Where it all began...

So, this is it. I've finally decided to take the plunge. Not only was I persuaded to start this blog (thanks Shioban, et al) but I'm finally making my first pilgrimage back to the Land of the Morning Calm. While I cannot say that my earliest days were reflective of the "calm," my life has been full of wonderful memories and experiences coupled with an ongoing discovery of who I am, for better or, in some cases, for worse.

Two amazing people SAVED MY LIFE. Yes, saved. In a country that touts itself to be the most homogenous place on Earth, one can understand how a brown-skinned, curly-haired child (now), with double eyelids, no less, could have a hard time. In my adult life, I've tried to demonstrate to my parents just how thoughtful and wonderful I think they are. While my mom died a few years back (May the road rise up to meet you...), I hope she knows how much I miss her, love her, and appreciate her for making me who I am today. As for my dad, you have a purpose (he'll understand this) and much of who I am is reflective of that.

It is amazingly difficult to summarize exactly how I feel about this trip, since I've had about thirty-five and a half (who's counting, anyway?) years to think about it. Since the first point of business is job-related, I should be able to find some creative outlets. Following the close of business is when the real challenges begin. DAY #1: Connecting with a fellow Korean adoptee who recently relocated from Pennsylvania to Seoul. DAY #2: Unknown. DAY #3: Visit the HOLT Korea offices and review my Korean case file with one of the social workers. DAY #4: Traveling northeast to visit the orphanage I was placed in. DAY #5: Decompressing and preparing for my return to the States to my beautiful family, whom I will miss every moment of every day.

Somehow it seems rather symbolic that I will be spending my birthday in Korea. Of course, I don't expect officials at Yonsei University (or wherever I am at that time) to pull out the balloons, party favors, and oversized cake. Nonetheless, that does not minimize the cathartic moment I will inevitably have when I wake up and realize that I am celebrating the day of my birth (more about this later) in the place where it all began.

Well folks, it's time to open my mind to what awaits me. To my loving husband: Happy early Father's Day! I love you so much. To my beautiful daughter: mommy loves you big big much and will be thinking of you every step of the way (especially since this experience will be a crucial part of your life some day). To my brother: May my journey bring you some peace and perspective on your life now and forever.

Ok, where are the tissues?