Day 1 in Seoul: Babies, Reunions, & Remebrances

Our first full day in Seoul found us with little time to sit and reflect on our travels thus far, but instead took us to a variety of new experiences for all of us!

Prior to our meeting with Joshua's foster parents, we asked about being able to visit the Baby Room here at the adoption agency.  Many babies begin their journey to adoption here for the first few months of their lives, and are then placed in a foster family until an adoption is complete.  This was true for Joshua as well, and so we were able to visit this area of the agency and see all the babies the nursing staff are caring for and help him visualize where he was for a short time before living with his Umma & Appa in their home.  In total, there were approximately 30-40 babies that Eastern is caring for at this time, and all were below the age of 1 year old.  We weren't able to hold or rock any babies (like Jill had been able to do last time), but seeing them was a powerful reminder of these precious little lives and their need for a loving, healthy home to be raised in.

Despite us looking like masked bandits, we wore these face masks to prevent spreading any germs while in the Baby Room!

We then met with Joshua's foster parents and had a great visit.  They were so excited to see Joshua again, and very pleased to see how he had grown.  Our time with them was filled with joy, smiles, hugs, and "catching up" about what Joshua has learned and how he has changed over the past five years since they had seen him last.  They asked about his favorite foods, what he likes to play with, hobbies, etc.  They were also very pleased to see Nathan and Brooke and how much they had changed since last time!  Although our language wasn't the same, they had invited a younger cousin to be with us that could help translate our conversations and interaction.  She was a blessing, and we enjoyed getting to know her also.

A Joyous Reunion! = )

Near the end of our time with them, they invited us to join them for lunch at a Korean restaurant where they ordered Joshua's favorite Korean food for all of us to enjoy (bulgogi).  When we arrived, we were directed into a private dining area room where our meal was freshly prepared and shared among all of us.  We continued our conversation with them, asking questions and sharing updates with one another, all while enjoying a wonderful traditional Korean meal - complete with multiple courses, salads, soups, kimchi, tea, and of course, freshly cooked bulgogi!  Joshua sat between his Umma & Appa on one side of the table (smiling and enjoying his time with them!), and they enjoyed being able to help him enjoy his favorite Korean dish!  Lots of smiles and fun at this lunch!

After lunch, we returned to our guest house and later went out to explore the Korean War Memorial, which reflects and remembers the Korean War and the significant sacrifice made by those who served in it - both Koreans and the many armed forces from around the world who assisted in this war.  Although we arrived a bit too late to visit the exhibits inside, we toured the grounds and took in some of the statues, monuments, and military equipment (ships, planes, etc) that were there.  We did get to go inside the Children's Museum (connected to the Korean War Memorial), where they described and talked about the war from a children's perspective with some interactive and hands on activities.  This sparked a little teaching time with the kids, as we talked through some of what happened and the impact it had on those living here.  What a humbling and powerful reminder of those who fought and sacrificed much for Korea.

"Korean War Memorial" (in Korean)

After a quick subway ride back to our guest house, and a light dinner (since we were still full from our lunch!), it was off to bed to prepare for our next full day of adventures and excitement tomorrow!

(This photo needs no caption!)