Last year Hailey spent Christmas in a hospital in Seoul. She was admitted due to stomach issues and spent the holidays in a crib, without family. This year was completely different. She was smothered with love by her all of family and friends who adore her, not to mention her dog and cat who love to lick her and all of the new and exciting Christmas decorations and traditions!
We purchased a Christmas stocking for Hailey (which matched ours) over two years ago. There were many moments when I wondered if we would ever adopt and use the stocking, or if we'd have to give it away. It was so special to finally personalize her stocking and marvel at five Ramsey stockings hanging on our mantle.
One of the highlights of our holidays was introducing Hailey to her new family members for the first time. My dad and his wife loved meeting Hailey and she loved being held by her grandpa. We're so grateful that she warms up to new people so quickly!
We celebrated Christmas with my mom's side of the family at my grandma's home in LA. I love this sweet photo of four generations of women!
Mike's sister and her family visited from OR for New Year's week. Their adoption journey in China inspired our family to adopt, so it was very special to introduce them to Hailey for the first time. We also spent a day together at Disneyland, what a blast!
Two years ago my dear friend Krista had a vivid vision of our new daughter being celebrated at Christmas as we were praying together. I was discouraged when Christmas passed in 2011 and we still had no news of our adoption. However, I was reminded of her vision many times throughout this Christmas season. Hailey was the only girl referred to our adoption agency from Korea in 2012. We are constantly reminded that God's timing is perfect and Hailey was definitely worth the wait! As we reflected this Christmas on the miraculous arrival of Baby Jesus, who was adopted by his father and changed the world forever, we were even more grateful for the miracle of adoption in our own 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."
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