This past weekend we celebrated my mom's 70th birthday at my brother's home in AZ. It was Hailey's first road trip and we survived a long, six hour drive!
While we had a wonderful time celebrating my mom and being together, the trip was difficult for Hailey. She was very clingy in the new environment and "out of sorts". This behavior is typical for children who are still attaching, experiencing separation anxiety and have experienced many transitions. Hailey was cared for in two foster homes and also spent time in a baby home/hospital during her first year of life. She may have been wondering if my brother's house was her new home, or if this was her new family. These kinds of situations remind us how far Hailey has come and how well she has transitioned into our family. But they also remind us that she is still fragile, insecure and needs constant reassurance of our unconditional love.
I love this photo of Sadie Jane and Hailey Jane in the tub. Both girls were named after my mom, Linda Jane, and her mother, Jane.
We had a blast celebrating my mom's birthday at The Rawhide Western Town. It was the perfect environment for kids and we made some wonderful memories!
Hailey wanted to be held by me or Mike constantly in my brother's home. I'm so grateful that she finds comfort in our arms. She finally became more relaxed on the last day of the trip and ventured over to the toy table (away from our sides). It took her three days to wander away from her "safety zone" of mom and dad and by that time, we were packed and ready to head home. We know that the next trip will be easier and are so grateful for the progress that we see day by day!
We appreciate your prayers for patience and wisdom as we shower Hailey with love in her "forever family". We often feel exhausted and the transition has been challenging for each of us in different ways. Just as God promises that He will never leave or forsake us, we will never leave our precious Hailey.
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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