We have been so touched by our incredible family and friends throughout our crazy adoption journey! I have saved countless emails over the past few years filled with words of encouragement, hope and affirmations. Many of you have cried with us, listened to our unending stories and even traveled with us to El Salvador! I could fill this blog with story after story of support, but here are just a few...
Barbara shared at my 40th bday...Barbara Lange has become a constant encourager and is always the first to respond to my email updates. Last year Barbara committed to praying for our adoption journey daily, and recently committed to monthly financial support for our adoption costs. Needless to say, this blew us away! Barbara has been an incredible blessing, especially in my the darkest moments. She had a profound vision of my life last year and I still carry her email of the vision in my purse (it's posted at the bottom of our blog). I love this photo of Barbara embracing me at my 40th... this pretty much sums up our relationship!
Krista Harris and I became prayer partners over a year ago. We try to pray together at 5:30 a.m. on Fridays (before our kids are up) and it has been so refreshing to watch God move in Krista's life! Her ever-growing faith and experience of God never ceases to amaze me. Lynn Cawley and I were blessed to help baptize Krista (in the rain!) two years ago. Krista recently offered to cut our boys' hair... and save us monthly hair cut costs. This was a huge blessing in light of the increased adoption fees in Korea. I'm so grateful for Krista's consistent prayers for our family, her friendship and her new haircutting services!
Lynn, me and Krista at Krista's baptism... a very memorable day!Lynn Cawley and I share many deep passions for missions, counseling and inner healing. Mike and I have met with Lynn many times over the years for counseling and her widom has been priceless. Lynn and her husband Rex serve on our missions board and bring great insight and passion to our team. Lynn is one of the most deep people I know and she truly listens to God. Her prophetic words have encouraged me over and over again. Lynn recently spent time praying for me and God her a picture of me "parenting" orphans all over the world (through my trips). I am so grateful for her constant encouragement!
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."
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