Over the last four years we have compared our adoption journey to a roller coaster ride. There are thrilling ups and huge drops that cause the passengers to scream at the top of their lungs! Last week we experienced a big, screaming drop. Actually, it was more like a crash in our hearts. We received a letter from our adoption agency notifying us that the agency they partner with in Korea (Social Welfare Services) had "reached its' quota" for referrals for 2011. This had never happened before and the adoption community is shocked. What exactly does this mean?
Korea is trying to reduce their international adoption referrals in an effort to increase domestic adoptions. Sadly, adoption has not been culturally accepted in Korea, so most orphaned children have been relinquished internationally for the past forty years. While we respect Korea's desire to promote domestic adoption, our hearts break for the children and families who are "stuck in the system." There are many ramifications to the quota situation, and I won't divulge all of our opinions here. Needless to say, there is a lot of speculation about how and why Korea is making these decisions. There is also a lot of uncertainty.
What does this mean for our family? We will most likely not be receiving a referral of a child until 2012. The entire system in Korea is changing, so our agency is unable to give us answers at this time. One of the reasons that we picked Korea last fall was because (at that time) it was a very efficient and fast program. The children also receive exceptional medical and foster care in Korea. Since we joined the program, Korea has announced two significant delays and changes in their international adoption policies. This month marks our fourth year in our adoption journey, so this news comes at a difficult time. However, we know that God is not surprised and He is with us every step of the way.
We find ourselves seeking God's direction again, grieving over the changes and crying out for orphans in Korea and around the world. We have felt deeply supported these past few days as we have shared this news and appreciate all of your prayers and encouragement. We'll continue to post updates as we receive them. There is so much uncertainty but one thing is absolutely certain. God is always good. He is in control. And He will never leave us or forsake us. We know that He will guide us as we continue to wait to hold our daughter in our arms one day.
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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