Day One....

We decided to go to Insadong on our first day here. We started on our adventure and true to the kind Korean people, a man stopped to help us find the subway. Well......many blocks later in the wrong direction, and a language barrier that wasn't being conquered Pappa decided to take out his phrase book and find the word subway. Oh, we had just walked BLOCKS in the wrong direction but this kind man turned around and led us all the way back. I just love the people of Korea. We made it to Insadong with the help of another stranger too....but we made it. We bought some gifts for Yun-jeong and strolled the streets and enjoyed the atmosphere. These pictures are taken in the park near our hotel.

We bought Yun-jeong a traditional name chop and Jae-min charmed the lady at the store....who made one for him free. Again, love the people of Korea.

We ended up going back to the hotel for an afternoon snooze and then went to dinner around our hotel. There is a beautiful park across the street with walking trails, basketball, games, and even a playground. Jae-min had a blast and it was fun to watch him enjoying these activities in Korea.

The people are so kind here. They are so welcoming of Jae-min....some even rubbing his arm,

smiling, and speaking Korean to him which he's repeating making them giddy with joy!!!! He's a big hit.

As I watch Jae-min in his birthplace I can't help but stop to think how very different his life could have been. These are the sights he would have seen, these are the people he would have met, and this is the land he would have called home. It makes me teary and proud that we could bring him back to experience it with us. Because seeing Korea through Jae-min's eyes is amazing. And thinking back to the time when we were here before with him is surreal. From a scared baby to a happy toddler who's taking this country by storm. And it gives up hope that in the tough months ahead with Yun-jeong it will get better....next time we come back we'll have two hits on our hands!!!!!