Church Book Signing

This past Sunday I did a book signing at my church...4 hours, 5 services!  Thankfully my mom was there to help me!  It honestly didn't feel like 4 hours, though, because there was a steady stream of people passing by showing their gratitude that I had come to sell my book there.  We set up in front of the gift/book store and enjoyed talking to those who bought my book and even those who came by just to inquire about it.  Ironically (a testament to why I named my blog "Ironies of an All-American Life as a Korean Adoptee"), the only actual adopted children I met had been adopted from South Korea.  There were several individuals who bought a book who had relatives or knew someone who had adopted, but the one family we actually met had adopted from South Korea.  Go figure!  A 10 year old boy and a 9 year old girl...both very sweet, well-mannered and polite.  It was fun to talk to them and tell them about my book.

That book signing was exactly what I needed after the last two disappointments.  Not only did I sell more books than the last two (albeit that wouldn't have been hard), the environment was loving, kind and full of support.  I'm very grateful for the reassurance boost!

In a previous post, I mentioned an older Korean couple that attend one of the services I usually attend who sit down the pew from me.  We've always said "hi" to one another and the women did ask me once if I was Korean, but that's been the extent of our conversation.  I've always wondered how and when they started attending my church because I've really only known older Koreans to be strictly traditional in their customs and religion.  Meaning, they would only attend Korean churches and I know there are several in the metroplex.  So, it's always been a little perplexing to me to see them there almost every Sunday.  They came by our table on Sunday and she immediately came up to talk to us.  Surprised that it was "me" sitting there because she had seen the promotions of my book signing in the newsletter and bulletins, but didn't realize it was the Korean girl who always sat on the same pew as them.  And of course, she was interested in meeting my mom.  As she stood at the table buying a book and chatting with us her husband stood in the background.  He did not come up to talk to us, but I did nod my head at him.  That's the traditional culture I've become accustomed to.  It was definitely an interesting situation and who knows what they'll think of my book, but I hope they share their feedback with me after they finish reading it.  I am absolutely curious and interested in their thoughts and perceptions of Korean adoptees.  It's truly the unknown for me...understanding and getting feedback from non-adopted Koreans on what they think of adoption, Korean adoptees, and how the culture views it now. 

So, although part of my intent for writing my book was to educate non-adoptees on what it's like to be adopted I look forward to being educated on what non-adopted Koreans think of Korean adoptees.  So, please share your thoughts (to anyone who has purchased and read my book) because I would love to hear from you!  Blessings to you this week!