There's an App for That!

Must Download Apps:

Google Maps App:

I don't use the directions option of this app, but I use it to help me find subway stations near my location.   If you type in the place you are going you can easily zoom in close to it to find the names of the closest subway station.    I also used it to make sure I was going in the right direction to my chosen destination.  Someone asked if you can type the destination name in English, I was always able to use the English name successfully.   The app is handy to help figure out which exit to use to get out of the subway station.   It also helped me judge if something was within walking distance or if a subway was necessary.  Before we went I spent some time starring places of interest so they were easy to see on the map.

Seoul Metro:
This app allows you to plan a route.  You can input the starting station and then ending station and the app will tell you approximately how long it will take and exact directions to get there.  I recommend playing with it a bit before you get there.  One again,  I used Google maps to determine the nearest subway station to my starting point and to my ending point, then followed the directions.

1.) Use the menu to choose Route Planner. (See the pictures below.)

2.) Input your starting station and ending station. (use google maps) 

3.)  Determine which route you prefer, fastest or easiest.  Many times they are the same.

4.) Use this version to see an overview of your route, which lines (colors) you'll be using.

5.) Slide the screen left to see the map version and exact directions of where to transfer.

Subway tips:
- the screens on the subway also announce locations in English.  Make sure to pay attention.
- for the subway illiterate, like myself, pay attention to the direction you need to go.  Each subway line has trains going in both directions. Usually it's right across from each other.  Use the map and the signs through the subway station to ensure you are going in the right direction. Example: Toward Euljiro, toward Seoul Station, etc.

-  the exit number is important when getting out of the subway station.  If you don't use the right exit you'll end up near your location,  but you may have to walk further. If you zoom in close enough on Google Maps it will show the exit number to leave through.  In the picture below the little yellow circles wth numbers represent the exit numbers.

When  you get off the subway there will be signs on the ceiling that tell which way to go for each exit.  

WhatsApp:
For those that have a Samsung phone, this app was quite handy.  I don't know about Iphones, but with my phone I wasn't able to call or text using my wifi egg.   This app allows you to call, text and video chat for free to anyone who has the app.  The clarity is excellent and it can be used without charge anywhere that you have wifi. We used this to keep up with our families back at home.  

Side note:  We used the olleh wifi egg that we rented at the airport for Wi-Fi signal.  This was an awesome tool to have while in Korea.


Google Translate:
Lastly, the Google Translate app came in handy several times.  If we were ever having a language barrier issue we would use this app to get the point across.  In Seoul this isn't usually a problem as a lot of Koreans know a little English.   It came in handy at some of the shops or any of the small restaurants.    We even used it a bit to communicate with our foster mom when the social worker wasn't in the room to help translate.
Note:  Google Translate isn't perfect, the translation isn't always literally what you mean, but it's a start and can be used for simple translations.

Living that Market Life.

While in Korea we lived that market life.  The markets in Korea are where you can find about anything.  Each one offers something different.  Regardless of which ones you chose, they all offer an exciting, lively piece of Korean culture and a guaranteed source of people watching.

 Below you will find a bit of information about each market.

Gwangjang Market (Kwangjang Market)

Address: 

88, Changgyeonggung-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul

Hours of operation: 

General stores: 08:30-18:00

Restaurants: 08:30-23:00

Clothing stores: 21:00-10:00 (Next day)

This is one of the more traditional markets in Korea.  It's actually a multi floor indoor market, which makes it a great candidate for a rainy day. 

  For us this market was more of an experience than a place to buy things.  The market was fast paced and the hotspot of food stalls.  There were aisles and aisles of choices of food.  We chose to eat the traditional bibimbap and glass noodles. Side note: you must be a bit adventurous to experience a meal here.  It was awesome in every way, but there are some very Korean food choices and at times not a lot of English. Just be ready for an adventure and it'll be great.

  Outside of the food choices you will find tons of bedding stores, hanbok shops and of course several souvenir shops.   The fresh fish shops were also neat to see.  You could even get a viewing of real kimchi making right in the middle of an aisle. 

Myeongdong Market 

Hours of operation: 

Not totally sure on the hours, but it was open by 10:00AM

This market was one of the more modern markets that we visited.  It is known for its cosmetics and skin care shops.  You can also find clothing stores and many great restaurants.    We found some of our favorite foods in one of the small restaurants located in this market.  

While you are in the area there are some great things to see and do.  If you enjoy a good hanbok dress-up session you should stop by the Myeongdong tourist center.  You get a free 10 minute session with some cute hanboks and a green screen.   It allows you to email all of the pictures from your photo shoot to an email address at no cost! :)  We had a blast.  You can see below the picture of me getting ready for the green screen.  

The Myeongdong Cathedral is also a must see. The architecture and art outside and within this church are breathtaking.  

American Art right in Myeong Dong

Myeong Dong Cathedral

    

Insadong Street Market 

Hours of operation: 

*10:00am ~ (closing times varies with each store)---at least 8pm

This market is filled with something for everyone.  It's known for being an art street, so you can find musical instruments, handmade items and everything between.  If you are looking for a traditional Korean name stamp, there are multiple places to find one of these.  We also found a set of traditional wedding ducks to give to our son in the future if he gets married.    We walked to this market multiple times because we stayed in the Insadong area...which I highly recommend.   We even found the poop cafe, which was quite a hit for my students back at home.   When it comes to food you can find anything from high class traditional restaurants to inexpensive street food and everything in between.  One of my favorite experiences is aimlessly wandering the alleys of Insadong.  You can find some beautiful treasures nestled back in these alleyways.  I highly recommend doing this.  In my opinion, you haven't been to Korea if you haven't gotten temporarily lost in an alley. 

Namdaemun Market 

Address: 

21, Namdaemunsijang 4-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul

Hours of operation: 

23:00-17:00 (the next day)
* Operating hours will vary by shop.
(So this market is open until 5pm each day, but then opens back up at 11pm for the overnight crew)
Closed 
Sundays

Namdaemun is more of a traditional market.  You know you've arrived when you see the international flags strung above your head.   This market has a lot of variety.  Probably the best market for Seoul's famous street food.  You must try the mandu.   If you are more adventurous try the famous mung bean panackes!  This market is filled with clothes, fresh fish, souvenirs, teas and candies.  If you are interested in any Korean cookware, this is the place for you.  I purchased two dolsots here.  They are the traditional hot stone bowls that you can get Korean food in.  I love to cook Korean food, so this was a must for me.  We also stocked up on chopsticks and other random items.

                                                     Our favorite mandu shop! 

Cookware for DAYZ!

Arriving in Korea

So,  i remember pre-travel worries of what to expect, where to go,  how long to expect etc.   Oh the questions that roll through your planning obsessed brain.  My dear husband said, no one needs to know this stuff, theyll figure it out when they get here.  WRONG!  I mean,  sure you could, but it would've made me feel better to have known what to expect when arriving in Seoul.

We flew Delta.  It was a 13.5 hour flight from the US to the Incheon Airport in South Korea.   They provided us with some great amenities.   Earbuds, sleeping mask,  ear plugs,  small pillow and a blanket.  There is also a great assortment of movies,  TV shows and music to listen to... for free!   They also gave us two meals and a heavy snack.  There were multiple choices for each meal.  If you have specific diet needs such as low sugar,  vegetarian, etc. You can request those by contacting delta, or on their app.  Here are some pictures:  

                   

                                                                 

On the flight you will also receive two forms to fill out. I believe one for immigration for each person and a form for customs that is one per family.  (This is me attempting to remember using my jetlagged brain.)  Below are what the forms looked like.  You'll turn these in once you arrive at the incheon airport and go through immigration and customs. 

 

Next,   when you land make sure to listen to the flight attendant announcements for the baggage claim carousel number. (Note: After you go through customs you'll need to know that number to claim your baggage,  if you don't hear it, don't panic.   It's also listed on a screen near the baggage claim area. Just make sure you know your flight number.)   Back to where I was.   When you get off the plane look for signs that say immigration.  (Like the one below)

                      

You'll follow these signs for a bit.  As you get closer to immigration, you'll want to follow the signs that say foreigners.  

You'll go through this, and hand them one of the forms that you received and filled out on the plane.    

For detailed instructions on going through customs and immigration visit this website. It's  super helpful.  

Once you have cleared immigration and customs you can retrieve your baggage.  Just follow the signs toward baggage claim.  Be ready to wait patiently.  My advice to fresh travelers,  put something that makes it easy to identify.  The more bold and obnoxious the better.   I was pretty jealous of the person that had the neon floral designed bags.  

After this you will get into the main part of the airport.   (The non secure part)    when you come out there are a few things we did.  

1.)We exchanged some of our USD for Korean won, though airport rates aren't the best rates. I've heard banks in town are much better.   We just felt better having some Korean money on us.  Note: many places accept credit cards. 

2.) Get a T Money  card.   You can get them at the little convenient store right as you walk in the main part of the airport.  We put $20 on each card.  Mine and my husband's.  This is how you pay for the subway.  The subway is very easy to use and the best and most affordable way to travel in Seoul. It also works for the buses, including the limo bus service.  

3.) Get a wifi egg!  This thing has been amazing. We found ours at area six in the main part of the airport. There may be others, I don't know. (The parts of the non secured area in the airport are designated by numbers on signs.)

Leaving the airport.  There are about three options.  

1.) Taxi.  Many people prefer this,  but it's pretty expensive.  

2.) Limo bus.  You put your luggage under the bus and ride it to a stop. The buses are numbered according to what area you are going to. 

3.) Subway - we took the subway. You will follow the signs that say airport railway.  It's called the AREX. 

What's next?

I can't believe we are finally here! In just a few short weeks we will be traveling to South Korea for our first trip to meet our beautiful son.  Hopefully about a month after we return we will be traveling back to South Korea to finally take custody of our son to bring him home. I can say, we've waited for this for two years now.  As many of you all know, it has been a journey.  There have been ups and downs and loops around.  There have been tears of all types...happy, sad, overwhelmed.  I'm sure this won't be the end of the tears.  There will be proud tears, tired tears, loving tears.  See a pattern?  I think motherhood made me a sap.  

I would also like to thank every single person that has supported us in anyway.  Whether it be messages, hugs, phone calls, donations.  Those works of love mean more to us than we can possibly put into words.   Your encouraging words have gotten us through this journey.  

We thought it would be helpful to share a glimpse into what life will be like after bringing home our little guy. While we will eventually begin to look and act like a typical family unit, these first few months won't be what many expect.  Many people believe that we will pick him up, survive the international flight and BAM, we're done.   This isn't the case for adopted children.  There has been an entire 16 months of bonding that we have missed out on.  Biological children experience 40 weeks of bonding within the womb, then for many spend the first weeks or months of life being snuggled and cared for by their mother and father.  In the case of adoption this attachment process has to take place after custody.  Many adoptive children have not experienced a permanent figure in their lives, so learning that we are for real and we ARE permanent is very important.  If you research adoption you will learn that cocooning is a real and important thing to do.  It's attachment to the max. This is the time where the child will learn that these people are my forever people.  They are my mom and dad. These two people will take care of me forever.  This happens through consistent schedules, snuggling, eye contact and every need being met by only the mother and father.   Many people feel that staying at home with no visitors for a bit is the best policy...just to reduce the chaos a bit.  My friends have told me that each and everyday after custody will get easier.  Each day we will start to notice more trust in his eyes, and the feeling that he is getting more comfortable around us. 

Now, I will say, some people have told me that they didn't do much of the cocooning thing, others said that it took months before their child really seemed attached to them.  Some kids are ready to roll much quicker than others.  Through much thought and prayer we have decided that we will be prepared for the most difficult situation, but go with his flow, according to what he needs.   I've been told by many people that it is really based on the child's personality and even their past experiences. Who knows, he may latch on quickly and be ready to face the world with us at his side?  Regardless of how things are going, we plan to snuggle and love that boy to the max., we plan to keep the need meeting to just me and my husband for a bit.  We want him to know that if he needs something, we got da goods.  This may or may not look like us locking ourselves in our home for 12 months...ok that was a bit dramatic.  It may look more like us not allowing other people to hold him, feed him or change his diaper for the first bit. Hmmm...it may look a bit stingy.  Ok, maybe I am a bit stingy too.  I mean, who can blame us?  I'm sure to many it may seem over board, but once again, we want him to know that we are his family...forever.   

One additional thing many people don't think about is the grief associated with this process.  I think it is beyond important to recognize and support the grief of the situation to truly get adoption.  There will be many forms of it. First off, many people think that our son is just a baby, he can't experience grief...he only cares for food and a clean diaper.  Unfortunately, this isn't a true statement.  He will absolutely grieve.  He will love his foster family very much.  We are thankful for this bond that he has established, because it means he has been shown love and some stability.  I've heard that grieving can be quick or drawn out, depending on the child.  I've heard sometimes it shows as crying, sometimes it's nervousness or anxiety, sometimes its even oversleeping.  Crazy to think about, huh?  Once again, from what I hear each day it will get easier.  A fabulous friend told me to celebrate the little victories.  There will be grief from his foster family.  They have grown to love this little guy over the last year.  It sure won't be easy.  From the adoption classes we've taken we have learned that grieving doesn't ever completely end.  It can rear its head at different time in an adoptees life. Sometimes it's just the grief of wondering about who your biological family is, sometimes it's wondering who you would've been if things would've been different.    It's a weird grief that doesn't really make complete sense to you or the people around you.  We know that grief is part of adoption, it's not something that can't be dealt with or something that makes an adoptee so much different from other people.  It's just part of their life and something that they deal with.  We all have our own stresses and grief, right? Some deal with it harder, some people it doesn't cross their mind much.  Whatever the situation, we are here to support and help our son find his way through this crazy world.  As we are with all three of our boys. 

 Adoption is beautiful, scary, tough, sad, bumpy, full of love.  It's so many emotions rolled into one.  I guess that's life.  We are so thankful that God lead us to our son...this route to getting our third child was a bit different than the other two, but as with all of our children, we've grown so much.  He has already helped shape us into the people God wants us to be.    This child has blessed us more than words can say.  

I'm dreaming of a....quick approval!

This morning we got some great news.  We received an email that told us that we have been submitted to the Korean Ministry. What does this mean? In order for us to bring our sweet son home he must get an Emigration Permit. We have been submitted to get this Emigration Permit (EP).

The good news, we were submitted several weeks ago on November 18th, which means we are already 6 weeks into the EP waiting game and didn't even know it! What a great wait to end 2016. 

Now, the million dollar questions, what does this mean with our timeline? To be honest, who really knows. Story of my life, right! I am hopeful that we will be in Korea this Spring. I'm positive we will have him home before the end of the summer. So, sometime between the months of April and August would be a safe-ish guess.   Note: Making estimates and guesses in this adoption process is kind of a joke.  The second you think you are starting to understand something, that's the moment you get a call with a hiccup in the road.  

The next step is to now wait for approval for our little man's Emigration Permit. This could be anytime between now and two months from now. I'm going with the two months from now guess.  I have decided that expecting a longer timeline will only make things easier.  

What are we doing while we are waiting?  I've found a pretty rad Youtube channel.  She has video blogs about her travels in Korean and video lessons about everything Korean; including language, culture and travel.

 Click here to go straight to the Youtube Channel!!

Oh one last thing, I'm also preparing for our little guy's first birthday! I hope to send him something for his big day.  Stay tuned for a post about his birthday!

What to expect when expecting...a REFERRAL!

This is for all of you Korean adoption blog reading junkies.  I thought I'd write a little blog post about what to expect when you FINALLY get the long awaited referral.

Just to preface this post, we are with SWS and AIAA.  We were also waiting on a referral for a child that was not considered a "waiting child".  All of those factors can make a big difference in how the process goes. 

So, this was our second referral.  It would seem that it would be easy-peasy this second time around.  Not so much.  I mean it is no way as difficult as the initial home study process, but there is a lot to the acceptance of a referral from Korea. 

First off, the package will arrive at AIAA (which is our child placing agency in Michigan).  From what I hear this usually happens at the beginning of the week.  We were told that they get most of their Korean packages on Monday morning.  With that said, she also said that there have been cases that they have received it throughout the week. So don't give up hope.   If you are like me, you begin every week with the thought, "This is the week, I just know it! Maybe we'll get our referral."   midway through the week it turns into, "Ok, maybe not this week...but maybe there's a little hope still."  There was a lot of Korean holiday analyzing.  Figuring of what time and day it was in Korea.  Yup, this was me for 8 months on our first referral wait, and 8 weeks for our second referral.   Yes, much like a pregnancy, the waiting game can drive you crazy.  I figure it is God's way of shaping you.  I can say I've learned a lot about putting things in God's hands and patience. 

 [Note: The reason our first wait was so long was because of my youngest son's age.  There is a rule that there must be 18 months between your youngest child and the child you are adopting.]

So, back to where we were.  The package usually arrives at AIAA at the beginning of the week.  From here it must be looked through and organized by the fine folk at AIAA.  This can take a day or two to do.    After this is completed it will be over-nighted (I don't know if that is a real word) to your homestudy agency.   Here they will also look over it and then they will finally contact you.   At this point you will find a time that conveniently fits your schedule to go pick up the beautiful red or blue folder.  Or if you are like us you will drop everything and take off a half day of work to quickly get to the city in which your home study agency is.   

You will receive the most beautiful folder, our's was red this time.   Inside you will find a clear plastic envelope with the most beautiful/handsome pictures you've ever set your eyes upon.  Both times we received about 20 pictures.  You will also get a packet of information about your child and their history.  For us this included information about their health records, their biological family and the history of their foster family.  You will learn where he/she has lived from the time of birth.  What city he or she was born in, the hopsital, etc.    

Along with this you will also receive a plethora of papers to be signed and notorized.  <-- Once again, my computer doesn't like this word.  Your home study agency will explain in detail what you need to do.  Make sure you have made good friends with a Notary.  They will definitely get a lot of practice in with this package. 

Here are the papers you will be making copies of  (2-3 of each.): 

-Your birth certificate

-Husband's birth certificate

-Children's birth certificate.

-Marriage certificates

-FBI background check

-State background check 

(I think there were a few more, as I think of them I will add them.)

You also have to get your referral looked over by a pediatrician, I believe it must be one with a specialty or history of international adoption.  

Once all of the paperwork is finished and the referral has been looked over you will overnight your paperwork back to AIAA.  AIAA is closed on Friday, so it must be sent Monday through Wednesday.  

After that you are back to the waiting game.  At least at this point you will have sweet pictures to look at.  With SWS you may get updates every now and then; doctor's appointments, birthday's etc.  Sometimes these can take a bit, so don't expect them immediately.  

Oh, one more thing.  A few weeks after you return you referral paperwork, which is classified as your ATK (Acceptance to Korea), you will receive another package from AIAA in the mail.  This will be the I-600 paperwork.  You have already done the I-600A paperwork at this point.  These papers are for the US side of things. The I-600A was specific to you and your husband and the I-600 papers will be specific to your child. I don't believe there will be any more notorizing for this paperwork.   You will mail these to an address in Texas.   All of the paperwork for USCIS is to allow you to get your child's Visa.  You will have a Visa appointment in Korea a few days after you take custody of your child.   

Hopefully none of this has been TOO confusing, though I'm sure it is.  If you have any questions, feel free to comment below.  I strive to be a good resource for those that are behind me in this process.

Love at First Bite!

So,  the husband and I have this new guilty pleasure.  Anytime we have the opportunity we like to indulge in Korean food.  Oh my goodness, it's amazing.  We feel like it makes us feel closer to our little boy and it's amazing.  Double win!

After we received our referral we decided that eating Korean food was the most appropriate way to celebrate.

If you haven't had Korean food, here's how I would describe it.  First off,  amazing.   Secondly,  it's nothing like Chinese food.  (Though I love Chinese food too. )   Lastly,  it often comes with sides.

I'll share some pictures of our food adventure. If you can't tell,  we are such foodies.

This interesting drink is called Bubble Tea.  We had never heard of it. Apparently it's popular in several Asian countries.  It is a milk tea,  whatever that means.  I joke younot,  the drink tastes EXACTLY like the pink bubble gum antibiotic from your childhood.  For wes this was a dream come true.  All of his hopes and  dreams in one cup.  It also has these crazy things called tapioca pearls.  They have the consistency of a gummy bear,  kind of.  The straw was just big enough that they popped up in your mouth as you drank it.  Talk about sensory overload.   Definitely a fun experience.

  I ordered dolsot Bi bim bap.  Oh my goodness amazing.  A dolsot is a giant stone bowl, which holds heat better than my hair straightener.  Inside of it was rice,  vegetables and delicious Korean style meat.  It also comes with a raw egg that you Crack on top...the egg fries to perfection.   The stone bowl literally cooks the vegetables and white rice to the most perfect crispness . It's heaven.  I do warn you,  my body temperature was probably at 100 degrees.  Shew, I was roasting, but it was worth it.

                           

 I highly recommend trying Korean food if you've never experienced it.  I look forward to our trips to Korea. We will definitely be adventure eating.