Mike's mom, Mary Kate Hawkins, passed into the arms of Jesus on December 5, 2013. She had been admitted to the hospital in Portland in August for a number of medical issues. "Granna" celebrated her seventieth birthday in the hospital in August and has been under medical care since that time. Our family moved Mary Kate to Portland in October of 2011, where she has been living near two of Mike's sisters. We had no idea at that time that we would be saying our final good bye's and are grieving the fact that Hailey never met her "Granna." Here are some photos from that trip...
We are so thankful that Mike was able to fly to Oregon this September to spend a weekend with his mom, sisters and family. They had a wonderful time and he will always treasure those special moments together in the hospital. Mike's sister, Katie, has been caring for their mom selflessly for the past few months and we are so grateful for Katie and her family's unbelievable support and sacrifices in these final days.
Our family of five will be flying to Oregon on New Years' Eve to be with Mike's sisters and their families and to attend Mary Kate's "Celebration of Life" service, which will be held on Friday, January 3, at 2 pm at The Village Baptist Church in Beaverton. We look forward to celebrating her life together. Mary Kate loved Jesus passionately and was sharing her faith with all of her medical care givers until her final moments. We have great comfort in the fact that she is finally healed and free from the burdens and cares of this world. We appreciate your prayers as we grieve and process many emotions. Jordan has especially been very emotional, crying uncontrollably at times. He told us this week that her passing is the hardest thing he's had to face in his life thus far. The past month has been challenging as we moved to a new home, Jenni led a team to Guatemala and we've grieved the loss of Mary Kate. Here are a few of our favorite photos of Mary Kate...
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."
