Several people have supported me throughout my journey. I would like to thank everyone for their unending support. A warm, heartfelt thanks to:
- Spence-Chapin Adoption Services (New York, NY) for providing me with the opportunity to return to Korea as an adult. For information about their programs offered to Korean adoptees and their families, click here.
- Ed and Ellie Bloom for generously financing my trip to Korea. The Blooms are adoptive parents from New York City whose donations over the years have allowed dozens of Korean adoptees to visit their birth country.
- Ben Sommers at Spence-Chapin for guiding me through the search process and for offering constant support before, during, and after my trip to Korea. Since my trip in 2013, Ben was promoted to the position of Associate Director of International Programs.
- Ms. Kang at Ehwa's Baby Reception Home for being the most incredible tour guide during my time in Naju and for taking me to the hospital where I was born.
- My team at Adoptions Together, Inc. (Calverton, MD) for allowing me to take a month off work to explore my roots. For information about the post-adoption counseling services offered to adoptees and their families, click here.
- Beth Stahl at Adoptions Together, Inc. for inspiring me to search for my birth mother.
- My friends and family members for constantly cheering me on from the sidelines.
- My soul sisters, Kara and Lisa, for lovingly proofreading and editing my piece.
- My fiancé, John, for being my endless source of love and support through the years.
- My parents, Mark and Jeanne, and brothers, Ryan and Trevor, for shaping me into the resilient person I am today.