Sunday, October 18, 2009

Time Keeps On Slippin, Slippin, Slippin

One year ago today, I embarked on a journey that would change my life. Last October 18th, I left for Russia on trip #1 to meet my child. I didn't know when the day started what a different direction my trip would take versus what I had planned, but looking back, it was the trip of a lifetime and I will NEVER forget it.

When we reached the airport that night, I said to Rhonda "oh my gosh - I am going to meet my son". I left planning for a boy and returned over the moon with giddiness for my daughter. Lots of crazy, wild things happened on that trip, much of I have spoken about. Two quick memories that I'd like to relive with you ...

When Rhonda and I landed in Seoul, we were STRUNG OUT. I don't know if it was the heat on Korean Air, the lack of sleep or just being slap happy from a 5 hour flight and then a 13 hour flight. Because we were so out of it - we didn't put two and two together and figure out the whole "transit" passenger instructions. On top of this, a majority of the passengers on the plane were ending their trip in Seoul, we we just followed the herd, desperate for some food. Because we weren't in the transit area, most of the workers did NOT speak English - just Korean. They didn't understand that we were between flights and just wanted to get a snack. We couldn't see ANY restaurants on the level we were at. The employees told us that at that hour (it was like 5:30am) we'd have to exit security, go through customs and there would be food outside. We begrudgingly did this - after 30 minutes of trying to figure out where we were going, thinking the whole time "Incheon is the 5th largest airport in the world there HAS to be food somewhere". We found it and then headed back through security and UP a level to the mecca that is the real airport. Sheesh. At least our passports say that we were in Korea!!

Monday night we were tucked safely in our room at the Vlad Motor Inn. I had just been through an emotional roller coaster after the in country coordinator told me that "the boy is not good" (speaking about my referral). I was stressed and over tired. I went to sleep while Rhonda caught up on some email and got ready for bed. Apparently the bathroom door in our room made a weird noise when you closed it. In my super over tired state, I swore someone was trying to break in to our room - or something along those lines. Then I realized it was just in the room and I was yelling at Rhonda "do you hear that?" and then something like "stop that!". The tables were turned about 3 hours later when the phone rang at mid-night and she was talking in-coherently to me while I was trying to talk to my agency back in the US. I was asking her to be quiet (shhhhhh) and telling her it was Lorien and she was thinking I was yelling at her again.
Both stories are HYSTERICAL to me now -- and I am sure most of it was "you had to be there" type funny, but I can look back at that stressful week and laugh, smile and thank god for the way that everything worked out.

A year later I spent a wonderful day with my daughter. Here she is below in the required fall leaves pictures! I've said it before... and I'll say it again, it's amazing how things work out!!


11 comments:

Barb said...

Funny stories and cute pictures!!

findingourdaughter said...

I have tears!! I wish I could give her a squeeze right now......she is so precious and cute....her hair is stunningly gorgeous!
Hugs and love,
Ansheen

Unknown said...

Amy, Funny!...somewhat familiar, we got of the plane in Seoul exhausted and could not figure out what "transfer station" we were supposed to use to get our tickets for Korean Air. Wandered around the terminal and finally found it and got our boarding passes for the next day and then checked into the Transient hotel. Got to VMI the next day and Gloria was talking (grunting)in her sleep, I woke up thinking someone had broken in and jumped on her in bed...

Sarah said...

I so remember when you left, and I can't believe it's already been a year! Congrats!

Joy said...

I have to say I could not imagine you with a boy. I guess if you had a boy but you two are like a pair of mittens and belong together.
Joy

True Story said...

Sooo sweet Amy. Happy anniversary of your beautiful blessing! Seems like yesterday I was reading your trip #1 blog. CRAZY.
Sandy

Roger and Joanne said...

First of all, how do you get those amazing pictures of T? They are always so beautiful.

I loved hearing the behind the scene story. I, too, have some of those that now as time has passed you can look back on those memories and either laugh or look back fondly because at the time you're in kind of a fog.

I first tuned into your blog at the end of your first trip. I had gotten your blog from Mike & Heidi. I also look at how things turn out and what path it took to get you there

Laura said...

I cannot believe that a year has passed already as I remember reading your blog back then.

Fast forward and we both moms to two incredible, wonderful, beautiful girls!

Life is grand.

~Laura :)

Nancy said...

What a year!

Clarese said...

It is crazy what lack of sleep and long distance travel does to our minds! I love the T pictures - she is really growing up so much!

Anonymous said...

One word-- BEAUTIFUL!!!