This morning we took our precious HaRim to the airport to fly home to Korea. We know how excited he is to go back to the more familiar things, but we were of course devastated to watch him go through security and turn left around the corner to his gate. We know that this is only the beginning of our journey as friends, so we are hopeful for the many years to come. But today was still a sad day, with hundreds of tears shed and hugs given.
We celebrated HaRim last night with 20 of his friends, and a handful of our friends who have gotten to spend some time with him during his stay. Watching him be loved on by everyone was so beautiful. It was obvious to us that his friends see all the greatness in him that we see, and were elated to honor him with us.
I wish I could adequately articulate who HaRim is to you, if you didn't get a chance to meet him. His heart is huge, which is shown through the dozens of cards he's written us, the piano songs he learned, the meals he's cooked, and the dish washing that he helped with almost every night. He asked about curse words and pop music, birth control and drinking. He tried every food put in front of him, took our recommendations at restaurants, tried his first cup of coffee, prayed for our future children, and enabled us to push the doors of our home open a little further (which you never feel comfortable doing until someone makes you).
He continually gave of himself to serve our home and family, and in the most simple but meaningful ways.
We couldn't keep secrets from each other because HaRim told them all, which made us all a little bit more kind and a little bit more sincere with our words. We knew that he was watching us, and would ask if we were mad if we were quiet for too long. He'd wonder if we were ever sad or lonely, and would pray for anyone he heard of going through a difficult time. He was observant, and always looking for who he wanted to be in every situation.
He never withheld a compliment, and always made it a point to tell me when I looked beautiful. We heard him share with his friends how loved he is and what awesome American parents he has. We sang for him so he could learn tunes to piano songs, we taught him how to do wash, and we let him teach us how to fully love someone as if he's your own.
Unfortunately we did laugh a time or two at his expense. But we at least made an effort to explain when we could. Yes, you need to decorate yourself for dinner. No, you have to use soap when you clean the dishes, not lotion. And yes, you do have to put soap in the washing machine. Yeah, we're going to need to cook that bacon a little longer. America doesn't eat raw meat. Yes, we need to wash your pants. 5 weeks is too long without clean clothes. No, we don't need another bowl of ramen noodles, anchovies, or squid, but yes, we'll always help you try a new recipe. No, seaweed is not our favorite, but we love your fried rice and cooked peppers. Yes, 'damn it' is a bad word. No you can't take a flask on your retreat for your juice.
We are so ready for our own babies, and having HaRim made our hearts hope even more for that dream to be realized. We truly love HaRim more than anything in this world, and know that our lives will never be the same again. The home and family he helped us build will be a part of our children, and a part of our children's children. Patrick and I are richly blessed, and love that you got to take this journey with us.
We celebrated HaRim last night with 20 of his friends, and a handful of our friends who have gotten to spend some time with him during his stay. Watching him be loved on by everyone was so beautiful. It was obvious to us that his friends see all the greatness in him that we see, and were elated to honor him with us.
I wish I could adequately articulate who HaRim is to you, if you didn't get a chance to meet him. His heart is huge, which is shown through the dozens of cards he's written us, the piano songs he learned, the meals he's cooked, and the dish washing that he helped with almost every night. He asked about curse words and pop music, birth control and drinking. He tried every food put in front of him, took our recommendations at restaurants, tried his first cup of coffee, prayed for our future children, and enabled us to push the doors of our home open a little further (which you never feel comfortable doing until someone makes you).
He continually gave of himself to serve our home and family, and in the most simple but meaningful ways.
We couldn't keep secrets from each other because HaRim told them all, which made us all a little bit more kind and a little bit more sincere with our words. We knew that he was watching us, and would ask if we were mad if we were quiet for too long. He'd wonder if we were ever sad or lonely, and would pray for anyone he heard of going through a difficult time. He was observant, and always looking for who he wanted to be in every situation.
He never withheld a compliment, and always made it a point to tell me when I looked beautiful. We heard him share with his friends how loved he is and what awesome American parents he has. We sang for him so he could learn tunes to piano songs, we taught him how to do wash, and we let him teach us how to fully love someone as if he's your own.
Unfortunately we did laugh a time or two at his expense. But we at least made an effort to explain when we could. Yes, you need to decorate yourself for dinner. No, you have to use soap when you clean the dishes, not lotion. And yes, you do have to put soap in the washing machine. Yeah, we're going to need to cook that bacon a little longer. America doesn't eat raw meat. Yes, we need to wash your pants. 5 weeks is too long without clean clothes. No, we don't need another bowl of ramen noodles, anchovies, or squid, but yes, we'll always help you try a new recipe. No, seaweed is not our favorite, but we love your fried rice and cooked peppers. Yes, 'damn it' is a bad word. No you can't take a flask on your retreat for your juice.
We are so ready for our own babies, and having HaRim made our hearts hope even more for that dream to be realized. We truly love HaRim more than anything in this world, and know that our lives will never be the same again. The home and family he helped us build will be a part of our children, and a part of our children's children. Patrick and I are richly blessed, and love that you got to take this journey with us.
Love you all!
1 comment:
I don't know what got into me, but this had me crying. Amazing. I love your hearts, I love HaRim without having met him...
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