Emotional highs and lows

Yesterday was a very emotional day with some high and lows. In the morning Kari had the privilege of a private file review because we will be assisting the families with their reviews tomorrow. A file review is a time where a Korean case worker who speaks English goes over what is in an adoptee's file. What she shares all depends on her perspective. If she believes a child should know everything possible--she will share whatever she is allowed. If she believes that information does not belong with the child she will not share any information.

We had the most wonderful case worker who shared more than she probably should have. Kari recieved some news that was a bit difficult to hear. While the case worker was sharing, Kari kept such poise and would answer, "I understand". After we were finished, the caseworker told Kari that it was an honor to work with her and that she took her news with such dignity and honor. That's when Kari and I both started to cry. The case worker started to cry also and promised to never stop trying. She was so impressed with Kari's maturity and dignity--as a mom I was able to see my daughter from her perspective and was so proud!

Kari and Mrs. Ma, her caseworker.
We will never forget her gentle spirit and concern for Kari.

Kari was able to see her birth mother's thumbprint and then the caseworker brought in a post-it-note with an ink pad and suggested that Kari put her thumbprint on it and sign and date it. We were all in tears as we thought about her thumb print next to her mother's in the file.

The top of the Holt offices

Afterward, we needed a little loving so we went to snuggle babies. That always relieves a little pressure! There were five babies in the room we visited--all of them already assigned to their "forever families". Kari and I wished that we could contact their families and tell them what adorable children that are going to be getting.

Kari snuggling a baby who will be going to the states
in July to join his forever family

Then we came back and changed clothing and went to the airport to greet the families. Kari didn't think she would enjoy it as much as she did. She really got into greeting the families as they got off the plane and saying, "An-yon-ha-say-o, Welcome to Korea!" She is definitely seen by the participants as part of the staff.

I gotta say...Kari makes a great traveling companion!