06/06/09 Preparing to say goodbye

Euitag finished school a week ago Friday. He had a busy week preparing for graduation ceremony and saying good bye to friends. Exchange students get to participate in graduation ceremonies even though they are not officially graduating. So Euitag got to wear a cap and gown and march to get his diploma/certificate. Graduation was during the day so I had to work, but mom and John were able to go and take pictures. I just do not have them yet. I will get them soon and post a few. Euitag went to a party last night. Today we had a going away party/open house for him. A few friends from school came and mostly were our adult friends who have gotten to know Euitag over the year and will also miss him. (I do not have those pics uploaded yet either.) Then we went to dinner. We are trying to cram in as much "party" or celebration with him. One of our very young friends, Noah, even called Euitag this evening and told Euitag he loved him and would miss him. Noah does not do good-byes well. He has loved Euitag from the first day he met him.

So, it is not a proper blog entry if I do not share some "feelings." Well, we feel very sad. Euitag is a huge part of our family. He is an amazing kid and at a time when we felt so connected to Korea because we just traveled there ourselves, Euitag came into our home and brought more Korea to us. He has loved our children. Our children love him. Lacie said, "I really can't remember not having Euitag." And of course, Paul does not know at all that Euitag is not ours. I keep trying to tell him that Euitag is going "bye bye" but Paul does not get it. It breaks my heart.

Euitag, we love you and you always have a home in the U.S. AND yes, when we return to Korea several years from now we plan to visit you and your family.

Euitag's family: thank you so much for allowing us to have him for a year - for trusting us to take care of your son. He is such a great kid. He is respectful. He is thoughtful. He is a great student. He is a good friend. We are so proud to say we are his family now.

Here are some pics of Euitag's last week(s).

Euitag with MawMaw and Don.



Euitag with a good friend of ours, Ryan. He is also Korean, but raised in the U.S. And of course Paul - the cutie who thinks he is so cool to be with these too big guys. Ryan is the friend who took Euitag out in the hot air balloon. AND Euitag has helped teach Ryan more about his birth country.


And Euitag's last day at school with some friends and class mates.


OK - gotta get to bed. We have to get up EARLY in the morning to get Euitag to the airport.

EUITAG we will MISS YOU!

Love you - Vonda, your proud host-mom.