A whole year later . . .

One year ago we met our shy but curious son about a million miles away in beautiful Seoul, South Korea! He was well loved and cared for by his fantastic foster family but we couldn't wait to love and care for him in person! 

May 29th, 2012

I figured if we can survive that traveling experience from our hotel in Seoul to our house in Rochester still a team we were golden and all the other stuff will work itself out!  We survived the drama that very very long day that felt like a 36 hour day (which it probably was). 

May 30th, 2012

That trip to Seoul was a first for Dan and I. We have traveled internationally together (and separately), but on vacation to the beach or on mission trips; but honestly we are not the best travelers. But we were on a mission to create our family. We were hopped up on emotions and feeling completely lost as a minority in a foreign country. 

New foods (chicken feet)

Touristy Adventures: Palace

Looking for dinner

We relied on each other and it was an absolutely beautiful start to our family.

Easter 2012 (just before traveling)

May 23rd, 2012 Aboard Korean Air headed for Seoul

 It wasn't the first time our God has allowed us to be broken in order to build us back up stronger. Each step along the way to building our family has been difficult and heartbreaking. First infertility and all the procedures and disappointments that come with that, then the incredibly long wait in the Ethiopia program only to change the Korea program after a few years. Then seeing E's chubby photo and fall in love but have to wait another 16 months to touch him.

But what I can tell you today is that the wait was worth it. Yes, many will say the same but I really mean it. God used this time to help shape us into the parents we are, help prepare us for the never ending challenges, including the Mt Everest of paperwork related to E's adoption and citizenship. No matter how many times I attempted to plan the perfect time to travel to Korea, or to bring him home, or fit into the best schedule it didn't work. 

Even our little family drama is important to our God and He has a perfect plan. however the real question isn't: does God know what He is doing? But it is: do we understand the long term plan? will we implement it perfectly? - not a chance but I am learning more and more about mercy and grace.  I am not going to be the perfect homemaker, wife, mother, sister, daughter, friend, or co-worker (even with the help of Pinterest!) But what I am is the daughter of the King of Creation and with His grace and mercy I can trust He has the plan and will never leave us.  I am realizing few things can really be planned with any certainty except to be challenged and pushed the edge, good thing we are holding hands with the Almighty. 

And who knows maybe they become best friends after all . . . 

Mocha getting over her fear of bathtime

New Court Process

We have been eagerly awaiting news of the new family court decision in Korea as to how they are going to implement a new adoption law put in place last August. Unfortunately there has yet to be an American family travel to pick up their child since the new law went into effect.  It is very sad and disappointing for everyone involved. The family court judges have gone back and forth as to how they wanted to proceed. Currently, the judges are requiring adoptive families to appear in court. In order to do this we must travel to Seoul, meet our child, wait a few days, go to court for 15 minutes, then one of two things: 1) go home and wait to travel back to Korea then spend another week in country or 2) wait in Korea for all the paperwork to be completed. (probably about a month).  Financially it makes more sense to stay in Korea plus this gives us a wonderful opportunity to experience our children's birth culture on a whole new level compared to our short one week trip last year with Evan.  We can make the most of it and be able to share that experience with Evan and one day tell baby sister all about it.

The first families scheduled for court are May 31st. We will be in prayer that this will be a smooth process and these families will be united with their children and the travel/paperwork process will go quickly!  

We still have no idea when we will travel but we still hope before the end of the year.  Please keep us in your prayers as we continue to plan for the extended travel, preparing Evan, and baby sister's adjustment.

We are looking at some short-term apartment rentals, different kid-friendly cultural adventures to plan for, and trying to plan for the things at home to run smoothly while we are gone (Going to miss our little firecracker Mocha)

yes, this is her halloween costume, don't judge me people; I have a toddler that wanted to play dress up!

I have included some of our travel pics from last year to get us excited about traveling again!  Just picture us with a toddler this year!  yikes!!