We are so grateful to God for so many things. There is not enough room on this blog to write about God's goodness and faithfulness in our lives. While the circumstances of life can be deeply painful and confusing, God is always with us. In the past week we have talked, grieved and cried over the recent changes in Korea. In some ways the difficult news felt like a miscarriage, or the loss of a dream. However, God has been speaking to us over and over again about trusting His timing and His perfect plan. This week I have been reminded of our infertility journey and of the supernatural way in which God led us to adopt! I have received so many encouraging words, phone calls and emails. Thank you SO MUCH for carrying us and for supporting us through the UPS and DOWNS of our adoption journey!
A few days ago I received a very moving email from our close missionary friend in El Salvador, Kathy Knepper. Kathy had been praying for us early that morning, and had no idea about the recent changes in the Korean adoption program. God simply put us on her heart and she was praying fervently for us. She felt led to send an email to us sharing her thoughts that day. When she returned home, she saw the news of the quota on Facebook. Here is part of her email:
"Jenni and Mike, the Lord knows who your daughter is. She has been created knowing that you are going to be her mom and dad. She has been made to fill your heart with joy and burdens (you can't have one without the other). He knows when she will come. Though you are ready for her, she might not be ready for you. I want you to know that I was told by the Lord to write this to you BEFORE I read your post, as I was driving at 4:30 am in the morning, on the way to the airport.
Many wrongs have and will be done, and some will never recognize it. Yet you will still get the supreme joy of doing that which the Lord called you to do faithfully... adoption. It may not go on the record books, but it will forever change the life of a precious Korean princess, who has been made just for you. I love you, Kathy"
David and Kathy Knepper and their beautiful kids!We are so grateful that God has been speaking to our hearts, and He is also speaking to you. He cares about the details of our lives and He truly does cause all things to work together for good. For now, we continue to wait and put our trust in Him!
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."
I also believe that God cares about the young women in Korea who are unwed and being forced by their families and Korean society to place their children for adoption. The new laws in Korea are to be celebrated, not mourned, for they show that Korea is beginning to change and realize that the children first and foremost belong with their birth families. The preservation of family is so important. I am Christian and the mother of two Korean children ages 11 & 13. I can't imagine being both of those things how I can do anything but support the new law and rejoice in the changes it will bring. International adoption was established to try to fix a "problem". It is time to truly "fix" the situation by supporting unwed mothers and domestic adoption in Korea.
ReplyDeleteAfter reading more of you blog, I just have to add... why not work for birth mother rights and family preservation so that their are fewer children needing to be adopted? To me this is the best situation for a child and his/her birth family.
ReplyDeleteIf you haven't read it yet, "I Wish For You A Beautiful Life" is a fabulous read - it is a collection of agonizing letters written by Korean mothers to the children they are being forced to place for adoption.
Hi Toni. I just came across your comments. Thanks for your input! I agree that there are many reasons to celebrate the new laws. We are trying to work with birth mothers in El Salvador and Guatemala (on our orphan outreach trips). I would love to work in Korea one day as well. I agree that family reunification is ideal. I have read "I Wish For You A Beautiful Life." It was a heart wrenching read, and we chose to keep our daughter's birthname as her middle name after reading the book. The book did make me realize that the birthmothers in Korea are the true heroes - relinquishing their children under intense pressure - for a better life. Thanks again for your thoughts. Does your family have a blog? I'd love to read about your journies with your children.
ReplyDeleteI have a blog, though I am bad at keeping up. I have to say that I don't think Korean birth mother are heros.... I think they are victims.
ReplyDeletethejourney69@blogspot.com
It is so sad that so many mothers lose their children because of inadequate funds and you're sitting there begging for money so you can go adopt all those kids. I think it would be far more Christian of you to start a foundation that helps mothers keep their children when they want to keep them (which, I would guess, is most of the time), rather than seeking out help to commit depredation. You are not from any of these countries that you are baby-shopping in, you know none of these people and you do not know the situation. For all you know, you are participating in human trafficking. The illegal kind, of course, rather than the legally-sanctioned adoption-style trafficking.
ReplyDeletePlease wake up before you ruin someone's life. Seriously.