We went to the Korean new year party today and we brought my friend’s little girl A with us. They had a lot of fun though A didn’t try any Korean food and my son only tried the noodles (after we told him that it had tofu in it, which he loves). Both of them ate a ton of fruit though and my husband and I enjoyed the food a lot. I was able to get my kimchi fix.

My thoughts are in sound bites tonight:

1. I am continuously grateful for my friends. We picked up A and as we were pulling out of the driveway, I told her that we were going to a Korean new year party. She gave me a very grown up look and told me, “I know. My parents already told me.” It’s nice knowing that we have friends who take the time to explain things to their children and who felt that explaining our Korean background was important.

2. They had a photo opportunity at the part where the children could put on hanboks and parents could take pictures. A was very excited that she got to play dress up and my son nodded his head enthusiastically in agreement. It just reinforced my reasoning for not buying my son a hanbok since his one year hanbok. It should not be worn like a Halloween costume. It should only be worn if the wearer understands why.

3. These events still make me uncomfortable and probably always will.

4. I am forever grateful for parties without ice breakers.

5. The party gave me a strong urge to make something else in my Korean cookbook (or talk my husband into making something else in our Korean cookbook).

If you would like to comment, but not on this site, please e-mail me at adoptkoreablog@adoptionmail.com.