The week leading up to our departure is a bit of a blur. Even know we have know we would travel all along and we knew it was getting really close I didn't dare prepare too much in fear things would go wrong and maybe we wouldn't end up here at all. I went thru the week almost on auto pilot. I didn't talk to many people I have just been a ball of nerves.
Every day last week was running around to try and find the perfect gifts for so many people. In the end I'm still not sure about all the gifts but it is what it is. I have 2 1/2 pieces of luggage filled with gifts. I'm hoping they are all intacted because I didn't even get to open those suitcases yet.
This Monday (6/28) was an extramely overwhelming day. I had a few more things to do it seemed like for everything we crossed off our list a few more were added. I was so worried about leaving Karley and how the boys would do on the flight and about becoming a Mom to 4 children. To most people I think they couldn't figure me out, maybe even thought I wasn't excited but I was just really overwhelmed with so many thought and I just couldn't think clearly. I usually get overwhelmed by big things but in the 11th hour I pull it all together clearly and it's all good. This time that never happened and as the hours pass I find ever more things I forgot to pack or do.
Monday Joe & Sally came around 7pm and brought us to JFK. They couldn't believe all the luggage we had, 7 check on bags and we all had backpacks to carry on. What can I say but I have alot of gifts. There are so many people we need to give gifts to. I'm bummed I wasn't thinking clearly or I would have taken pictures of our luggage. We stopped to eat on the way since none of us had lunch or dinner. We arrived at the airport and thankfully crusied past the line at check in and was helped by one of Joe's friends who worked for the airline. She checked in our luggage and although I was sure 1 or 2 of our bags were over the weight limit she sent them thru without a word. They should have only been a few pounds, less than 5 so maybe that's why.
We went to the Cafe with Sally, Joe & Mike and hung out. I felt bad but I was so nervous that I could barely talk to anyone. I felt really bad for leaving Karley at home and had no idea what to expect from the boys on such a long flight.
Fianlly close to 11 we went thru security and to our gate. The boys were great, we did let them play their DS's so that did keep them occupied. Thankfully Joe had gotten us 4 seats together in a bulkhead seating so we even had a little extra leg room.
The flight was uneventful, takeoff was good and other than the boys being a little scared cause they didn't know what to expect they loved it. Each seat has it's own video screen so the boys watched whatever movie they wanted and played games the entire 14 hours when they weren't sleeping. We got a dinner meal about an hour after takeoff and the food was really good. Actually they give you so much food there is no way you could eat it all. We slept on & off for a while, both boys slept about 5 hours straight which was good. About 3 hours before we landed they served us breakfast which I declined, I was still so full from the last meal an I didn't even eat it all.
As we flew over China and had 2hours and 19 minutes until our arrival in Korea it hit me and I started crying. I just can't believe we are here and when we return home we will have another daughter. From the first minute our phone rang with the news of a sibling we knew this little girl was meant to be with us but it seemed so impossible financially. Like with every other big decision in our lives we put it all in Gods hands and he provided everything we needed. Not as fast as I would have liked but there was not a single thing in the end he didn't take care of all by the time it needed to be done. Bill said to me on Sunday, "the bible says God takes ordinary people and does extrodinary things" with us he certainly has.
We arrived in the airport, claimed our luggage, cleared customs, exchanged a little money and was greated by our van driver which was great to come thru those door and see the sign with our name. Our driver took us to our hotel which was about another hours ride and unloaded all out luggage into the hotel. I will post picture of hour hotel later it's amazing. It's an apartment with 2 bedrooms, a kitchen & living room & a office area. There is a window that runs from the boys room straight thru to the lliving room then into our bedroom. It's really amazing.
We had planned to go see Seoul Tower but by the time we checked in, called Karley on Skype, showered & had breakfast, toured the gym, pool and children's room we were exhausted and opted for a short nap. Bill and I work but the kids wer exhausted and we never got Julian up until 3:30. We needed to exchange some money but the front desk was closed for the day so they sent us out looking for a money exchange. We followed their map and needed to ask directions a few times to make sure we were going the right way, even know we didn't speak the same language everyone seemd to be able to help. Finally we found a really nice girl who spoke english well and she took us to the exchange which was closed. We thanked her and parted ways. We opted to walk thru Lotte Depatement store, it was alot like something in New York. There was every designer sotre, gucci, prada, kate spade, coach & on & on. It was packed so we went down to the food court to get something to drink then we headed back to the hotel. We had planned on taking a cab but Bill has a great sense of direction and we made our way back easily. It was about a 35 to 40 minute walk and we really enjoyed. The boys brought their camera's so I can't wait to see their pictures.
We had dinner at the hotel since we weren't able to exchange money. Bill thought we should get sushi (I only eat Calfornia Rolls) and an entree well I could have just had the rolls for dinner, it was way too mch food so that was a lesson learned. At dinner we asked the boy what they thought so far and Julian said it was just like being at home so far. After dinner we went for a walk then we wnt swimming which the boys couldn't wait to do.
Although we didn't see anything we planned we had a really good 1st day. We ended up going to bed too late and now I'm up and can't sleep so I'm sure I'll be exhausted later today. I have been up since 3:19am.
Today we plan on going to Seoul Tower then to Lotte World. We need to squeeze in a visit to Holr Reception Center somewhere today or tomorrow. Hopefully the next time I blog I'll have pictures and some great stories. Sorry for the long read and for the typo's I'm tired and my spell check isn't working.
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