This last month has been absolutely amazing as we have completed paperwork, traveled overseas to serve orphans in El Salvador and started to prepare our hearts and home for Hailey! Our I600 immigration form has been submitted to The Department of Homeland Security. The I600 will allow Hailey to enter the US. Once the I600 is approved, then we will wait for the immigration paperwork and "EP" (exit permit) to be issued from Korea. Our estimated travel is in November, but we are hoping that paperwork will be completed quickly and we can travel sooner...
This week we renewed the boys' passports, which expire in January, 2013. We need to have those passports ready if we decide to bring the big brothers along to Korea! In order to renew their passports, we had to order original copies of the boys' birth certificates at the county clerk/recorder's office.
I have also started shopping and taking an inventory of what we will need for Hailey. My grandmother offered to purchase Hailey's bedding. I love buying pink stuff! I've had so much fun looking at clothes, shoes, toys and preparing for a girl! Last night I ventured into "Babies R Us" and was overwhelmed by the smells, choices and emotions I felt. To be honest, it still doesn't seem real. Our agency notified us that a video of Hailey was mailed to our home this week. Needless to say, I have been stalking our mailman and hoping for that video! Our hearts are overflowing with excitement and we are so grateful that God truly sets the lonely in families!
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."
Your smile is filled with so much joy that it made me smile for you. I am so excited for you Jenni (and of course your entire family). But there's something about having your first daughter that only another mommy can identify with. My heart is overflowing at the moment as I read your updates on bringing Hailey Jane home. Is it time for me to plan another baby shower??? I'd absolutely love to do it for you! Let me know. Much love and prayers to you.
ReplyDeleteMichelle Caringella