Korea Times Article: "I have become comfortable with being Korean."

This is a translated version.

"I have become comfortable with being Korean."

 Link: http://www.koreatimes.com/article/1492225

한인 입양인들의 입양후 사후관리 서비스(Post Adoption Services)를 제공하는 아시아 패밀리스(ASIA Families)의 ‘코리언 컬쳐스쿨’ 가을학기 종강식이 지난 2일 메릴랜드 락빌에 위치한 제일장로교회에서 열렸다.
ASIA Families(ASIA), which provides post adoption services and their 'Korean Culture School' held a closing ceremony for the fall semester at the First Korean Presbyterian Church in Rockville, Maryland on December 2nd.

메리엔 와일리 이사장(아시아 패밀리스)과 조기중 총영사의 축사로 시작된 종강식에서는 나다 슈메이커(은상), 이성욱(동상), 정혜원(동상)씨가 대통령 봉사상을 받았다.

At the closing ceremony that commenced with speeches from Chairwoman Mary Anne Wylie (ASIA Families) and Consul General Cho Gi-jung, NaDa Shoemaker (Silver Medal), Lee Sung-wook (Bronze Medal), and Hye Won Chung (Bronze Medal) were honored with the Presidential Volunteer Service Award

내년에 한국으로 귀임예정인 워싱턴 한국교육원의 강경탁 교육원장은 3년간 재임 기간의 공로를 인정받아 송화강 대표로부터 감사장을 받았다. 또 4년간 이사회에서 서기로 봉사한 게럿 레드필드씨와 셀라아트 팀의 김정희 원장 및 학생들, 자원봉사자 이든 리와 케빈 멕워터 학생은 봉사상을 받았다.
The director of the Korean Education Center in Washington DC, Kang Kyung Tak, who is scheduled to return to Korea next year, received a certificate of appreciation from Grace Hwakang Song, the Executive Director, in recognition of his contributions during his three-year term. Additionally, Garrett Redfield, who served as the secretary on the board for four years, and Chunghee Kim, the director of the Selah Art team, along with students and volunteers Ethan Lee and Kevin McWhorter, received awards for their service.

입양 청소년인 멕워터 군은 수상소감에서 “지난 6년간 컬쳐스쿨에 다니며 한국인임을 편안하게 받아들이게 되었고, 입양인을 이해해 주는 사람들을 만나 즐겁고 감사했다”고 말했다.

Adopted youth Cavin McWhorter expressed in his acceptance speech, "Over the past six years attending Culture School, I have become comfortable with being Korean. I have met people who understand adoptees, and I have been happy and grateful."

종강식에서는 셀라아트팀의 ‘대북’ 공연과 ‘홀로 아리랑’ 합창에 이어 입양 어린이들과 청소년들이 준비한 장기자랑도 곁들여졌다.
At the closing ceremony, there were performances including the Selah Art Team's 'Towards North' and a choir rendition of 'Alone Arirang.' In addition, an performance prepared by adopted children and teenagers was also featured.

양부모를 위한 렉처 수업 시간에는 김성칠 선생의 ‘역사 앞에서(A Korean War Diary)’ 번역본의 저자인 김기봉 박사가 ‘한국전쟁’을 주제로 한국전쟁의 시작, 전후 격동기 한국의 시대 상황 등과 자신의 부친인 김성칠 선생의 삶에 대해 소개했다.
During the lecture class for adoptive parents, Dr. Kim Ki-bong, the author of the translated version of Kim Sung-chil's 'A Korean War Diary: A Historian in a War,' presented on the topic of the Korean War. He covered the beginning of the Korean War, the turbulent period before and after, the contemporary situation in Korea, and shared insights into the life of his father, Kim Sung-chil.

김찬수 고문은 리브라더스(아씨 브랜드, 사장 이라빈)에서 후원받은 한국 과자와 음료를 정성껏 포장해 150여 학생과 양부모, 자원봉사자들에게 선물로 나눠 주었다. 롯데플라자(회장 이승길)에서 보낸 과일은 종강식 후 점심과 함께 제공됐다.

Chansoo Holly, the advisor to the board, thoughtfully packaged Korean snacks and beverages sponsored by Rhee Brothers(ASSI, CEO Rabin Rhee) and distributed these gifts to over 150 students, adoptive parents, and volunteers. Fruits sent by Lotte Plaza (Chairman Seung-gil Lee) were provided along with lunch after the closing ceremony.

한편 아시아 패밀리스의 내년도 주요사업으로는 컬처스쿨 봄학기 개강(2월10일), 입양인 모국방문단 행사인 ‘코리아 브릿지 투어’(6월 18일-28일), 입양가족 캠프인 쌀캠프(7월 25일-27일)가 예정돼 있다.

On the other hand, for next year, among the major projects of ASIA Families are the opening of the Culture School for the spring semester on February 10th, the 'Korea Bridge Tour,' an event for adopted individuals to visit their home country from June 18th to 28th, and the Rice Camp, a camp for adoptive families, scheduled for July 25th to 27th.