The guys decided they needed coffee so I decided to walk down the street because it looked very familiar. And sure enough as I held Jae-min's hand we happened upon Holt. It was closed today due to a holiday but we looked in the windows and I began explaining to Jae-min what this building means. And then it happened.....right there on the streets of Seoul this crazy American mommy was overcome with emotion as she held the hand of her little Korean son.
You see this building is where we are matched with our children. Where every t is crossed and i dotted to bring them home, where we meet them for the first time, and then say goodbye to their omma. Where dreams and heartbreak are all rolled into one. I stood on that sidewalk and was transformed back 2 years, looking at the exact spot where Jae-min's omma stroked my face and he became ours forever!!!!!
The enormity of it all hit me on this sidewalk, standing in front of a closed building, watching the little boy who once was so frightened holding my hand. I couldn't stop the tears.And to think that in a few short days we'll be heading there again to meet our daughter and have those same experiences was almost too much to handle. I'm so thankful to have the quiet time to just reflect on all that was and all thats to come.....this one little building holds so so much of our family in its tiny walls.
After standing on the sidewalk, we found the reception center and got to play with the babies. It was so much fun, two babies stole our hearts. A little girl melted me and I vowed in that moment to come back when the kids are older to do some EI work as a dev specialist to help these babies out.
Next we headed to a palace where we strolled the grounds and enjoyed the weather.
Next we headed to a palace where we strolled the grounds and enjoyed the weather.
It was beautiful, then off to lunch.
We took a nice long nap then Jae-min hit the playground again, had some dinner, played in the room and off to bed.The enormity of whats to come has hit me...seeing Holt and the babies puts it front and center. And the emotions have begun to surface!!!!!
5 comments:
Shannon--oh wow! Just looks like you guys are having an amazing time and such wonderful experiences--I am so jealous! Jae-min looks so incredibly happy--i just have tears! I am so happy that you guys are having the time of your life. Can't wait to see more photos and hear more about your time! Your dad must be loving his time there as well! love to you guys...xox kim
You looked like you were having fun and I'm so happy that I hear from you so often. Just wondering if Dad was with you!! It must have been emotional playing with the babies, but an experience that will be remembered.
A few more days and you'll get your daughter. I can't wait to see the pictures of her. Tell Jae-min Grammy misses him and tell him that kisses are being sent to her little cutie pie!! Kisses to everyone!
Love, Mom
What a wonderful experience for all of you. Did Jae-min get to pat the babies? It looks so beautiful and clean there. Can't wait to see you all. Be safe and have a wonderful time. Thursday is almost here. Love Mom and Dad
Wow!! I can only imagine how emotional for you guys...both looking back to all those experiences with Jae-min, and looking forward to when you will hold Jaelah for the first time! I remember standing there in front of Holt when we arrived to meet Ryan for the first time...I stood there and bawled my eyes out! I had to compose myself so John could take a pic of me. I am here reliving some of our own experiences through you, and yet I know it must be so much more powerful for you guys, actually being there...and about to go through some of those experiences again. I am so glad that Jae-min is having so much fun. It must have been amazing, but heartbreaking, to visit the Reception Center. Such amazing experiences...and more to come! Susan : )
Hey Shannon--I checked in with your mom! She is doing o.k. just missing you guys. You may want to post a picture of your dad so she knows he is doing o.k. Kim
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