possible.
What an adorable photo of the 4 kiddos! I am so happy things went so well with the defender of minors. Anna looks like she is feeling better too :)
ReplyDeleteWe are praying for you all and also that medical expedite, XO Patti & Jay and gang
It is great to have some progress.
ReplyDeleteI am sure you will be on your way home soon.
Mom and Dad VanAcker
Praise God! as He leads you all through this incredible journey....love, and miss you guys <3
ReplyDelete~Suzanne
We can not look at this picture of your 4 beautiful children with out a smile on our face! Gabi looks like she is in all her glory! :) Thanks for keeping us all posted as we anxiously continue to follow your progress in getting closer to bringing her home. Love you guys and can't wait to welcome you all home! Until then, we continue to pray!
ReplyDeleteThe Ibarras
Dear VanAckers,
ReplyDeleteWe first met Gabi here in Minnesota and recently saw her running in the halls at FANA smiling and laughing when we were there in April. We are so happy that you are all together.
Our favorite park to run off energy is the old polo grounds, if you haven't already found it, is about a 5 minute walk from where you are.
Enjoy all of your time in Colombia. Have some Crepes & Waffles for the Christophersons.
Take care,
Sarah, Brian, Ava, & Isaac Christopherson
FOFMN