Last week I had one of those proud mommy moments when I thought, "It doesn't get better than this!"
Our boys had never seen our blog and asked to see it before bedtime. It was so fun to show them the photos and teach them about blogging. They wanted to watch the videos (at the bottom of the blog) and I regretted forgetting to pull out the tissue. We were all humbled by "True Religion," a sobering video which lists haunting statistics on hunger and poverty. As I read the statistics out loud to the boys, I was brought to tears.
How do you explain world hunger, abandonment and suffering to children who've always had a warm home, cozy beds and an overabundance of food, toys and unending comforts and love? I tried my best and somehow they got it.
As we snuggled into bed, I asked the boys how they felt about the video. They had just made their "Christmas wish lists" that day and I had also told them that we could not afford to buy Operation Christmas Child gifts this year. Our funds are very tight in light of the $3500 in adoption fees which are due later this month. The boys began to share their hearts and I was deeply touched by what happened next.
Aidan told me that he really didn't need the Lego set he was asking for. Jordan agreed and said that he didn't need the Wii game on his list either. They started to get excited as they realized that they could give up their "wish lists" to help others. I told them that we could go to the store this week to buy Operation Christmas Child gifts and they were thrilled! Aidan was offering to take more gifts off his list in order to help other needy kids. It was incredible! Aidan also talked about buying gifts for his baby sister and how he would share with her. Needless to say, I was blessed beyond belief!
On Friday afternoon we shopped for the shoe boxes. The boys had so much fun picking out gifts. We delivered the shoe boxes to the Operation Christmas Child West Coast Processing Center (which happens to be right next to our church). The boys told the staff how they gave up their wish lists to fill the shoe boxes. The staff members were touched by their stories and gave them free t-shirts and a tour of the facility. It was incredible to see thousands of boxes being prepared to be shipped to children around the world. Most of those children would not be receiving Christmas gifts this year if people like Jordan and Aidan had not made sacrifices to purchase them.
I'm so proud to call our boys my sons!
The Vision
God spoke this vision regarding our adoption journey to Barbara Lange on March 26, 2010...
"Jenni,
I have made the decision to speak our boldly when God speaks to me. Last night as I was washing the dishes I received this "vision" of you. I hesitate to use the word "vision," but what I saw was a slide of your life. As I watched the show in my mind I began to cry because I was so touched by what I saw. You and I have shared many tears these last couple of years, both sorrow and joy. The attachment is what I saw.
FRAME 1
Jenni sitting at the South Coast Community Church reception desk with the photo album of her courtship and engagement to Mike.
FRAME 2
Jenni performing the gospel message in mime at New Harvest Community Church, showing her heart for the lost and oppressed. Jenni performing the gospel in mime on missions trips everywhere she is able to go. Her Father rejoicing at her obedience and passion.
FRAME 3
The anguished look of a woman desperately wanting to have children. Unsuccessful fertility treatements.
FRAME 4
God watching over His daughter, His heart breaking as tears flow down her cheeks. He whispers in her ear, "My child, I know how broken you feel, but I have a great plan and purpose for your life. This anguish, this heartbreak, this pain will subside. Joy is on its' way. I needed you to suffer in this way because of My plan is for you. You are going to be an advocate for international adoptions. You are going to spread my gospel this way.
FRAME 5
The births of Jordan and Aidan! At last a MOM!
FRAME 6
Having experienced the heartbreak of infertility, Jenni's passion for adoption grows.
FRAME 7
Jenni's passion for missions and adoption begin to fuse.
FRAME 8
The Ramseys start the adoption process for a daughter.
FRAME 9
Jenni goes to Washington DC and connects with adoption leaders. Relationships follow, teamwork begins. Jenni begins a new chapter in her life in the intl. adoption network.
FRAME 10
The slow adoption process is agonizing to the Ramseys.
FRAME 11
Jenni leads a missions team to El Salvador and learns sad news about El Salvador adoptions and specifically their own plans. Heartbroken again, but resolved to press on.
FRAME 12
More networking with intl. adoptions, hope for their daughter and another trip to El Salvador. Jordan goes to El Salvador. The orphans are overwhelmed and ecstatic that Jenni returns. Jenni and Jordan build "forever friendships and family" in El Salvador. Jenni's passion increases.
FRAME 13
Jenni prepares for third trip to El Salvador in one year. Amazing things happen.
FRAME 14 - THE FINAL FRAME...
Mike and Jenni, standing now, older, graying hair, surrounded by their sons and their wives, their daughters and their husbands and their grandchildren. Below them are thousands of children joyously celebrating Jenni's life. Her passion to follow her Father's call and purpose on her life is fulfilled. These thousands of children represent all of the orphans, adoptions and ripple affect of her life's work.
A work that could not be accomplished without the pain, suffering and brokeness she endured trying to become a mom.
Well done, my good and faithful servant."
Wow, what a proud momma you must me. Your son's hearts are so giving, just imagine how they will be as big brothers. I can imagine your heart is smiling. Merry Christmas to you all.
ReplyDeleteOh my! You guys have set such a great example for them to follow, teaching them right priorities. You are are blessing to all those in need. Love you guys! Art & Lisa
ReplyDeleteThanks guys for your encouragement. That was definitely a very proud mommy moment!
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