Life keeps on changing...for the good!

We found out tonight that Sojung will be extending her stay until the end of the year. Sojung expressed an interest in staying longer several weeks ago. We explained to her that it may be difficult to get into our local high school, epecially since she was only going to attend one semester. After saying our prayers we made the appropriate phone calls and got the ball rolling. The school called this afternoon and left the good news on our voice mail. Sojung is thrilled beyond belief and we can't wait to share 4th of July, Halloween, Thanksgiving and Christmas with her!

Sojung will be attending Brentsville High School. Sojung is excited about getting to ride the bus to school, attending a larger public school and the fact she will be finished with school everyday at 1:50!!

Life as we know it has changed forever!

And in such a great way. Sorry I haven't posted for a while. But we have been a little busy!! We brought the girls home this weekend. Transition has proven to be difficult at times, but we know it will be worth it in the long run. I cannot imagine what these little girls must think. They are in a new home with strangers and trying to learn our rules and fit in. On top of dealing with their past. They are very sweet and Sojung has been the best big sister ever. Before they met her they started calling her "Big Sissy" and fell in love with her the minute the laid eyes on her. Sojung is more than willing to play with them and help them feel comfortable.

The picture was taken just minutes after we met the girls.

Here They Are!

We started with this...
And ended up with this. I say we...I spray painted the letters white. Sojung did ALL of the art work. She did a great job, didn't she? We started the process yesterday afternoon and she finished them tonight. You cannot see in the picture, but we painted the sides of Audrey's letters purple and Betty's pink (their favorite colors.) We are going to hang them on the wall with the ribbon you see in the first picture.

Busy weekend

Sojung and Lady
Me with Lizzy and her mom, Linda.

Lizzy took this picture. Pretty good for a six year old don't you think?

We all went out for Korean food.

The bags on Sojung's feet were to protect her shoes from the spray paint. I think the paint fumes were starting to get to us by the time this picture was taken.

Our big news is that next weekend we get to meet the girls we are adopting! We thought we would be picking them up in June, however things have changed and we will pick them up this weekend. To say we are scrambling to get things ready would be an understatement. My friend Linda, (see her picture above) graciously gave us bunk beds for the girls. Mattresses included! What a blessing. I have known Linda for over six years...I met her when her son was in kindergarten and she was pregnant with Lizzy. Lizzy is now in my class and one of the seven cute faces I get to see every morning. Linda's family are some of my favorite people. We went to their house to pick up the beds and then to dinner at their favorite Korean restaurant. It was delicious.

Sunday we spent preparing for the girls. Marcus has been getting the room ready and Sojung and I started painting the red bunk beds white. They are looking good. Sojung also started painting wooden letters that spell out the girls' names. You will have to wait for that picture. She has one name finished. They are BEAUTIFUL!! Sojung has been a big help in getting ready for the girls. She is very excited to have sisters coming soon.

Our cat Juliet has to be on anything that new that comes into the house. So the minute the mattresses made an appearance she was all over them like a bad rash. Pierre couldn't miss out on the action either.

What is a Rock Chalk?

I was asked this question several times since my last post. Well, wait no more because here is your answer.

This one is for Edwin!

We had friends over this evening. They know how much Marcus loves KU basketball. Sojung walked in the room and our friend said to her: "Hey Sojung, Rock Chalk!" Without hesitation she said "Jayhawk!" Marcus shed a little tear. He is so proud.

Rock Chalk Jayhawk!

Enough said!

Top Ten Reasons We Are Glad We Have An Exchange Student

Several weeks ago I posted Sojung's Top Ten. Now here's mine.

10. I have a carpool buddy (and can use HOV! If you don't live in an area that has a lot of traffic you have no idea how valuable this.)

9. I have a shopping buddy.

8. I have learned about 40 words in Korean. I can't hold a conversation but I can ask you to "stop!'' and tell you I am going to throw up in Korean. Please don't call me if you need a translator.

7. It makes me appreciate what I have in the USA.

6. It opens up a whole new food group.

5. It increases my English vocabulary.

4. It perfects my 'Win, Lose or Draw' skills.

3. I know where all the Korean food is at Super H and Grand Mart.

2. I can see things from a different perspective.

1. I have a forever Korean daughter.

One down, one to go!

It is so hard to believe that Sojung has been here long enough to complete one quarter of school. Yesterday was the end of the quarter and we enjoyed a half day of school. Monday she has the day off because it is a teachers' work day.

Sojung worked very hard this quarter, especially in US History and Algebra II. A big thanks to Marcus to helping her with US History. I would hear them at the table studying and I would be amazed at what he remembered from high school.

Our plans this weekend are a little more low key than last weekend (Cherry Blossom Festival). We plan to have dinner with friends at their favorite Korean restaurant in Centreville and church on Sunday. If Sojung has her way we will squeeze in some shopping too. That would be fine with me.