myretroperspective

Reading and translating the Christmas story Our friend's baby got crowds of attention from both the girls and the boys The younger age groups had a short dance performance for us He was SO excited for Santa to come! Every so often the foreign church that we attend goes and spends time at one of the local orphanages, Sungjiwon. I have always cherished the times that we are able to spend with these kids. Even though we don't speak the same language, there's always such an excitement that surrounds these visits and our last visit was certainly no exception. Every year the church throws a Christmas Party for the orphanage complete with Christmas carols, reading (and translating) the Christmas story, games, presents, and of course a little visit from Ol' Saint Nick (played this year by hubs). It can be such a bittersweet experience going and seeing these kids that I have grown to become so attached to. I love how their faces light up as we come in, ready for endless rounds o...

on may 5th korea nationally recognizes and celebrates children's day. school is let out, work is canceled, and parents agree to do whatever the kids want to do that day. on that day, our friends mike and alissa invited us to go hang out with the kids at the orphanage. we couldn't resist.   this is the place where over 50 kids from ages of 1 year to 20 years call home. most of the kids here are either handicapped, or given up because of death or financial circumstances. for reasons unknown, people are not allowed to adopt the kids.  the kids all prayed together before each meal. this little guy's dad actually stopped by during the celebrations to spend time with him. we were told that he comes by every few weeks to take him for the weekend then drops him back off again. the only reason we could think of as to why he was in the orphanage in the first place is because the mom is no longer present. traditionally, mothers in korea quit work and stay home when the children are bo...