This afternoon we had the opportunity to play with Hailey in the adoption agency offices. I had a long list of questions for the foster mom and Mike recorded the "interview." It is extremely obvious that Hailey's foster mom knows Hailey intimately, and words can not express how grateful we feel for this gift. When I asked the foster mother what she wanted Hailey to remember about her, she said she only had one request; that Hailey would grow up in the church. We assured her that Hailey would be raised with a deep understanding of the God who saw her as an orphan and divinely placed her into our family.
During our meeting we were presented with a large bag filled with gifts. The bag included formula, diapers, other essentials and most importantly, professional photos taken of Hailey on her "100 day celebration," a very important occasion in Korean culture. We also received more photos of Hailey and her handprints, framed in gold. We have been very impressed with the Korean agency and the attentiveness that their children receive in foster care.
Our visit with Hailey was difficult today. She cried when we sat near her, and she cried when we held her. The social worker and foster mom left us alone so we could have private time together. Hailey spent most of the time crying, and we all realized that the next few days may be very difficult. Hailey's foster mom told us that she usually cries around strangers, and she cried for almost a week when she arrived at her home (at 8 months of age). Hailey lived with another foster family for over six months before moving to Seoul (in preparation for international adoption).
We are so grateful that Hailey has such a strong attachment to her foster mom. This is a wonderful sign that she will attach well to us. We did enjoy a few sweet moments together when she stopped crying, took a deep breath and looked into my eyes. She laid her head on my chest a few times, but reached for her foster mom as soon as she entered the room. Please continue to pray for her little heart as she grieves the loss of her foster family this week. And pray for us, that we will be patient, gentle and wise as we welcome her into our lives.
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 am at the very beginning of the entire adoption process through The Korea program. Thanks so much for sharing! I'm incredibly excited to read your story, to get realistic expectations for the first meetings and to know that, in the end God really does work everything for the good of those who have been called according to his purpose. I look forward to reading more about the bonding process for your family and your newest little one.
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing! I'm not sure who this is since the name is displayed as "waiting." feel free to friend me on FB as Jenni Waller Ramsey or email @ jenni.ramsey@cox.net.
ReplyDelete