Day 7

I think today is Day 7. I'm getting a little rummy. I have never walked so much in my life! We spent the morning at the Holt office with Dr. Jeong. We saw 12 waiting children (considered special needs), many of them have been released to HICS for adoption, a couple have even been assigned to families. They were so cute!

Dr. Jeong is in the striped shirt. The women with the kids are their foster mothers. These women and their families commit so much time, effort, and love to these kids, it leaves me speechless. Some of the special needs are fairly major, but some are also fairly minor. One little boy is totally on target developmentally, absolutely adorable, but deaf. If I could, I'd take him in a heartbeat.

After an absolutely delicious lunch of Korean BBQ, served traditionally by cooking on grates over hot coals sunk into each table, seat on the floor, we went to Ilsan Town. Ilsan is Holt's "orphanage". It really isn't an orphanage any longer, its a small town with 250 residents ranging in age from toddler to 60. They are all special needs, some requiring round the clock intense care. There are also married couples living in their own cottages, supporting themselves through working in Ilsan's occupational training. Ilsan has its own hospital, in desperate need of renovation, church, huge gymnasium, central office, physical therapy, etc. It's incredible.

After returning to Seoul, Angie and I had dinner with my counterpart here, Mrs. Seol Eun Hee, and her supervisor, Mr. Lee. I know many of you have heard me talk about Mrs. Seol, and what a great time we have together. Mr. Lee has almost the same sense of humor! We went to a seafood and sushi buffet that was amazing. Although I only eat small amounts, the food is has been fantastic. Very flavorful. Even the soft serve sesame ice cream for dessert!

Angie, Pat, and Naomi leave for home tomorrow, escorting the cutest year old boy to his new family. I stay on for two more days, leaving Saturday. My lay-over in San Francisco is very short, so please pray for me to make it from one end of the airport to the other in time to catch my flight. I really, really don't want to spend another night there, especially on my own.

I can't wait to see what tomorrow brings! I can't wait to put my feet up!!!