Damon and I are suddenly a little giddy. Last night it hit us…like a brick wall...our EP paperwork was submitted to the Ministry over three weeks ago. Which means it is totally possible that we could get a call this week (week #4) informing us the Korean government has granted Leo Emigration Permission. With EP approval, that would put the big Travel Call just days away. Not months. Not Weeks. Just days away!
We try really hard around here to keep things cool and in perspective. Our agency told us it could take up to six weeks to get EP approval. That means, in our household we operate under the assumption that it will take the full six weeks. Six weeks, then the time needed at the US Embassy to process Leo’s Visa equaled a pretty long time to us back then. A long time still to go kept us pretty calm and realistic (except for my craziness in getting Leo’s room ready by his birthday). But last night, for the first time ever, we played the “what if” game. “What if” an EP approval call comes this week?! That would mean we could potentially be leaving for Seoul by the end of the month. What?! Yep, it's possible. And even if that EP approval call doesn't come this week - still suddenly realized that three weeks have gone by and we are approaching having a month of waiting fly by in the flash of an eye.
Needless to say, my “crazies” have returned.
Will airfare be reasonable? Do we know what we are going to do in Seoul? In Busan, if we go? What on earth will we pack? What gifts do we still need to buy? What will Leo need for the trip home? Does any of this really matter?! No! It is just time to go get Leo and bring him home – who cares about all that stuff, we just want to see him, hold him, and bring him home!!
While I really do want to ignore all those questions and say they don't matter…I am who I am, so they do matter. It would be very difficult for me to get on a plane without being prepared. So, despite it often being difficult for me to ask for help, I am going to do it. I need your advice and expertise on all things Seoul. As well as your best guess as to when we will get that BIG HUGE TRAVEL CALL. We’ll let you all play the “what if” game for a bit so we don’t have to.
In gratitude for all the support, wisdom, and friendship I have been blessed with through my postings of our adoption journey so far, I have a tiny little give away.
One day while at the library this summer, Drew and I were pleased to find numerous children’s books about Korea (hooray!). But, my most pleasant surprise find in the children’s area that day was a magazine all about South Korea (FACES: a World Culture magazine for kids, focusing on a different culture each month). I checked the magazine out of the library...loved reading it & learning about Korea from a kid’s perspective with Drew…and thought about not returning it, paying the fine, and just keeping it. But, quickly realized others would then be deprived of learning all about South Korea, and came to my senses. Instead, I went online and ordered two copies. One for us to keep; and, one for a lucky reader.
Here is how you can get your very own copy of FACES: South Korea
ENTRY #1
Just let me know when you think we’ll get our Travel Call
ENTRY #2
What is a “must see” or a “must do” in Seoul…with a 4 year old in tow? (if you’ve never been to Seoul, what looks good to you); or
What was the most favorite gift you gave, will give, to foster parents and/or staff? (or, if not adopting, what’s the best gift you ever got from a friend)
ENTRY #3
If you stayed at the Eastern Guesthouse – how was your experience? If you didn’t, what hotel would you recommend?; or
What are some of the questions you had for the foster mom? (or, questions you wish you would have asked)
ENTRY #4
Let me know that you spread the word about my blog and our upcoming trip to bring Leo home (the more advice and Travel Call guesses, the more informative & fun for all)
Enter one, two, three, or four times…and get that many entries into the drawing for this really very cool magazine. Please have all entries in by 9pm Eastern next Monday, August 16th (Drew’s original due date by the way…& the date I am guessing we get EP approval notice) A random drawing will occur that evening and a winner posted on the 17th.
Until next time…thank you again for your support, friendship, and words of wisdom!!
