BETTY-Just the name conjures up so many images in my mind...beautiful, funny, smart, sweet, motherly, happy, witty, loves to laugh. Some of you have had the good fortune to get to know her through FANA, yet many of you only know her through this website. I would like to dedicate this journal entry to the woman I met 4 years ago in Bogota, and who has remained one of my closest friends to this day. Betty was born and raised in Brooklyn, NY ...Sheepshead Bay to be exact. She's one of the proudest New Yorkers and Americans I have ever met. True Red, White and Blue to the core! She moved to Colombia many years ago when she married her handsome and intelligent husband, Rafa, who is Colombian. They raised 2 awesome children, Natalia and Andres. So many of our friends and family members have emailed us and commented how they cannot believe all the activity and excitement that takes place while we are in Bogota. Neither can we ! This occurs because of one person, and one person ONLY... Betty!! If it weren't for her, our experience here and the experience of so many other couples would be entirely different. There is simply no one like her!! Make no mistake, Betty is the person who SINGLE HANDEDLY coordinates everyone's daily schedule and gets them on their way, calls the drivers and baby sitter, advises families where the best shopping, restaurants and other points of interest are, makes reservations for dinner, translates continuously throughout the day, books side trips to places such as Cartagena, does all the grocery shopping and meal planning, plays with and cares for our babies, orders pastries for special occasions, makes sure everyone is feeling well, and is always available. She calls her drivers regularly when we're with them to make sure we have reached our destination safely, and she lets you know she is just a phone call away. Her days, and most of her evenings are spent at "Betty's Place." Yes-this is her place. With six bedrooms and private baths for every room, a cozy living room with a computer, books and movies for everyone's use, a dining room, courtyard and internet hook up in every room, along with televisions that carry CNN, the Super Bowl and the World Series, this place is all Betty!! We have become so used to the top notch care we receive when we're in Bogota; it's easy to forget how complex her job is. Betty makes it look easy, but I know better. In addition to all I have mentioned, she also served in the capacity as Vice President of the American Women's Club at the US Embassy for 2 years. I have never met anyone who knows more people in my life. How many of you have Nail, Hair, Sweater, Bead and Rosary Ladies come to your house? I know I don't!! There is nothing she wouldn't do for anyone to help make their trip more enjoyable. Betty-Thank you so much for all you have done for Otis, Sergianni and I during the past 3 1/2 weeks. We've had a blast! This is like home to us. I couldn't wait for Otis to stay here...I knew he would love it as much as I do! I can't even think about saying goodbye. Thank you also for inviting us to your beautiful home, and those of your family members. You and Rafa are the consummate hosts. Lastly, thank you for your friendship throughout the past 4 years. You're one in a million, and I love you.

Your amiga, Debbie