2 days to go...ruh roh

My bags are nearly packed...I think I've gotten everything I need off my list. But am I prepared?

Part of my trip back will include teaching pre-school children English. I'm taking Dr. Seuss books with me...my kids like 'em...I hope these kids will like them. I think there will be some guidance regarding the teaching (hopefully).

I'm participating in a Homecoming Program that is sponsored by Holt, the agency through which I was adopted, and the Republic of South Korea. Apparently, so many Korean adoptees are wanting to find out about their roots, that there are a number of programs that sponsor these return trips. It's awesome. I have tons of support. Someone will meet me at the airport when I land and I'll stay at the Holt Guest House for a few days until I secure my visa (for teaching), and figure out the lay of the land, so to speak. After that, I'll go to a homestay for the remainder of my trip. I'll stay with a Korean family (who I hope speak a little English, at least).

Through FB, I've connected with several other ladies who are also a part of this program. Some of them have also received scholarships to study Korean at a local university. We're all very excited about our trip. Most of the people with whom I've chatted have been back to Korea before...so maybe I'm the only one that this will be my first trip?

I understand that it's easy to get around (lots of public transportation), there's a great wireless network across the country (so it will be easy to stay in touch), and I hear it's cold...record cold temps of late. So I'm wearing my winter coat, since I'm a cold weather wimp, of late. By the time I return, though, it will be warm...so I'm having to take both cold and warm weather clothes...and hopefully layers will work for me.

Once in Seoul, I will be able to review my Korean adoption file. If there is a name associated with my adoption (birth parent), Holt will assist me in a search, if I so choose. I've been of the understanding all my life that I was abandoned, so there was little hope to finding a birth parent. But through recent contacts, I learned that the stigma of giving up a baby, or having one out of wedlock, was so great, some of the mothers didn't want the adoptive parents to know her name or even of their existence. A few of the adoptees have been surprised that there is a name there in their file. I'm curious, of course. But I understand and am prepared if there is none.

Well...it's a lot to have in my little brain right now. I want to thank all my family and friends for their kind words and support. Until next time...