<![CDATA[Becoming Sisters - Home]]>Wed, 25 Apr 2012 08:52:50 -0800Weebly<![CDATA[Skyping Korea: My birth father reveals he's been to my new hometown]]>Sun, 19 Feb 2012 10:09:57 -0800http://www.becomingsisters.net/1/post/2012/02/skyping-korea-my-birth-father-reveals-hes-been-to-my-new-hometown.htmlSo much for chronological order.  I stopped blogging for a while because it was too difficult.  That happens, I guess.

My sister Hyun Jeong came with her husband to visit us in the summer 2011, and we had so much fun.  Of course, we wish we had more time!  That's always the case.

Unfortunately, we haven't even started talking about my biological aunt on this blog.  She lives in California.  She's our Korean mother's older sister.  Her name is Yung, and she's very special to me.  I've visited her two times at her home near San Francisco, and now it seems I'll have to go again.  But this time may be our last visit.  She is in liver and kidney failure.  This is devastating.

The crazy thing is that now my Korean mother is going to come to the United States for the very first time.  This Thursday.  As in four days.

So... my Korean family and I Skyped this morning for the first time in more than a year.  It's difficult to get everyone to Skype together because HJ has to always translate... and then everyone has to be in the same room together.  It's kind of fun, though!  

Anyway... on a much lighter note, here's a portion of our convo.  It seems like my birth father was trying to figure out where I lived.  There are a couple of interesting things to note here - 1.  I kind of go into broken English mode (I also do this when I order Chinese food over the phone.  Don't ask me why.)  2.  You can see why, after several years of knowing each other, I rarely learn much about my family history.  It takes such a long time to decipher anything!  But, I wouldn't change it.
]]><![CDATA[Speaking at the National Press Club in Washington, D.C.]]>Sat, 18 Feb 2012 22:07:24 -0800http://www.becomingsisters.net/1/post/2012/02/speaking-at-the-national-press-club-in-washington-dc.htmlI started writing this several months ago, but I had a difficult time finding the video of the panel... now that it's up, I'd like to share this post, originally started in April 2011:
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Holt International Gathering kickoff in Washington, D.C.
I was asked to join a panel at the National Press Club in Washington, D.C., to share my adoption story for Holt's International Forum.

I didn't know what I was going to say.  I have told my story many times before, so I thought it would be easy.  But, of course, that's what I get for thinking.  Everyone met in a holding room before the panel, and their stories got me verklempt.  

I'm glad I jotted down some notes before I spoke.  Anyway, here's the video!
From Hyun Jeong:  When I listened to your speech there, I felt sorry. I want to tell you everything you want to know if I can. I think I should be more diligent though. 
I wish she didn't feel that way!  I'm so grateful for her.  I would love to live near her one day. 
]]><![CDATA[Big trip to the US causes, uh, pre-teen anguish!]]>Tue, 02 Aug 2011 22:09:38 -0800http://www.becomingsisters.net/1/post/2011/08/big-trip-to-the-us-causes-uh-pre-teen-anguish.htmlHyun Jeong and Glenn are about to embark on their first tour of the US as a married couple. 

They own a school in Korea, and this was from one of their students who may be a little hot for teacher!  HJ posted this pic on Facebook:
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From 11-year-old student, See Eun.
]]><![CDATA[Destination Korea Camp 2011]]>Sat, 30 Jul 2011 15:16:53 -0800http://www.becomingsisters.net/1/post/2011/07/destination-korea-camp-2011.html
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Jim, Michelle, Mark, Beverlee, Mr. Chae and Lauren
Jim and I (Michelle) are in Dallas this weekend to help serve on an adoption panel for the Destination Korea Camp!  

Today, we shared our perspective as a married couple.  Jim probably never thought he'd marry an Asian-looking girl, much less an adoptee.  So, he's really experienced more than the average guy marrying a girl with so many issues.  LOL

It was really cool because I got to hear Jim's take on things.  I mean, I knew most of them, but it was just kind of cool to hear.  We were speaking on a panel with other adoptees and their family members.  Our audience was made up of parents.  

This weekend has even been a greater experience for our marriage.  Jim and I  traveled to Korea in 2009 but having him being around other adoptees and their families is kind of nice.  I joked with Jim that "these are my people."  Adoptees and their families have a way of getting one another.

Plus, I've known many of these people for years - since I was in my teens!  if you're interested in a camp run by adoptive families, then definitely check this one out.  It's Destination Korea Camp run by several moms who've been in the "biz" for 20+ years.  They really do know their stuff.

And... if you're interested in going back to Korea, contact Korea Heritage Tours.  I've known the owner for oh, about, 27 years.  My husband I chose to use KHT when we went to Korea.  In fact, I've used them for about 11 years and 4 trips... even before they were a full-blown company.  

I'll post more about everyone later, but for now, it's time for our farewell reception!
]]><![CDATA[Our niece and nephew: Tae Hoo & Won Hoo]]>Mon, 23 May 2011 21:30:13 -0800http://www.becomingsisters.net/1/post/2011/05/our-niece-tae-hoo.htmlOur youngest sister, Yeon Jeong, is the only one who has kiddos.  She has little man, Won Hoo, and little sis, Tae Hoo.  Of course, we all love seeing them grow older.  Here are some pics!
]]><![CDATA[The Kimchi Chronicles]]>Sun, 22 May 2011 11:43:58 -0800http://www.becomingsisters.net/1/post/2011/05/the-kimchi-chronicles.htmlAre you watching this?  OMG.  Makes me hungry!
Marja Vongerichten and her hubby, world-famous chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten, will host "The Kimchi Chronicles" on PBS.  It's a 13-part series that explores Korean cuisine.  Marja, by the way, is half-Korean.  

On a side note, our Korean mother ran her own noodle shop many moons ago.  Hyun Jeong loves to cook, and so do I....which is funny because I can't say that my mom, Sharon, has the same passion for cooking.  The love of cooking must be genetic.
]]><![CDATA[There's a Little "Jerk" In Us All... new article for Holt International]]>Fri, 06 May 2011 14:17:56 -0800http://www.becomingsisters.net/1/post/2011/05/theres-a-little-jerk-in-us-all-new-article-for-holt-international.htmlCheck it out!  Just finished a new article for Holt International Magazine!
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]]><![CDATA[Dinner at the Korean ambassador's house!]]>Sat, 16 Apr 2011 17:16:38 -0800http://www.becomingsisters.net/1/post/2011/04/dinner-at-the-korean-ambassadors-house.html
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Korean Ambassador Han Duk Soo and Michelle
The Korean ambassador, Han Duk Soo, invited adult adoptees to his house for an elaborate Korean dinner.  It was part of the International forum hosted by Holt International.
It was an amazing night to be in Washington, D.C.  Ambassador Han said there's only one Korean restaurant in the city and joked that everyone goes to Maryland where there's a huge Korean population.

On a side note, I met some friends out afterwards, and they said, "Oh you missed it earlier when we went to a great Korean restaurant!"  I replied with "Oh, it's okay.  We ate at the Korean ambassador's house!"  I thought it was kind of comical.

Guests of the ambassador were also entertained by Korean musicians and dancers.  At the end of the night, the ambassador gave all of the guests a gift.  I received a few Korean handmade bags.  Others received beautiful dishes and ties.  It was a night to always remember! 
]]><![CDATA[Sharing our adoption story at the National Press Club]]>Thu, 14 Apr 2011 21:19:43 -0800http://www.becomingsisters.net/1/post/2011/04/michelle-at-national-press-club.html
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To get a real quick glimpse of our story, watch this!

This is a press conference from the National Press Club-- it kicked off the International Forum in Washington D.C. Thursday afternoon.  Read more here.
]]><![CDATA[Welcome to Becoming Sisters!]]>Sat, 09 Apr 2011 02:29:24 -0800http://www.becomingsisters.net/1/post/2011/04/welcome-to-the-lovely-sisters.htmlMy name is Michelle, and my sister Hyun Jeong and I will soon tell you our family story of how we became sisters.  

There are four of us, and we are all very close.  We may be a world apart, but we always carry each other in our hearts. ]]>