We have truly enjoyed the opportunity that we have been given to stay at the adoption agency guest house. There are seven rooms available for adopting families, as well as those who return to visit their country of birth. Here are some photos of our guest room...
It has been incredible to be in the "heart" of the work, intermingling with the caregivers, social workers, staff and even glimpsing a peek at a few unwed birthmothers, who live in the facility. The two Social Welfare Society buildings include a hospital, home for unwed mothers, training facilities, baby home, guest home and adoption offices. Everyone that we have encountered has been warm and friendly and we have fallen in love with the Korean culture.
Hailey stayed in the Social Welfare Society Han Suh Hospital for three weeks after being transferred to Seoul (in December, 2011). After her release from the hospital, she was cared for in the "baby home" until her placement in her current foster family. Since I have been privileged to serve in numerous orphanages in Central America, I was very impressed with the quality of care in the SWS baby home. The home is constantly staffed with nurses and volunteers, who hold, feed and care for the children. I loved the sign that is hanging in the entrance:
As you can see from the photos above, there are many children still available for adoption. If you know anyone who has room in their heart and home for an abandoned child, please pass along these photos. While it was heartwarming to know that Hailey was cared for in this home, it is heartbreaking to see children who are still in need of families. Adoption has not typically been culturally accepted in Korea, but this is beginning to change. Social Welfare Society is experiencing more interest in domestic adoption in Korea, but there is still a tremendous need for adoptive families. To read more about unwed birthmothers and the stigma attached to being a single mom, click here on my post "Why Korea?" (dated Nov. 22, 2010). The photo below was taken in the lobby of the guest house.
The guest house is located in the heart of the Gangham business district. The photo above shows the view from our room. We have been so grateful to have experienced the Korean culture this week. Seoul is a breathtaking city, with many contrasts. From Buddhist temples to megachurches, traditional homes to skyscrapers, metropolitan business men and women to the homeless forgotten, and Hyundais, mopeds and metros, we have been captivated by Korea. Tomorrow we will spend our last day without Hailey touring the palaces. On Friday morning, Hailey will finally become ours! What a week!
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