Getting my Asian on

Gaetan and I have been talking pretty seriously lately about when we think we should start the adoption process.  We both agreed that we will probably start in about a year (when he's done with classes) and then see how it goes.  Another thing that we are feeling really at peace about is how many we want to adopt.  Originally we had discussed that we would like a child around 6-12 months old.  That way they are nursing anymore, but they are still young enough that they haven't formed too many habits.  But the more and more we've talked the more and more we're thinking that we will adopt siblings.  Yup, two of them.  Which, ultimately means they will most likely be a little older.  When my brother and I were adopted he was 4 and I was 2.  I look at Tristan (who will be 3 next month already!) and can't even fathom missing out on all this stuff in his life, and still a whole nother year after that!  But, I am confident that whatever children are placed in our lives we will be more than happy to have them, and God will give us the wisdom on what to do.  :)

With that said, and watching my friends go through the adoption process (in Kenya), attending a tradition Korean first birthday, and thinking about my future and furthering my education, we talked about me taking Korean classes.  It was such a shocker being around all those Korean people who spoke Korean as their first language, and not having a stinking clue on what they were talking about.  I would LOVE to be able to speak it and teach the kids it as well.  I've been looking into places that offer it, and I think that U of M would be the best and closest.  A lot of places have Korean/asian studies majors, but not the actual language.  The thought of going back to school is exciting... and I'm definitely not going to major in it, but I would like to, hopefully one day, be fluent.

I would say I'm confident in who I am as a person, be that an American or Korean... but there is so much more about my heritage that I wish I had knowledge about... and thinking about adopting two ones from there I would want to have the best understanding about their lives to help with their transition.  So, we will see what the next few years hold in store for us and Korea!  Also, part of the adopting criteria is they want the parents to travel to Korea for at least a week, and I would love to not be out of my element (as much as can be helped).  :)

JVG