We will meet Ethan on Monday!
As we arrived inside the Guest House last evening we were given a letter from Ethan’s caseworker informing us that we’ll meet our baby Monday morning (when the SWS office reopens after the long Lunar New Year holiday celebrations). That was welcome news after we completed our 30-hour journey. He is the purpose that we have traveled half-way around the world.
Soon our wait will come to an end. One of the first questions I asked in January 2007 when we began this process, was “How long?” We were told about a year, and it has been probably close to 12.5 months.
I think the hardest wait of all has been the time since we got the call Tuesday, January 29 that Ethan was ready for travel. I was ready to jump on the plane right then and there. We got word from our caseworker at Adoption Horizons and immediately following was a call from AIAA saying that she forgot to tell our caseworker that this week is the Lunar New Year and the offices would be closed. That sent us for a tailspin.
We couldn’t leave immediately, before the holiday, because we needed to set up our cross-cultural experience. Setting up the cross-cultural experience took a few days with the time difference, as we and Rev. Jun exchanged emails.
We are finally here in Seoul. We have our itinerary set. And we are still waiting. But I’d rather be waiting in Seoul than in PA. We will make the best of enjoying the special events during the New Year holiday, probably a once-in-a-lifetime experience. But all will pale in comparison to finally meeting our son on Monday morning.
So glad you made it to Korea. Holding your son the first time is truly a blessing and a feeling you will never forget. I am so glad for the both of you and wish you nothing but the best. Enjoy yourselves while you are there and absorb it all then someday you will be able to tell Ethan all about it.
It is so great to be able to follow your journey through your blog. Even though you will get a few days to experience the culture, I bet Monday can’t come soon enough! Enjoy and God Bless!! Thoughts and prayers are with you and your family throughout the process.
I am so happy reading your blog. It’s my first experience doing blogs and what a wonderful way to start. I’m so excited that I can be part of this wonderful part of your life through cyber space. I can hardly wait to read your next entry!
How neat to be able to share your wonderful experience from so far away! God be with you!
Wow!! We’ll all be thinking of you Monday. I’ll be trying to figure out who will be the first to hold him. I just think this so sooooooo cool that you two care SO MUCH about your friends and family back in the USA that you guys are willing to post your experience on here.
Love and Prayers,
The Aurandt gang
It is a joy to have others along for the journey through the blog. It’s like having you all right here with us!
I am so very happy for the both of you. I am sure that you just can’t wait. It is so neat that you are traveling and enjoying some of Ethan’s culture. I think that is awesome I look foreward to reading more of your bloggs. This is so cool. Have fun and enjoy