Korea06

In October, Shari and the boys had the pleasure of traveling to Korea. It was the boys' first trip back to their homeland, and they had the experience of a lifetime! We traveled with 2 other moms and their children and had an absolute blast! We have made so many friends in Seoul, and feel that many of the people that played a role in our children's early lives are now part of our extended family. We wish we could have spent time with all of them.

One of the highlights of our trip was visiting the home of James' foster family. James lived with them until he was almost 2 years old. They loved him dearly and were so glad to see him again. This family has taken care of 15 babies in just under 10 years. James was the first to return. This visit in their home ranks as one of the most significant experiences of my life, and I know it was for James as well. We love them and consider them to be part of our extended family.

Here we are! Foster Dad is holding their 15th foster baby. He was a doll and should be with his family by now!

Side note: see that table on the left? That's where we first met James...hiding from us. His foster mom finally coaxed him to come out with Pepsi.
He thinks that's hilarious now...wasn't so funny 5 years ago!


Now	Then

Foster Mom keeps a picture gallery of all her foster babies that have gone to their forever families...14 little boys are on this wall. Baby #15, that we met, is probably pictured there now. About half of her babies have gone to live in Sweden. Our son was her 3rd (1st column, 3rd picture down). She cared for at least 3 of these boys until they were 2 or more. She is simply an amazing woman.

Foster Mom prepared THE MOST AMAZING MEAL for us! Everything was delicious...my very favorite was the Asian pear kimchi.
I can still taste it. Seriously, the very best kimchi I have ever eaten in my life. I am making it my mission to learn to make it myself!

This was the first time we had the pleasure of meeting James' foster dad. You could see the love in his eyes for our son. He is a quiet, unassuming man who obviously adores the children that have been entrusted to their care. We are so happy that we were able to spend time with him.

The boys had a blast climbing all over James' foster brother. He took them down to the corner and bought them ice cream and even bought our subway
tickets. He is going to be a wonderful dad some day. In December, he joined the Korean Army for a 2 year assignment. Our family prays for him daily.

James Foster Sister has grown into a beautiful young woman. She seemed to be full of joy and was so loving to our boys.
We know that she was very close to James and was so happy to see him again. She gave him an adorable pair of
pajamas...they are his favorite. Anyone who knows James won't be surprised to hear that he fell instantly in love.

James adores his foster mom, and she has never stopped loving him with all her heart. We are so thankful to her for caring for our son with such deep love. We will never be able to thank her enough and are so glad that we were able to bring James back to see her while he is still young. We love you, Mrs. Shin!

I love this picture...it's as if they are suspended for a moment in time, while the rest of the world moves quickly on around them.

Mrs. Shin and family, we love you all and consider you to be part of our growing family in Seoul.
You are in our prayers daily and we look forward to the day that we can meet again.



	Enjoying ice cream with foster brother and sister on the playground.


This picture still chokes me up. I will never forget following her down this very hallway, 5 and a half years ago, as she carried our son on her back for one of the last times. I'm so glad she got to do it again.	Jung Ho and Uhma, 2006