Dear Daughter/s in China~
It's another important day in our journey! I was reminded of this when your big brother, Micah, commented tonight that when the next Leap Day arrives, he'll be in college! So I started thinking about his college career ahead and how his big sister will be out of college by Feb. 29, 2012. Then I thought of you. Four years from today, you will be be home with us and learning how much you are loved! Hopefully, we will have had you for quite some time by then....but it's great to dream about all we will be doing together in four years. We'll already have great memories of our first days together...and we'll be making many more memories in the moments ahead.
But I just have to say that although you are not in our arms on this Leap Day of 2008, you are certainly in our hearts, lives and prayers. We are together. We just have to bring you home. So Happy Leap Day, Dear Daughter/s! It's another step to you and the love that we already share! We send our love and we're holding you in our hearts until we can hold you in our arms!
Love,
Mom, Dad, Rachel and Micah
Jenna Elizabeth (aka "JennaBeth") Song Lorenz
Waiting For Our Little One To Come Home From China!
Friday, February 29, 2008
Friday, February 22, 2008
Another Special Day!
After yesterday's awesome trip to Cincinnati and last night's vicious ice storm, I must write about this very special day. Ninety-eight years ago today, my precious Grandma Jenny was born and what a life she lived for ninety-one years! Although she went Home in 2001, her life and love continue to touch the lives of many people so it is a tremendous joy to name our daughter in China after her. During one of our last conversations before Grandma Jenny left, I promised her that if we were ever blessed to bring another daughter into our family, we would name the baby after her. Jenna Elizabeth will not meet her Great-Grandma Jenny on earth but she will certainly learn all about her and the way her love influenced lives for generations. It's also special that my Mom's middle name is Jean, my maiden middle name was derived from my Mom's name, and now Jenna will also share some connection of names to four generations...Grandma, Mom, my middle name and then Jenna. I wonder what Grandma Jenny would think about that. She was thrilled when I promised her that our next daughter would be named in honor of her. She immediately encouraged me to not give up on our dream. :) Little did we realize that seven years later, my family and I would be on a journey to a little girl or two in China! So this is indeed a special day as we say, "Happy Birthday, Grandma Jenny! I remember my promise to you...and it looks like in God's perfect timing and plan, you're going to have a little great-granddaughter named after you! I pray Jenna will learn the love and joy that you shared with your children, (my Mom and her siblings), your grandchildren (me and many others), your great-grandchildren, (Rachel, Micah, etc.), and your great-great-grandchildren back in Virginia."
Speaking of grandmothers and mothers, I've been saving a thought for this very special day. Interesting enough, I heard from another friend/adoptive Mom last night who also mentioned this prayer in her heart. (Thanks, Yolanda!) As we continue to walk closer to the day of holding our little girl/s in our arms, I often think about her Birthmom. I will never forget the moments of carrying and giving birth to Rachel and Micah. Oh how I loved them before I even saw them! Every moment I carried each of them during those months was deeply cherished. So I often wonder about the Birthmom of our baby and how she feels as she knows that the greatest act of love she will give her baby is entrusting her little life to the care of people the Birthmom will never see. My heart aches for her. Our family will always be extremely grateful to her. Our prayers continue diligently for her now and in the years to come. It will always be very important that our Jenna knows the loving gift her Birthmom gave to her...and the generations that follow. JennaBeth will be reminded that she was blessed richly by her loving Birthmom and it is our prayer that her Birthmom will have peace knowing how much we love and cherish Jenna. Jenna will carry part of her Chinese name and we hope that everytime she hears it, she will be reminded of her special heritage and her precious Birthmom who loved her so much.
It's so easy to forget in this very busy world that the simplest gifts are often the ones that last for a lifetime. The love of my Grandma Jenny continues for almost one hundred years now and I can only imagine how many years the love of our baby's Birthmom will also touch lives. So please cherish each moment, one another and life itself. These priceless gifts are life-changing not only to us, but to countless others as well. As always, we thank God for each of you...and we thank Him for this amazing journey of blessings. If we really think about it, life itself is a journey of blessings that will not end with our trip to China or that glorious moment when we hold our baby in our arms for the first time or share her with our family and friends. Life is a continuous gift to us, and through us, if we just take the time to cherish each blessing along the way. Happy 98th Birthday, Grandma Jenny! We love you and miss you.
Cherishing the journey,
Terri and family
Speaking of grandmothers and mothers, I've been saving a thought for this very special day. Interesting enough, I heard from another friend/adoptive Mom last night who also mentioned this prayer in her heart. (Thanks, Yolanda!) As we continue to walk closer to the day of holding our little girl/s in our arms, I often think about her Birthmom. I will never forget the moments of carrying and giving birth to Rachel and Micah. Oh how I loved them before I even saw them! Every moment I carried each of them during those months was deeply cherished. So I often wonder about the Birthmom of our baby and how she feels as she knows that the greatest act of love she will give her baby is entrusting her little life to the care of people the Birthmom will never see. My heart aches for her. Our family will always be extremely grateful to her. Our prayers continue diligently for her now and in the years to come. It will always be very important that our Jenna knows the loving gift her Birthmom gave to her...and the generations that follow. JennaBeth will be reminded that she was blessed richly by her loving Birthmom and it is our prayer that her Birthmom will have peace knowing how much we love and cherish Jenna. Jenna will carry part of her Chinese name and we hope that everytime she hears it, she will be reminded of her special heritage and her precious Birthmom who loved her so much.
It's so easy to forget in this very busy world that the simplest gifts are often the ones that last for a lifetime. The love of my Grandma Jenny continues for almost one hundred years now and I can only imagine how many years the love of our baby's Birthmom will also touch lives. So please cherish each moment, one another and life itself. These priceless gifts are life-changing not only to us, but to countless others as well. As always, we thank God for each of you...and we thank Him for this amazing journey of blessings. If we really think about it, life itself is a journey of blessings that will not end with our trip to China or that glorious moment when we hold our baby in our arms for the first time or share her with our family and friends. Life is a continuous gift to us, and through us, if we just take the time to cherish each blessing along the way. Happy 98th Birthday, Grandma Jenny! We love you and miss you.
Cherishing the journey,
Terri and family
Thursday, February 21, 2008
Blessings in Cincinnati!
What an amazing trip it was to Cincinnati this morning! We were up at 4 am and on the road at 5:30 am, (yawn!), and were parked near Main Street a few minutes after 7. It was quite evident that prayers were being lifted up for us!
Our entire experience was nothing less than consistent blessings! Our directions were fabulous thanks to a friend who lives in the Cincy area! (Thanks, Jason!) We immediately found an underground parking garage closeby. While on the elevator, a very nice man asked if we were going to the Federal Building, (how did he know that?), and told us he would show us how to get there! Tim thinks he was an angel! Wings or not, he sure seemed that way to us! He showed us the escalator that took us to the street that literally almost faced the front doors of the Fed. building! When we got into the building, the guards were very helpful and kind. Everyone that saw us asked if we were being fingerprinted, (how did they know that?), and gave us directions to the USCIS office and the cafeteria. Once the office opened, we were treated so kindly and even met other adoptive parents. Our appointment was at 8 and we were walking out the door at 8:45 am...all done! Just as we walked out the door, we met a Chinese mom and her precious little daughter! That brought smiles to our faces and reminders to our hearts...perfect timing again! We then had to find our way out of Cincy. Our directions took us right out with no problem. We were home before 10:30 am.. Oh...did I mention that I tried to be so very careful the last week or so to not burn, cut or injure my hands while cooking, cleaning, etc.? Yet...two nights ago, I tore my finger while on the computer? (Don't ask...I haven't figured it out yet, either.) So, I've been concerned that this would interfere with the fingerprinting process. It wasn't a problem! We were blessed on this journey in so many ways today and we thank each of you who prayed fervently for our safety, sense of direction and successful goals. As Tim said, it was nothing less than a perfect orchestration of God's provision and the prayers of others. Thank you!!!!
You can just imagine someone like me who was raised in the beautiful Blue Ridge mountains of Virginia walking along the streets of Cincinnati, OH! Some of their buildings are almost mountains themselves. I'm not a "city girl" by any means and I don't know much about the Cincinnati area. But I will say this. We could not have asked for more helpful, friendly, kind and cooperative people than those we met there today. Thank you, Cincinnati, for the blessings we experienced in your city. We can hardly wait to tell our little daughter/s about all the kind folks in many areas of the world who have blessed our lives along our journey to her.
Just as we arrived home, Micah came in the door. Schools were dismissed early for a pending ice storm. Rachel just arrived home for winter break last night, (perfect timing again since she didn't have to miss classes!) and is now at work. Tim is also home for now. Our trip to Cincy was in perfect timing weather-wise, as well. We have so many reasons to be thankful. We have such dear friends who have prayed us through each moment. We are indeed blessed. A special thanks to Joyce and Judy for their wonderful friendship and prayers along the way. You all are amazing.
We'll keep you posted as the journey continues.
Cherishing this day,
Tim, Terri, Rachel and Micah
Our entire experience was nothing less than consistent blessings! Our directions were fabulous thanks to a friend who lives in the Cincy area! (Thanks, Jason!) We immediately found an underground parking garage closeby. While on the elevator, a very nice man asked if we were going to the Federal Building, (how did he know that?), and told us he would show us how to get there! Tim thinks he was an angel! Wings or not, he sure seemed that way to us! He showed us the escalator that took us to the street that literally almost faced the front doors of the Fed. building! When we got into the building, the guards were very helpful and kind. Everyone that saw us asked if we were being fingerprinted, (how did they know that?), and gave us directions to the USCIS office and the cafeteria. Once the office opened, we were treated so kindly and even met other adoptive parents. Our appointment was at 8 and we were walking out the door at 8:45 am...all done! Just as we walked out the door, we met a Chinese mom and her precious little daughter! That brought smiles to our faces and reminders to our hearts...perfect timing again! We then had to find our way out of Cincy. Our directions took us right out with no problem. We were home before 10:30 am.. Oh...did I mention that I tried to be so very careful the last week or so to not burn, cut or injure my hands while cooking, cleaning, etc.? Yet...two nights ago, I tore my finger while on the computer? (Don't ask...I haven't figured it out yet, either.) So, I've been concerned that this would interfere with the fingerprinting process. It wasn't a problem! We were blessed on this journey in so many ways today and we thank each of you who prayed fervently for our safety, sense of direction and successful goals. As Tim said, it was nothing less than a perfect orchestration of God's provision and the prayers of others. Thank you!!!!
You can just imagine someone like me who was raised in the beautiful Blue Ridge mountains of Virginia walking along the streets of Cincinnati, OH! Some of their buildings are almost mountains themselves. I'm not a "city girl" by any means and I don't know much about the Cincinnati area. But I will say this. We could not have asked for more helpful, friendly, kind and cooperative people than those we met there today. Thank you, Cincinnati, for the blessings we experienced in your city. We can hardly wait to tell our little daughter/s about all the kind folks in many areas of the world who have blessed our lives along our journey to her.
Just as we arrived home, Micah came in the door. Schools were dismissed early for a pending ice storm. Rachel just arrived home for winter break last night, (perfect timing again since she didn't have to miss classes!) and is now at work. Tim is also home for now. Our trip to Cincy was in perfect timing weather-wise, as well. We have so many reasons to be thankful. We have such dear friends who have prayed us through each moment. We are indeed blessed. A special thanks to Joyce and Judy for their wonderful friendship and prayers along the way. You all are amazing.
We'll keep you posted as the journey continues.
Cherishing this day,
Tim, Terri, Rachel and Micah
Thursday, February 14, 2008
A Special Valentine "Invitation"
What a wonderful day it has been! My sweet husband took me out to lunch for (what else?) Chinese food! He worked very hard to make this a special day. Thanks, honey, for all that you did! I am so blessed to have such a sweet husband of almost twenty-four years!
As if that wasn't enough, I went to the mailbox this afternoon and there were three "special invitations" for Tim, Rachel and me from USCIS, (aka "Homeland Security"), for our refingerprinting appointments! It has only been about two weeks since we sent our request and forms to them. Cincinnati, here we come! We would really appreciate your prayers as we head to Cincy next Thursday, February 21! Please pray for safe traveling, cooperative weather, and clear directions to the office there. It's in the heart of Cincy and we are not familiar with that area at all! We are thankful that this will work out well since Rachel will be on winter break at that time. Here we go again! This will be yet another step to our sweet little baby girl in China! It's not every day that we get a "Valentine" from Homeland Security! :)
I promised to keep you informed and I'm thrilled that today brought joy in many ways. Happy Valentine's Day to our dear little China baby, to our precious family and to our dear friends who walk beside us in this journey. Hold on, little Sweetie Pie/s, we are still working hard to bring you home and we took another step toward you today. What a special Valentine's Day it has been.
Thanks to everyone for your continued friendship, prayers and encouragement! Celebrate life and love today and every day!
Cherishing this moment,
Tim, Terri, Rachel and Micah
As if that wasn't enough, I went to the mailbox this afternoon and there were three "special invitations" for Tim, Rachel and me from USCIS, (aka "Homeland Security"), for our refingerprinting appointments! It has only been about two weeks since we sent our request and forms to them. Cincinnati, here we come! We would really appreciate your prayers as we head to Cincy next Thursday, February 21! Please pray for safe traveling, cooperative weather, and clear directions to the office there. It's in the heart of Cincy and we are not familiar with that area at all! We are thankful that this will work out well since Rachel will be on winter break at that time. Here we go again! This will be yet another step to our sweet little baby girl in China! It's not every day that we get a "Valentine" from Homeland Security! :)
I promised to keep you informed and I'm thrilled that today brought joy in many ways. Happy Valentine's Day to our dear little China baby, to our precious family and to our dear friends who walk beside us in this journey. Hold on, little Sweetie Pie/s, we are still working hard to bring you home and we took another step toward you today. What a special Valentine's Day it has been.
Thanks to everyone for your continued friendship, prayers and encouragement! Celebrate life and love today and every day!
Cherishing this moment,
Tim, Terri, Rachel and Micah
Wednesday, February 13, 2008
Happy Valentine's Day!
It's almost Valentine's Day and we automatically think about those of you who so faithfully share this Journey of Blessings with us. You continue to display such kindness to our family as we move closer to our little Sweetie-Pie/s in China. You encourage, pray, hope, dream, care, love and befriend us in such special ways. From our hearts to yours, thank you for your wonderful companionship during this long but worthwhile journey. It is our sincere prayer that you will be blessed along your journeys in life as beautifully as you bless us!
For just a moment, I will share my dream of future Valentine's Days with our little one/s. I'm imagining pink outfits and pink hair accessories...along with Valentine surprises in little pink or red packages. I think of making Valentine's Day cookies with pink or red frosting and lots of sprinkles all over the cookies...and us! I think about how we'll make homemade cards for loved ones with hearts and smiley faces...and "I love you" written so carefully. I think about the hugs, laughter, joy and hope that our Sweetie Pie/s will enjoy on this day...and every day. I think about taking pictures and posting them on this website so that you can see frosting on her face, bows in her hair, light in her eyes and love in her heart. And I think about all the precious folks who are holding our family in their hearts right now as we move closer and closer to our little one/s. Although there is no pink frosting smeared on the countertops tonight and there are no little pink hair bows and outfits ready for tomorrow's celebration, it remains a joy to dream...to hope...to love...and to hold our baby girl/s in our hearts every day. I saw a quote today that reminded me of this journey and all that's involved. It said something like this..."In our hearts, she is already ours; we simply have to bring her home." We love you, Jenna Elizabeth, (and Emma Katherine?)...and you have been in our hearts for a very long time. Now we're simply working diligently to bring you home. Hold on, sweetie...and know that we are already together in our love and in God's plan. Each day, each moment, each breath, and each heartbeat bring us closer to you. The day will come when we'll hold you in our arms but until then, we're holding you in our hearts and we're not letting go! We love you!
Happy Valentine's Day, everyone. Remember that every day of the year is a day to show someone you really care...not just on the 14th of February. Every day is a gift and every person is a creation of God. Please...cherish life, love, laughter...and one another.
Cherishing the Journey with you,
Tim, Terri, Rachel and Micah
For just a moment, I will share my dream of future Valentine's Days with our little one/s. I'm imagining pink outfits and pink hair accessories...along with Valentine surprises in little pink or red packages. I think of making Valentine's Day cookies with pink or red frosting and lots of sprinkles all over the cookies...and us! I think about how we'll make homemade cards for loved ones with hearts and smiley faces...and "I love you" written so carefully. I think about the hugs, laughter, joy and hope that our Sweetie Pie/s will enjoy on this day...and every day. I think about taking pictures and posting them on this website so that you can see frosting on her face, bows in her hair, light in her eyes and love in her heart. And I think about all the precious folks who are holding our family in their hearts right now as we move closer and closer to our little one/s. Although there is no pink frosting smeared on the countertops tonight and there are no little pink hair bows and outfits ready for tomorrow's celebration, it remains a joy to dream...to hope...to love...and to hold our baby girl/s in our hearts every day. I saw a quote today that reminded me of this journey and all that's involved. It said something like this..."In our hearts, she is already ours; we simply have to bring her home." We love you, Jenna Elizabeth, (and Emma Katherine?)...and you have been in our hearts for a very long time. Now we're simply working diligently to bring you home. Hold on, sweetie...and know that we are already together in our love and in God's plan. Each day, each moment, each breath, and each heartbeat bring us closer to you. The day will come when we'll hold you in our arms but until then, we're holding you in our hearts and we're not letting go! We love you!
Happy Valentine's Day, everyone. Remember that every day of the year is a day to show someone you really care...not just on the 14th of February. Every day is a gift and every person is a creation of God. Please...cherish life, love, laughter...and one another.
Cherishing the Journey with you,
Tim, Terri, Rachel and Micah
Tuesday, February 5, 2008
Walking Through "The Wait"...
There's not much news to share today, but I thought I would let you know that we tracked our package to Homeland Security and it was delivered right on schedule! Now we wait...but we're not sitting through it. Instead, we choose to call it "walking through it." For each day of waiting still brings us one day closer to our little one/s...so the journey doesn't actually stop. It simply "walks through" the time and moves forward. For what we don't see is just as important as what we do see at this point. There are so many people behind the scenes working hard to place precious children with their "forever families" in the adoption agencies, the USA and PRC government offices, medical offices, employment and financial offices and with those dear friends who write letters of recommendation. It will all come together some day as God orchestrates the specific child He desires in each family. Athough we don't "see" tangible progress at times, we know there is a great plan coming together.
Many of you have been encouraging us with reminders such as "God's timing is always right" and "It all makes sense when you hold her in your arms" and "our prayers are with your family and your precious little girl/s in China." Our sincere thanks to each of you who continues to walk beside us so faithfully in our journey. You are true blessings that we shall never forget. As we walk through the wait today, we thank you for caring in the amazing ways you do. Your friendship, love, prayers and encouragement are priceless blessings to all of us. It is no secret that we have incredible friends and we love you!
Walking forward...
Tim, Terri, Rachel and Micah
Many of you have been encouraging us with reminders such as "God's timing is always right" and "It all makes sense when you hold her in your arms" and "our prayers are with your family and your precious little girl/s in China." Our sincere thanks to each of you who continues to walk beside us so faithfully in our journey. You are true blessings that we shall never forget. As we walk through the wait today, we thank you for caring in the amazing ways you do. Your friendship, love, prayers and encouragement are priceless blessings to all of us. It is no secret that we have incredible friends and we love you!
Walking forward...
Tim, Terri, Rachel and Micah
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