Yesterday we dedicated Hailey to the Lord in front of family and friends at The Village Church of Irvine. Hailey wore her traditional Korean dress from her "dol" (the Korean first birthday celebration), which was given to us by Hailey's foster mom in Korea. Our church has been so supportive throughout our five year adoption journey and it was a special morning as our church family clapped, cheered, giggled at Hailey's squirminess on stage and celebrated this special occasion with us.
Mike and I often talk about the dramatic transformation we have observed in Hailey's personality. When we accepted her referral, we were told that she was shy, withdrawn, and cried around strangers. However, since Hailey has joined our family, she has become extreme outgoing, joyful and full of life! The following photos reveal how much Hailey has changed in just a few months. The first photo was taken at her "dol" in June in Korea. The second photo was taken yesterday at her dedication. What a difference! Hailey's smile and vivacious personality are contagious! We are so grateful to be part of the miracle of adoption!
Last month we took our first professional family photos at The Jeffrey Trail in Irvine. We used these photos for our family Christmas card and our adoption announcement. Our friend from church, Julie Horn, did a wonderful job capturing our family on film. Here are a few of our favorites...
Has it really been three months since Hailey arrived home? In some ways, time has flown by like a whirlwind. On the other hand, the past three months have been filled with major adjustments for our family, life changes (yawn!) and daily victories for Hailey. In reality, it's hard to imagine what our lives were like without her.
The biggest change this past month is that Hailey has started to explore her world. If you visit our home, you will find our little "Magellan" crawling, taking steps, opening drawers and investigating everything. She is less clingy and is interested in everything. Our little baby has become a toddler right before our eyes. We purchased child locks yesterday and will install them ASAP! Hailey's desire to explore and venture away from me is a huge achievement, which brings new challenges and joys.
Here are a few of our favorite photos from the past month.
Although Hailey bring so much joy to our lives, there are days when I feel like I have no energy left to give. One one particular day last week I was feeling exhausted and was struggling with Hailey's clinginess and whining. In those difficult moments, God reminds me that it is pure religion to love and care for Hailey. "Religion that God our Father accepts as true and holy is this: to care for orphans and widows in their distress." - James 1:27. A friend reminded me that God desires for His children to cling to Him in everything. I often ponder this truth when Hailey is reaching out and screaming for me. On this particular day I was creating a photo montage for our wall (of our new family photos). I picked up my photos at Walgreens and upon arriving home, was shocked by this note included with the photos:
I was blown away that God chose to use a total stranger to remind me of what a wondrous gift we have been given! We have experienced the fingerprints of God throughout our entire adoption journey and there is not enough space on this blog to recount the unbelievable things our God has done!
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."
