Estimated Time of Arrival)\

This is my last full week in the states for the next year. That statement alone leaves me in disbelief. It also makes me sad when I realize I will be leaving family and friends for a whole year. However, there are some good things that come with this statement. The most prominent is the fact that this is my LAST week at Old Navy- EVER. I am so excited I could cry. My store has been good for me, but it is certainly time for me to move on.

I guess I am on top of things, however I still feel a little behind. There are a few more things I need to buy, a few things I need to do, etc. However I think it is coming along nicely. I just made arrangements to borrow a friend's truck to move out my bed and I will hopefully be all moved out by next Monday.

I feel like I spent a lot of time preparing for my trip to Korea this weekend in a different way by attending Korean Heritage Camp. This is my second year as a counselor at the YMCA Snow Mountain Ranch camp in Colorado. I really enjoy seeing all the children and their families- it really is touching to see how many people's lives are enriched and thrive because of the wonderful opportunity to adopt. I spent the weekend with third graders, seeing a lot of the same kids as last year when I worked with second graders. My goal is to return each year with the same set of kids. It really is neat to see them grow up (even if it is just for a weekend).

The other great aspect of camp is the fact that I get to spend time with other counselors and listen to their stories. We all have this common link- adoption, but we are all so different. I think it touches me so much, because it is a huge part of my identity. For some reason, it always blows my mind away when I meet adoptees that are older than me. I know it shouldn't, but growing up I never knew of any adoptees that were older than me. The counselors I got to work with this year were amazing- all of them. I do not know too many people who would volunteer their time to let 18 kids use them as a jungle gym for two days straight.

I really felt like I was preparing for Korea because I got to talk with counselors who have been to Korea, who know Korean, etc. I learned a few more Korean words and met some great people I hope to see at camp next year.

The most amazing story to come out of camp this year: a brother and sister, Rob and Ashley, came up to camp this year as counselors. Ashley had been a counselor years ago and was coming back, but was Rob's first time (they are in their thirties). The first night the campers are all hanging out talking and Rob and Ashley are talking to two twins, Krystal and Sheryl (adopted when they were five), who are helping organize and run part of the camp. Rob mentions to Ashley that he remembers twins in the orphanage where they were in Korea. Rob and Ashley were adopted when they were older (8 and 10). Rob asks Ashley and she slowly beings to remember a few details about the twins in the orphanage. She asks one of the twins if she had a really bad ear infection when she was in the orphanage. The answer yes. The other question- did you and your sister have your heads shaved because of lice? The answer- yes. I get chills just writing this now. The four of them were reunited for the first time this year at camp. The Rob and Ashley remember them well, especially the sister because as older children they helped take care of the younger children in the orphanage. It is the first time that Ashley has met anyone she helped care for in the orphanage. As I listened to this story and as I retell it, I am struck by how much I believe that everything in life is orchestrated by God. What other kind of proof does one need?

-Jenna

Checklist After Checklist

Hi All,

I have been creating many checklists the past few weeks and seem to be getting a few things accomplished before I go. I was really fortunate to meet another person going to Korea on the same program as me. She lives nearby and just graduated from Arizona State University. She's really nice and it is great to know someone, even a little, before I leave. We are going to try and go to the Korean grocery store out in Aurora next week so she can try some Korean food and I can buy some supplies for camp (Korean Heritage Camp).

So, I just received my plane tickets this week and my visa last week- I was a little nervous waiting for both to arrive, but believe I have everything to leave on the 5th (which is rapidly approaching). I'm still packing to move and trying to set aside things to pack for Korea, while trying to buy gifts for people in Korea and find educational materials (maps, etc) to bring with me. It's definitely crazy.

I ask for continued prayer as I make this journey, not only for myself but for my family as well.

-Jenna