Korea – Day 3 – Opening Ceremony, Spiderman, and More Cameras
Welcome kit rocked. Free loot. Yay!
Opening Ceremony was last night. Met almost all of the other adoptees. That was great fun. The rest of the adoptees we’re totally made up… full suits for the guys and the women were fabulous looking. Pete and I were wearing T-shirts under our “regular” blazers.
I was rocking a Spiderman tshirt… ah… sue would be so proud… *gulp*.
Thoughts and vids after the jump…
Korea – Day 3 – Opening Ceremony from John on Vimeo.
Korea – Day 3 – More Rockstar Stuff from John on Vimeo.
Some other thoughts for the day before I head back to bed:
- One of the emcees was an absolutely flawless speaking korean broadcaster. Her korean was “perfect”.
- Molly Holt, the daughter of the original Holt family was there! She’s an amazing “warrior” for international adoption. She’s awesome. I was blessed to spend some personal time chatting with her… a small woman physically, she’s got the heart the size of Korea. She’s “epic”. I wanted to tell her that but that might not have translated well…
- The other adoptees in attendance are from around the globe: Australia, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, France, Norway, Sweden, Switzerland, USA and more… amazing!
- The demographics for the adoptees in attendance are also just as diverse… a few teenagers to some in their late 50′s! All here for the same reason and purpose.
- Tons of tears already shed (not by me… yet). I’m trying to “brace” for major impact… and I’m getting super anxious now.
- The camera crews are already getting on my nerves… a greater appreciation for those that have to deal with them constantly is growing. Can you say “paparrazi”? I’m going to just have to get over this…
- Coffee here is super “weak”… My wife has told me this repeatedly and it’s taking more cups for me to adequately get “started”. Unfortunately a good cup is about $4.00…! Starbucks, eat your heart out.
- Sleepless nights are increasing. Jet lag is killing me. As one person mentioned… my body will finally adjust just in time for the flight back home. Doh!
- I’m praying for many of the adoptees because a few of them are here without any information… and their chances of meeting their birth parents are close to nothing. Their purpose here is much more educational… and I hope they “find” what they’re here for. Thank you all who are lifting the days up in prayer…!
- Facebook is everyone’s technology of choice. I’ve decided to stop asking if people “Twitter“…
- I miss Sue and Roenne.
Schaweet. Except for the coffee. Without coffee I'm well, asleep…
Your trip is so turning into a Sofia Coppola flick in my mind.
John, thanks for bringing us along with you on this phenomenal trip we are continuing to pray for you and your family.
what an atmosphere! and Of course.. "Ninjas hate pirates" made it to the trip but I didn't! you two look fine, no prob!
hehe. interesting comparison… i'm going to have to marinate on that…!
thanks michael! more the merrier!
hey guy! so you're saying not all the adoptees will get to meet their birth parents? that's gotta be sad, esp. when they see the others connecting with theirs. actually, it may inspire them to more aggressively search for theirs …
hey just curious, but do you and your brother speak/read/write korean?
Twitter… for the masses quite yet? Maybe not. Hey, it was a victory just to get my wife and friends on Facebook. Twitter's next, but I have to bide my time. I feel your pain, brother.
John, just started keeping up with your adventure. ami and won told me about it over thanksgiving. will be praying for your meeting with your biological mother. living this adventure through your great videos. congratulations!
chuck
Hey Addy!
Yes a number of the adoptees will not be able to find and/or meet their b-parents… and some have really no hope and no leads. A lot of it is based on sheer "luck".
hehe.
"Do not be terrified for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go." Joshua 1:9 God will calm your anxiety – and yet I find that the moments in life when my heart's about to leap out of my chest are some of the most spiritually powerful ones of all.
I didn't realize some adoptees attending are seeking their birth parents but likely won't meet them. Heartbreaking – will be praying for them as well.
Love the Spiderman tee story. Classic!
hehe! thanks dana!
hehe. had some GREAT coffee today… finally!
pete speaks, reads, and writes very well. i, on the other hand, suck.
chooch! watsup bro! thanks for dropping a line!
Sounds like you're havin a blast dude. Been prayin for you guys. I will make special note to pray for the quick recovery from the adjustment to jet lag and bad coffee.
out