I have 5000 photos in my “To Edit” folder so I’m going to keep these next blog posts brief. I had eight shoots last week so I’m a bit behind.
But I am very excited for this family. Their parents are obviously amazing and their amazingness is reflected in their perfectly behaved girls. Wherever the girls went they left behind wakes of “soooo cuteeee”. And Kai is amazing as well. So smart, cute, good natured, playful, intelligent. Congrats guys! I really hope we’ll be able to see each other again.
Apparently the leadership staff from the Hyatt Regency in Incheon needed a fun day to relax and let loose. They mentioned that their work environment lacked fun but you would never know it from meeting them. They were such a nice and energetic group of people. After the event we went out for some drinks and they ended up giving me a room at their hotel. And it WAS AMAZING. That is one fantastic hotel.
“He is a gangster.” Just before meeting Eli, our social worker DJ looked me straight in the eye, and with a serious expression whispered those words. Then she cracked a smile. No words could be less true. Eli is a bright, active, curious, and playful kid. The Korean word for gangster that some of the social workers used for him actually has a silly and lighthearted connotation and I could see why they used it. He’s huge for his age, strong-willed, and throws his weight around with more reckless abandon than most 2 year olds.
Eli, welcome to your new family. You are one lucky kid.
As usual, it was my pleasure. Thank you for sharing it with me.
In other news I just spent the last 3 days snapping over 3000 photos for the Young President’s Organization and they’ve given me a one week deadline to get them edited and posted. Good lord. It’s going to be a long week sitting in front of this monitor. But it was an amazing experience and I met some incredible people. Also, I experimented with crazy isolation with shallow depth of field. We’ll see how it comes out.
Simply amazing photos! What a great moment for this beautiful child to now have a family! Congrats to you all!
Deana SmithSeptember 17, 2012 - 2:06 AM
Great pictures!
Lisa GrudeckiSeptember 17, 2012 - 2:27 AM
You guys…you have a son!! Happy tears!
Emily Lauritsen MooreSeptember 17, 2012 - 2:45 AM
Congratulations, Laurie! I’m all teary. You got your “Asian baby”! 😉
Jenny JonesSeptember 17, 2012 - 11:56 AM
AMAZING. What a lucky little boy to have you as a Mommy. So happy for all of you.
Terri DanilsonSeptember 17, 2012 - 3:58 PM
Brought tears to my eyes. You could see how much the workers all loved him. I am so happy for you, Laurie! I can’t wait to meet Eli some time.
Nicole GeerdesSeptember 17, 2012 - 7:32 PM
So, of course I cried! These are GREAT! So so happy for all of you!
Amy Freiberg BushSeptember 17, 2012 - 10:31 PM
Awesome pictures!
Jeff BushSeptember 18, 2012 - 1:47 AM
Great photos of moments I’m sure you will never forget. We’re very proud of you guys for hanging in there through all the waiting, paperwork, etc. Now, it’s really happened – Eli is home and a new chapter has started for the Dickinson family. We love you all very much!
First of all, I think Levi is a badass name. The Levites were the most badass, uncompromising tribe of Israel, and Jesus himself was a Levite. But not only the heritage but the name just sounds cool to me. Perhaps its the connotation I associate with it, but its got a nice steely ring to it.
Every adoption I realize something new. For Levi’s adoption I realized the bravery of adopting parents. These parents commit to a lifelong relationship – largely a GIVING relationship – with a child they absolutely don’t know. These adoption processes take almost two years to complete and by the time of transfer, the child could be anything. It’s not like a pet store where you can sit down with them, test their personalities, and choose the best combination of cute and happy. The last time Levi’s parents read a personality report was six months ago. That’s bravery.
Another thing I realized is that all the adopting parents I’ve met have been Christian. Well, disclaimer, I haven’t asked them outright, but the prevalence of biblical names gives it away. That’s amazing. It’s great to be reminded that American Christians are providing part of the backbone of sacrificial social welfare. They demonstrate the profound God-ordained paradoxical reality that happiness is only possible through selflessness.
Again, it was my pleasure to be a part of Levi’s adoption. I hope you enjoy reliving the experience through these pictures.
By the way, blog readers, do you listen to and like the music I put up? Each song is partially a message and partially a representation of the pictures and the experience taking the pictures. And I spend a decent amount of time combing my music library for the perfect song. Hopefully you enjoy!
Steven Curtis Chapman – I Will Be Here
Shot with Nikon D700 | Nikon 35mm/f1.4
Processed with VSCO, Lightroom, and Photoshop
oh I am just sobbing. this is lovely. what a lucky boy. I believe that this is God’s will for his life and that his pain will be replaced with boundless love. we love you, Levi!
Crying too…this is so incredible! Karissa, you look beautiful!
Debbie Kelly MabrySeptember 11, 2012 - 7:16 PM
Your little boy is finally coming home! I’ll pray for him, the girls and you guys as you all adjust to your new reality. He looks precious – can’t wait to meet him!
Laura Lankhaar VanderGiessenSeptember 11, 2012 - 7:37 PM
This is beautiful…you captured these moments so well…tears
Francie MannSeptember 11, 2012 - 8:28 PM
I am just thrilled to death for your beautiful, now complete family. Francie
Leah Vinton BrowningSeptember 11, 2012 - 9:36 PM
WOW! Wonderful job capturing this amazing event!
Jeri Lynn Rockwood KunsSeptember 12, 2012 - 1:24 AM
Very moving! Tears welled up in my eyes! Can’t wait to have you home!
Jamie VarblowSeptember 12, 2012 - 7:31 AM
What a beautiful, touching montage… showing such a range of emotions. Good luck – can’t wait to welcome him into the care group family.
Dick WoodsSeptember 12, 2012 - 3:20 PM
What a great introduction. I loved every picture and what a cute little boy.
Vicki YangSeptember 12, 2012 - 3:27 PM
I am so excited, so can’t imagine how you must feel!
Jayne CareySeptember 13, 2012 - 12:22 AM
I, too, cried. I also agree that you look beautiful, Karissa, just glowing! Levi is a beautiful child and a gift from God. Bless you all in the transition process and travels. Jayne Carey
These are perfect! Thank you so much Dustin. Melts my heart 🙂 Kai is doing very well!
So sweet!
Nice. Very very nice. <3
Max says these pictures are great and Dane says I love Kai! I am speechless….
Precious.
Precious.
Beautiful!!
Beautiful!!