Back in November I posted about the amazing work Pastor Lee is doing at the Baby Box in Seoul. If you don't know what I am talking about, watch this video: http://youtu.be/VwV9w5pd9go
I had the privilege of going to visit the baby box mid January. I went with my friend and neighbor Kristy and her two kids. We were unsure of what to expect or what we would do once we got there so we told them we were bringing lunch and loaded up on donations to take with us. We figured it had to go well if we were bringing clothes and food, right? ;) As we approached the baby box, I thought there was no way it could be nearby. It was on a steep hill and in a very unassuming part of town. I had pictured it like a beacon on a hill but no, it was tucked back like a little haven and you wouldn't know it was there...unless you knew it was there.
The steps leading up the baby box are at the far left of this picture.
The steps where lives are changed.
The humble little box that has saved hundreds of lives.
When we arrived we rang the doorbell and the front gate unlocked. No one was there to greet us so we slowly made our way upstairs looking for someone. We found three social workers with about 6-10 kids ranging in ages from 4-20. All were handicapped, some more severe than others. We did our introductions and broke out the homemade tortilla soup. It was a big hit and we all sat on the heated floors and enjoyed a meal together. It was funny to see kids be kids as they fought over who had more and what color spoons they wanted. Very soon after eating the social workers all left and we found ourselves alone with 6 kids for several hours. Luckily, we had brought toys with us and we made up ways to entertain ourselves. The two youngest girls loved playing, "leave the room and lock everyone in it." Kristy and I kept looking at each other saying, "This would NEVER happen in the US." Complete strangers being left alone with kids, and kids with severe special needs! We were equipped with only the love in our hearts and a few donated toys. I had never been more grateful for donated toys! They helped break down the barriers of communication. We realized that the way we were helping was by giving the regular workers a break that they really needed.
We are now collecting more donations and hope to make our way back to the Baby Box soon. Here are a few photos from our trip.
She didn't want to share her picture. ;)
Watching herself stick her tongue out on my camera provided a LOT of entertainment. There weren't any mirrors in this place so I don't think the kids get to see themselves often.
He was quite happy with a new hat, trucks, and his very own chair.
He didn't care that his hat was purple and girly because it was his.
This woman is a saint.
Before we left, I gave the main care worker our Letter to a Birth Mother just in case she happens to come across any birth mothers who are willing to consider that option. She remembered me because M**** had sent our letter to them two months prior. She gave me a handout of an interview she had done that had been translated into English. The handout described how they often bring young mothers in and counsel them. They seem to be doing more counseling these days of the young mothers and they are able to get most to register their babies which makes them eligible for adoption one day. :)
No comments:
Post a Comment