Korea: Day Five - the last day as three

So we just wrapped up our last full day in Korea. Completely bittersweet.

Chapter 7: Playdate with Leo & lunch at the agency

We had our second meeting with Leo this morning at 10am (and, for the record, I hate the term 'meeting' to describe the the opportunities to see our son at the agency). We got to the agency a bit early due to an extremely fast taxi driver (he even made Damon nervous!). So, we decided to take a little walk before heading into the agency.

REALLY ready to go see his brother

Once at the agency we headed up to the second floor. The playroom we were in last week was occupied so we went in a room with three computers lined up against the wall, a table with a few toys on it, four chairs around the table, a bunch of framed pictures leaning against the wall, and a fish tank. There was a woman in there working on the computer - she barely acknowledged us while we waited for Leo, his foster mom and case worker to arrive. Once they got there, we signed some paperwork and without much conversation the case worker and foster mom left us to play with Leo. (The undisclosed worker remained and at one point when she left, another worker came in to use another computer). It was just weird.

Things started out really well with Leo. He played with some toys, paid close attention to all of us, and even laughed for us (we must be silly and fun - sweet!). What a wonderful sound that was to hear. Such a cute laugh and cute smile!!

"Can I play with these?"

That's my boys!!!

can't you just hear that laugh?!

Lookin' sharp...and who new all boys were supposed to wear stripes today

Have you seen my new bruise?! (I think we're in trouble with this one)

Father and Son

if you look real close, you can tell Drew's happy & proud of his little brother

It was a great visit...for the first 15 or 20 minutes...and then Leo realized his foster mom wasn't there. Big loud cries. Big huge tears. It was heartbreaking. We were able to comfort him and stop him from crying...and then it started again...and again. I think that was just a glimpse of what's in store for us over the next few days. It's just so bittersweet...we are so happy for Leo to be joining our family, yet he has to experience such sadness, grief and loss to do so. I just have to keep focusing on the Big Picture.

After our playdate, we had about half an hour to wait until we met with a director of the agency who told us about the history of Eastern and all the services they provide. While we waited, Damon and Drew left the room to find some water...and I looked out the window and happened to see Leo and his foster mom get into a car with Leo's foster dad and Leo's foster sibling. I didn't want to spy too much knowing she knew what room we were in - but I did notice that Leo immediately got a bottle. Hmm...maybe at least some of those tears and that fussing was because he was hungry. I can hope...

We met with the director with another couple from New York City. And, then headed upstairs to the fifth floor for lunch. We sat with the couple from NYC, a family of three from Ohio adopting a little boy, the grandparents of two Australian adoptees (ages 6 & 8) [kids, their parents, and grandparents were touring Korea for 16 days and going to each of their birth cities while in the country.] It was a delicious lunch and I really enjoyed talking with the family from Ohio.

We must have "NO TOUR, PLEASE" stamped to our foreheads because just like at 'Mo Sung Won' we did not get a tour of Eastern. We didn't get to see where the babies go to get their check-ups or the infamous red throne chairs that all the referral pictures are taken in or the nursery. Oh well, Drew really had had enough of the agency for one day by that point anyhow and it was time to get back to the hotel.

Chapter 8: One last stroll around the neighborhood - handouts accepted

Drew fell asleep in the taxi on the way to the hotel...but wouldn't fall back asleep once in the room. So, we decided to put him in the carrier for a little walk and see if he'd fall asleep. No such luck. Instead...a great story. We ended up at a nearby park and let Drew run around. Once again he captured the attention of the many older gentlemen hanging out there. Especially one man in particular. Every time Drew ran around, this man would do anything to get Drew's attention...practically begging Drew to come up a few steps to give him five. No luck. Until the man pulled out 1000 won ($1). Drew accepted the money, gave the guy five (still would not let him touch his hair - which is really what I think the guy wanted to do). I was able to get a picture of Drew with his money in front of the man, but could not convince Drew to sit next to him (maybe I should have offered him money?! duh!) Instead, Drew took the camera and took my picture with the guy....and then a picture of both me and Damon with the very kind man. The man talked to us a lot...of course, we had no idea what he was saying...but we tried hard to communicate with him. He was happy, and friendly, and totally epitomized our experience with the Korean people on this trip. And, it was a perfect way to wrap up our last full day in Korea.

look close...on the far left...Drew's racing!

Drew inspecting the 1000 won he just got from the man in the blue shirt

Nice picture Drew! Maybe a career in photography is in your future

Another great shot Drew

One of many new friends Drew made this trip

Chapter 9: The end...which is really the beginning.

The agency gave us a bunch of things today - diapers, wipes, a bag...and a small pack of tissues. On the package of tissues is this quote:

When one door of happiness closes, another opens; but often we look so long at the closed door that we do not see the one which has been opened for us

I've cried at lot this evening. A lot. While I am still here in my son's birth country, it's hard for me to not look at the door that is closing for Leo and his foster mom. I keep putting myself in their shoes and I cannot even phantom never again seeing my family - never seeing the only people who have ever loved, protected and cared for me again. It would be just heart wrenching, and I am not sure how I would handle it.

I will be forever grateful for all the love and care that Leo's foster family provided. Through the bond that I've seen in two short visits between Leo and his foster mom as well as through the 160 pictures of the first year-plus of Leo's life, I can tell that he was so well cared for, so blessed, and so fortunate to experience so many joys of life...that deep down I know that Leo has a nurtured heart and the courage to eventually accept us as his new family. I will continue to think about and pray daily for Leo's foster mom...and hope that somehow she will know and always remember that we have opened a big, wonderful, loving door for Leo. And, that we will help Leo walk through that door and embrace what's on the other side. We will never leave his side...and we will always remind him of his family in Korea.

We've been trying to prepare Drew for Leo's crying and sadness. We've told him in simple terms that Leo will be very sad to leave Korea - the place was he was born and the place where the only family that he has ever known lives - and he will cry a lot. We asked him if he would be sad if he had to leave us (daddy & mommy) and never see us again - because that's what it will be like for Leo when we get in the taxi to go to the airport. He said, yes. Yes, he would be sad and cry. And, then we told him we just have to be patient and loving with Leo and try anything we can to let him know that we love him and will always be there for him. He seemed to understand. And later, when he called from his bedroom before falling asleep "Did I cry when I left Minneapolis?", I knew he understood. We said, "Yes, Drew, you cried when you left Minneapolis." Drew is going to be an incredible big brother. Just THE BEST.

And, so it is time to leave Korea. We have enjoyed our visit here immensely and will most definitely be leaving the door to this country wide open when we leave...wide open for our future returns! Thank you Korea for all you've given us.

Until next time...America, here come the Krekelbergs - no longer "Three & Counting" - We Are Four!