Meeting Isaac Part 2

Brent writing - One of the reasons that we think DJ was comfortable letting us stay with the family was that their daughter spoke English very well and was able to interpret for us. We exchanged gifts with the family and were honored to receive some very special gifts. We gave them many things, including honey, almonds and some IU t-shirts and hats (that's right). They gave us some things for our home, ginseng (which is very expensive) and gifts for our girls and parents...very generous!

We started to ask some questions about Isaac and the first three answers were very telling: 1. Do you still sleep with Isaac? "Yes, the foster father sleeps with Isaac and carries him around on his back singing to him for a while to calm him down before bed." 2. How do you console him when he cries? "He rarely cries." 3. How do you discipline him? "We tell him not to do things...but he doesn't listen to us." Sharon and I looked at each other at this point...no words necessary.

The foster family is such a neat family. So gracious and hospitable, and it is a home filled with laughter and singing. It is clear that Isaac is attached to the foster father. It is so neat to see them interact and so sad to think about how hard it will be in a few days for them. The father is a very special man. He is so kind and patient and it is clear that his family loves and respects him. He is a retired pastor and now gardens and writes poems. He wrote a poem for Isaac and gave it to us in Korean with English subtitles. We read it together and it was very emotional.

We were able to start holding Isaac a little. The family would sneak out of the room and give us some time with him. Isaac is a happy boy and loves to interact.

We headed off for lunch at a nearby mall. Now after practicing using chopsticks for couple of months, my first chance to sit down with Koreans and eat together, where did we eat? At an American Buffet...no chopsticks in sight. I would get a chance later.

We also walked around and went to the children's play area. This was so valuable to see Isaac in a public setting and to see how he acts and how the family handles him. He is very active and pretty much just runs around wherever he wants to go. The family, particularly the daughter, chases him around and tries to corral him to go in the direction that they want him to go. They said "you need lot energy to watch Isaac".

I took a turn watching him and tried to give him some freedom but some direction as well. It's interesting...he is strong willed and independent, but when you turn him around or grab his hand, he resists but doesn't cry or throw a fit...he just eventually gives in. He likes to share and help you do things.

Isaac sharing his cookies

We then went to the Odusan Unification Observatory where you can see into North Korea. The father said that older South Koreans consider the North Koreans their family, that they are imprisoned and they want to see North and South Korea unified. Isaac was letting us hold him a little more at this point and we pushed him around in the stroller.

We headed back to the family's home and got to meet one of their sons who Isaac just loves. We all went to dinner together at an authentic Korean restaurant (sit on the floor, no silverware, no laminated menus or waiters named Bob). We just kept asking questions and the family was so gracious to us to keep answering and to give us advice.

After this we went back to their house and met more of their family and got to see what Isaac is like when he   is tired and wants attention. After making it out of the house for a second time, they told us 'you make sure to lock door to house'. Again a look from me to Sharon. It was also comforting later when the daughter said that she would give us their phone number so that we could call them after we get Isaac on Tuesday 'in case you need our help or if you lose him'. Not sure if she was kidding or not.

They drove us back to our hotel and Isaac fell asleep on the way so we did not get to say goodbye. After 11 hours we were all wiped out but it was a great day!