Korean Outing

Saturday we had a fun afternoon on a "Korean outing" with our social worker and her husband, and 3 other Atlanta couples adopting from South Korea.

We started with lunch at Jang Won Jung. Raleigh had a beef dish, although I do not remember the actual name. I played it safe with Bibimbop. Raleigh and I have made this dish at home, but I must say that the authentic version was much tastier.

After lunch we went to World of Life bookstore. I was able to buy a few books that are written in both Korean and English. I bought a Korean/English baby alphabet book, a very simple children's Bible (more of a short story book), and Ten Commandments board book.






Next we went to a Korean baby store called Happy Land. There were lots of adorable clothes, shoes, and baby accessories.

Finally, we went to H-Mart and bought a few Korean groceries. Raleigh and I have been to H-Mart before, but it was nice to go with our social worker. She was born in Korea and moved to the US at age 8. She and her husband recommended a few snack foods and some vegetable dumplings.




It was a great day learning more about the Korean culture and getting to know other families in the process.

Our social worker did mention that referrals are currently taking closer to 14 months instead of 12 months. Our home study was approved July 30, 2009 so 14 months would be the end of September. We know that the timeline can change at any point and many factors impact how long it takes for each couple to recieve a referral. We will continue to trust God's timing. We know that He already knows the name and birthdate of our child. He will bring that child into our family in His perfect timing.

Bulgogi

Bulgogi is one of the most popular dishes in Korea, along with kimchi. Bulgogi is made by marinating thin slices of beef. The marinade is made with a combination of soy sauce, sesame seeds, sesame oil, garlic, pepper, sugar, and scallions.

The meat is typically grilled and is often served with rice and lettuce. The lettuce is used to make a wrap. Korean hot pepper paste if often used as a condiment on this dish.

Raleigh and I made our first attempt at bulgogi a few nights ago. For our first try, we think it turned out pretty good. The presentation of the dish leaves a lot to be desired, but you get the idea!

3lbs sirloin of sliced ribeye
10 TBS soy sauce
5 TBS brown sugar
10 TBS pear or onion juice
7 TBS rice wine (for cooking)
1/2 tsp ginger juice or 1/4 tsp puree
5 TBS chopped green onion
3 TBS crushed garlic
2 TBS toasted sesame seeds
2 TBS sesame oil
1/2 tsp black pepper

Mix all ingredients except meat, and set aside.
Add very thinly sliced meat, marinate 2 hours to overnight in refrigerator.
Pan fry, grill or throw in crock pot (with all marinade for crock pot or pan fry).
Last minute add enoki or mushrooms and bok choy
Serve with sticky rice.
Or Use red leaf lettuce to make mini wraps with rice, bulgogi, raw thin garlic sliced and top with gochujang-Korean red pepper paste.

Wedding Shower

Over the weekend I had the honor of hosting (along with my sister and cousins) a bridal shower for my cousin Courtney. It was a fun time to celebrate her upcoming marriage! Congratulations Courtney!



(left to right: my niece Cayci, me, my cousin Kaitlin, my cousin Courtney, my cousin Brittany, my cousin Erica, my sister Angie)