This summer the boys attended one of their favorite camps: Lego Camp!!! The camp is hosted by a group of friends from our school. Picture sixteen boys sitting quietly building Lego bricks... they love it! Of course they also have snacks, swimming and hold "serious" Lego competitions.
Over the last few years we have learned some difficult but essential lessons about money. Our family is debt free and we plan to stay that way! We constantly talk with the boys about being "wise with our money." So when Lego Camp came along, we did not plan to buy new Lego sets for the boys. By the third day of camp, I realized that all of the other kids were bringing new Lego sets to build. Our boys asked (yes, and even whined!) a few times for new sets to build, but I continually said no. They each had huge boxes of Legos and plenty of bricks to build! As I stepped into my car after kissing the boys good bye, it hit me. I was going to buy them Legos. Why? Not because they had earned them or even deserved them. Simply because I loved them... and wanted to bless and surprise them!
I called Mike to get his thoughts. He had just gotten an unexpected check at work. Yippee!!! We met at Toys R Us and had so much fun picking out their Legos! They had no idea that we were shopping while they were at camp... As I stepped back into my car with Lego sets in the trunk, my heart lept with excitement! I couldn't drive back to the camp fast enough! I love our boys passionately and was so excited to bless them! When I showed up at the house, the boys were surprised to see me. I told them that I wanted to talk with them outside. Then I shared how much their dad and I love them and how we LOVE to bless them... simple because of our love for them. I opened the car and showed them their brand new Lego sets. They were ecstatic! They screamed and thanked us over and over again. What a memory!
As I pulled away that day, I heard the small whisper of God's voice in my mind. "This is exactly how I feel about you. You have no idea how I am working and preparing tremendous blessings in your life. I choose to bless you simply because I love you. Because you are my daughter." Wow! What a profound life lesson! So many times I question God's timing and plans, when all along His plans are perfect. This summer I have struggled with the timing of our adoption, and God reminded me that He has been working all things together for good. What a wonderful life lesson from a box of Legos!
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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