Friday, August 7, 2009

Sometimes Things Just Go the Right Way

Here is the email from Cathy about her trip to Eastern last Saturday. It gave me chills...

I finished up my meeting today and got dropped off at my hotel around 3. I headed straight up to my room, grabbed the package, the directions to Eastern and my subway map, and off I went. The subway is pretty easy to navigate once you get the hang of it. There was a little bit of a detour with the subway exit, but I used my wits and got oriented correctly.

When I arrived at the front entrance of Eastern - I saw that behind the 2 glass doors of the entryway, there was a metal sliding door in place. They were closed? How could it be? In my head, I looked up to the sky and let out a cry of anguish "Noooooooooooooooooooooooooooo!" (The kind of scream that can be heard from space.) But, I'm no slouch. There was no way I was getting on that plane tomorrow without handing off this package for Gabe. So I figured, if there are babies inside, there HAS to be someone here who can help me.
I snooped around the side of the building and saw an open door marked "guest house" and in I went. There was sort of a lobby area, with an American couple hanging out. There was also a woman sitting at a reception area desk. I introduced myself and explained why I was there. The woman asked if I would like her to show me around, and I said yes I would like that very much. So, I had my very own personal tour. I saw the red chair!!!! And the little bed with the blue blanket!!! And, I also saw the room were you will meet Gabe for the very first time. I got all teary. At this point, I had not yet pulled the package out of my bag - I didn't want to appear rude about conducting business too soon...the typical American way. I was waiting for the right time. Anyway, I got to talking more with the woman giving me the tour, and she asked if I knew the name of the baby - I said of course, it's Park Young Min! She said "Park Young Min? Park Young Min! That's my case!! Is your cousin Joanna?" The woman was your case worker, Ms Shin! So, we a bit of a serendipity moment. She got all excited and asked about your P3...but I didn't know since I had not had a chance to check your blog since Tuesday. She took me to her office, showed me around, and pulled his file. I saw his new photo! When I looked at the photo, I said "I LOVE him!!" She said she thought you would be very happy to know that he is getting even more handsome every day. And that his foster family says he is full of energy. She said that she had sent an updated packet to you. (Did you get it?) Then, I got the bag out and pointed to everything and explained what it all was.

She explained that she does not normally work on Saturdays, but since it's summer holiday she is working the weekend. I told her how happy I was that I got to meet her personally, and how happy we are about Gabe and that we cannot wait to meet him and welcome him into the family. She was so nice, so warm and genuine, I really liked her. When we were saying goodbye, I noticed another American couple in the building. I thought - that's going to be Joanna and Dave...real soon!!!
So...that's my story. It went well. Better than expected, even. I've seen where you're going to be - how strange and exciting is that?
Love, Cathy

24 comments:

Cori said...

Sometimes thing were just meant to be....

Anonymous said...

How perfect! :)

The Gronewold Family said...

This was so touching. I am so glad that it all worked out!

emily said...

i have goosebumps. how awesome.

Sunnymama said...

You are not suppose to make me cry at work! Darn you!

Tami and Bobby Sisemore Family said...

oh how neat! :) What a wonderful thing for her to meet with your worker and that she is so excited you are getting your angel boy :)

Blessings,
Tami
PRAYING JEREMIAH HOME QUICKLY
www.tillGodbringsthemhome.blogspot.com

everythingismeowsome said...

That is just amazing. Truly. So nice to know that the social workers there seem to know each child intimately and really care!

Anonymous said...

i have chills!

Bekah said...

Oh...I just got all teary-eyed. What a wonderful post!

Rach@In His Hands said...

Squealing with delight....how incredible is that?!?

Jen said...

How sweet! I'm glad that she thought to go to the Guest House.

Full of energy... you are going to have your hands full!

Amber and Luke said...

How wonderful! I have tears. I'm so excited for you to go get Gabe!

Megan said...

WOW, that is just unbelievable, how wonderful for you all!

Tracie said...

I think we have the same SW in Korea!

Your son is sooooo adorable!!!

Colleen said...

Oh my gosh! I have chills from reading that! What a blessing and yes...it is amazing how things work out sometimes! Meant to be!!!!! :)

Kris said...

So wonderful!

Of Books and Boys said...

I'm kind of a lurker but I have been following your blog on google reader and just wanted to say that this message gave me tears. What a lovely story and how perfect everything worked out! I hope you travel soon.

Kara said...

Wow! That is an amazing story. I have tears in my eyes...and by the way...I'm picturing you in the lobby of the guesthouse too!

nancy and eric schwartz said...

that is so amazing and so wonderful...you will love being there and I can't wait to follow along...
nancy

candice said...

Oh my goodness! That is wonderful! WOW!!!
Hoping and praying you are on your way very soon!!! Gabe is a cutie!!!

Mel said...

Oh my! What an awesome story. Love it!! It was fate that your case worker was there that day.

Janet said...

That is an awesome story. Thank you for sharing the email. How wonderful your cousin was able to meet and talk to that social worker. What a fantastic connection and story she'll have to share with Gabe some day. It has been a fun stretch lately for you with news about him. Enjoy!!

HJ said...

this is so special... i'm so glad you shared this! i love that she mentioned seeing the famous red chair :)

Christine @ 12,450miles said...

Oh, this post just made my morning!! I'm all teary and chilled with wonderfully happy goosebumps. I needed an uplifting post like this today... thank you!