We will always treasure our time with this sweet family. They rented a large van so we could travel together, especially helpful since Koreans drive by a different set of rules. During our brief two days in Seoul, we visited the Social Welfare Society (SWS) and the Baby’s Reception Home and had lunch with Hyejin (Hay-chin), who handled our adoption.

We had planned to purchase a hanbok, the traditional Korean dress, while in Korea since these are difficult and expensive to purchase in the states and her first hanbok has been long outgrown; but Lovey received two as gifts while we were there! Omma and Appa bought her a traditional one that is very beautiful and fits perfectly, with just a little room to grow. She looks lovely in it, as you can see in the photographs. Hyejin presented Lovey with a more modern or ‘fusion’ hanbok with a skirt made of tulle — so precious and fun! She is delighted with both and will wear them with the poise of a true Korean princess.

We enjoyed walking around the Gyeongbokgung Palace grounds, also known as the Palace of Felicitous Blessing. This was the main Palace of the Joseon Dynasty (1392-1910). We took pictures just like Omma and Appa had done with Sarang before she came home.

 

After the palace we visited Omma & Appa’s home. We are so impressed with this precious couple who has loved and cared for 11 orphans while they waited for forever families. The walls and shelves of their home are decorated with photographs of these children smiling and laughing with the forever families who obviously adore them. So many lives touched! We are amazed as we begin to see how much Omma and Appa have given to help these kiddos do well. I am humbled thinking how much fostering has cost them and yet how blessed and fulfilled they are for saying ‘yes’ to such a calling.

We also had the opportunity to have dinner together at a Chinese/Korean restaurant and then walk to visit the church where Sarang was first taught to pray (gido).

We met their pastor, who laid hands on Sarang and prayed for her and for us, and for God’s continued blessing and provision in our lives and for her new little sister who will soon be home. Many friends who had prayed for Sarang when she was in Seoul came by to see her and to rejoice again that God had chosen her to be adopted by a family who loves the Lord. These are people who continue to pray for her and they celebrated with us when they heard what God is doing in our lives.

We also managed to squeeze in a few precious minutes of shopping! I was able to find chopstick trainers and sweet, inexpensive COTTON pajamas for the girls, which are next to impossible to find at home.

We spent the better part of two days together and, since we had an interpreter most of our visit, we were able to communicate many things that had previously been left unsaid. We asked questions, they asked questions, and we took every opportunity to understand and be understood. During our time together, Sarang pieced together a little more of her story and renewed a special fondness and intimacy with this family who still loves her and remembers her with great affection.

Words in any language are completely inadequate to express how I feel, but these sweet friends will forever have a place in our hearts and in our daughter’s story. What an incredible difference they have made for this one – and for ten other orphans in Korea.

“Whoever welcomes one of these little children in my name welcomes me; and whoever welcomes me does not welcome me but the one who sent me.”      ~Matthew 18:5

From the bottom of my heart I honor, admire, and esteem these precious friends and will forever hereafter consider them as family — the best kind of family.

May God bless the tie that binds our hearts…