It is Monday night in Korea. We were able to take it easy today and recover from the long flight and essentially losing a night. We dined early at Gang Nam Mok Jang, a Korean restaurant recommended by the agency. We had Bul-gokee, a traditional roasted beef with seasoning, rice, Kimchi (both staples at every meal), and pumpkin. The server grilled the beef on a gas grill in the middle of our small table as we watched.

There were multiple side dishes, mostly unrecognizable, but we were grateful for the square meal and the opportunity for a little cultural enlightenment.

Afterwards, we shopped a little without finding much and returned to the hotel to retire early. At least one of us retired early.

We have great expectations of the morrow when we finally get to meet the little sweetie who stole our hearts last summer. We are filled to bursting with anticipation. The plan is to walk over to the Social Welfare Society in the morning to meet Sarang’s caseworker, Hyejin. We hope to tour the Baby’s Reception Home, the orphanage where Sarang spent the first 8 months of her life. The three of us will then go together with Sarang and her foster mother to a pre-scheduled appointment with Sarang’s pediatrician. This is an unusual privilege and one we cherish, since there are specific questions we want to ask about her medication, etc. After the doctor’s appointment, we’ll spend an hour or so together with Sarang, the foster mother, and Hyejin tomorrow afternoon.

A second visit is planned for Wednesday. We expect to get to keep Sarang either Wednesday or Thursday, depending on how things go. The Korean adoption agency is very eager for Sarang to make the adjustment slowly. Hyejin has told us Sarang is shy of strangers, so there is much need for God to move in her heart in a special way. This is a critical part in the process and we need a miracle to turn her heart toward us. But I am confident of this very thing, that He who started the work will be faithful to compete it. (paraphrased from Philippians 1:6)