As the pace continues during this season, we all feel the increasing pressures and our family is certainly no exception. Our daughter is wrapping up the university's fall semester this week with her final exams. Our son is anticipating one more week of high school before a much deserved break. My husband is working hard at his job and trying to help me get projects completed. I am trying to keep the household running while running everywhere except at home...and feeling a bit overwhelmed. So it's a busy time but the blessings continue...and my, how they appear at just the right moment!
Yesterday I took a little break and had lunch with my friend, Judy. She is so supportive of our journey to our baby girl and she's one of those people that you just can't be around without smiling! This week had been a bit stressful and our lunch was such good medicine! What I had not shared with anyone at that point was that we received word just yesterday that some of the adoption expenses in China will greatly increase at the beginning of 2009 so our "walk of faith" has become more of an enormous "leap of faith" when I read that news. I had been holding this information inside until I could tell Tim and my heart was quite heavy about it. Like everyone else, we are experiencing the economy's effects and hearing about even more expenses just put a knot in my throat when I needed it the least.
At just the right time, though, a blessing was shared and I was reminded that we are not alone in this journey of life...adoption...economy...concerns...holiday stress...etc. As soon as Judy and I met, she handed me a beautiful pink gift bag and her smile illuminated the entire town! No kidding! :) I opened up the gift and there was the most adorable outfit for our little JennaBeth! It is an OshKosh pink "bib overall" set with a beautiful white shirt and I just hugged her...and it! For in that moment, I was reminded that we are not alone in the journey's challenges, mountains and valleys as we travel toward our baby girl/s. There are dear, dear people who are loving, praying, caring and encouraging us just when we need it most. Oh how my heart aches daily for our little girl/s. Oh how we miss her/them. Oh how we wish we could spend Christmas with our sweeties. But oh what a joy to know that as we wait, work, wonder and wish...we are given such dear blessings of true friends/family who love and pray us through! Thank you, Judy! I know that you don't do the things you do so that I will mention it on our blog. I know that your heart is one who praises God and glorifies Him in all that you do! Bless you, our dear friend! But I just had to share this perfect example of how God works things in His perfect timing, plan and people to help us keep moving toward our sweet baby girl/s!
I always strive to write positive thoughts and words on our blog. Yet at the same time, I must be realistic and share the concerns and challenges because the journeys of life, family and adoption are not always easy. But it is my deepest desire to share with you that in the middle of the struggles, concerns, frustrations or challenges...life is still a blessing! Holding on to those joys and blessings make all the difference as we continue our journey! So please understand that this is not about problems...but about praises we want to share with others along the way. We are so very thankful for all of you walking beside us, praying for our sweet baby girl/s, loving our family through this adventure...and cheering for us as we continue. It is our earnest desire to encourage you as wonderfully as you encourage us! Life is so much more meaningful as we walk together, isn't it?
So hang on, sweet baby girl/s! We have another adorable gift to share with you when we see you. It's going to be worth every step we take to finally meet you, hold you and bring you home. What amazing friends and family you will meet! What a gift you are to us already. What gifts these dear people are to us as we walk toward you! I miss you so much. Last night as I held the beautiful little outfit in my arms, your big brother, Micah, asked me what I was thinking. I asked him why? He quickly replied..."Mom, you had the biggest smile on your face when you were holding that!" Yes...I have some amazing reasons to smile...and life is blessed.
We thank God for each of you. We pray that we all remember that even when life isn't easy, it is always blessed! Thank you for blessing our journey!
Cherishing the blessings,
Terri & family
Jenna Elizabeth (aka "JennaBeth") Song Lorenz
Waiting For Our Little One To Come Home From China!
Wednesday, December 10, 2008
Sunday, December 7, 2008
It's Almost Here...
Yes, it's almost here! The pace has begun. Yesterday we attended our town's annual Christmas parade in freezing cold and snowy white weather conditions. But that didn't seem to interfere with the season! (Of course, there was this most amazing young man in the high school marching band that we believe is the greatest trumpet player in the universe!) Ok...so it was our son but we are not one bit biased. :)
It's almost here! Just a few days ago, we traveled ninety miles one way to watch our alma mater's annual "Feast of Christmas" Dinner Theater/Music program. And there was a beautiful young lady who had to be the most amazing soprano on the entire planet! (Again, we are not biased but she just happens to be our daughter!) :) It didn't matter that it was cold outside and we didn't get home until way after midnight. The season has begun.
It's almost here. Today we're gathering the tree, ornaments, decorations and details to prepare for the Christmas season. The shopping has begun, (and we have more to do, for sure), and the plans are underway. The season has definitely begun to show all around us as homes, businesses and towns display their festive greetings.
Yet we are fully aware that as the season progresses, there are many folks struggling in multiple ways. The economy is affecting families severely. Friends have lost loved ones recently. Families are not always peaceful. Life is not always as we wish it would be. It seems the season simply magnifies the blessings...and yet the concerns...of life all around us.
Some would say that we must simply think positively and all will be ok. Others would resign to focusing on concerns alone. Some think of themselves only. Others ache for a hurting world and try to make a difference. Regardless of where we fit in those categories, the season is upon us and we must decide what this season means to us and how we will respond to it.
Oh, how I long for a perfect world. How I long for others to not hurt physically, emotionally, etc. How I wish that there was no disease, death, disappointment or despair in our world. How I long for everyone to get along and enjoy the gifts of life and love. How wonderful it would be if this world was one of peace.
And then I think...and wonder...and wish...and pray...and hope. For we are always "in a season" in our lives. We certainly don't have to wait until the end of the year to promote joy, hope, love and peace. We don't have to limit "good will" to others to a week or two in December. For how we live each moment, each day, each season is so very important. Yes...there will be seasons of pain, loss, sadness, confusion, discouragement and concern. But there are also reasons to hope, endure, share and love no matter what is going on within or around us.
As our family awaits the wonderful, amazing and incredible journey of our baby girl/s in the future, I am reminded of another precious baby who made His way to this earth many years ago. His life was not an easy one. He hurt. He had concerns. He was disappointed. He lost loved ones. He saw others who faced pain and disease. But His purpose continued and He made a difference! He still does. He was here for a season then. He is with us today. He will return later. Life is not just what surrounds us. It is Who lives within us!
Yes, there is an aching in my heart for our baby girl to be with us during this Christmas season. It's certainly not the same without her. But the time will come and it will be worth the wait and all that was involved until she joins our family. Likewise, there is an aching in my heart for our world as we see the cares and concerns of life obviously escaping no one. But we cannot forget that Baby born long ago. And He gives us hope in every season.
It's almost here. It IS here. There is hope for every season. May you and yours be blessed with peace, joy, hope and love during this Christmas season...and every season of your lives. You are never alone!
Blessings to you all with love,
Tim, Terri, Rachel & Micah
It's almost here! Just a few days ago, we traveled ninety miles one way to watch our alma mater's annual "Feast of Christmas" Dinner Theater/Music program. And there was a beautiful young lady who had to be the most amazing soprano on the entire planet! (Again, we are not biased but she just happens to be our daughter!) :) It didn't matter that it was cold outside and we didn't get home until way after midnight. The season has begun.
It's almost here. Today we're gathering the tree, ornaments, decorations and details to prepare for the Christmas season. The shopping has begun, (and we have more to do, for sure), and the plans are underway. The season has definitely begun to show all around us as homes, businesses and towns display their festive greetings.
Yet we are fully aware that as the season progresses, there are many folks struggling in multiple ways. The economy is affecting families severely. Friends have lost loved ones recently. Families are not always peaceful. Life is not always as we wish it would be. It seems the season simply magnifies the blessings...and yet the concerns...of life all around us.
Some would say that we must simply think positively and all will be ok. Others would resign to focusing on concerns alone. Some think of themselves only. Others ache for a hurting world and try to make a difference. Regardless of where we fit in those categories, the season is upon us and we must decide what this season means to us and how we will respond to it.
Oh, how I long for a perfect world. How I long for others to not hurt physically, emotionally, etc. How I wish that there was no disease, death, disappointment or despair in our world. How I long for everyone to get along and enjoy the gifts of life and love. How wonderful it would be if this world was one of peace.
And then I think...and wonder...and wish...and pray...and hope. For we are always "in a season" in our lives. We certainly don't have to wait until the end of the year to promote joy, hope, love and peace. We don't have to limit "good will" to others to a week or two in December. For how we live each moment, each day, each season is so very important. Yes...there will be seasons of pain, loss, sadness, confusion, discouragement and concern. But there are also reasons to hope, endure, share and love no matter what is going on within or around us.
As our family awaits the wonderful, amazing and incredible journey of our baby girl/s in the future, I am reminded of another precious baby who made His way to this earth many years ago. His life was not an easy one. He hurt. He had concerns. He was disappointed. He lost loved ones. He saw others who faced pain and disease. But His purpose continued and He made a difference! He still does. He was here for a season then. He is with us today. He will return later. Life is not just what surrounds us. It is Who lives within us!
Yes, there is an aching in my heart for our baby girl to be with us during this Christmas season. It's certainly not the same without her. But the time will come and it will be worth the wait and all that was involved until she joins our family. Likewise, there is an aching in my heart for our world as we see the cares and concerns of life obviously escaping no one. But we cannot forget that Baby born long ago. And He gives us hope in every season.
It's almost here. It IS here. There is hope for every season. May you and yours be blessed with peace, joy, hope and love during this Christmas season...and every season of your lives. You are never alone!
Blessings to you all with love,
Tim, Terri, Rachel & Micah
Sunday, November 16, 2008
Missing Her...Missing Them
This post is a little harder to write but there's a very dear reason I want to share a few thoughts today. It is always my intention to write from a positive perspective because we truly believe that life is a journey of blessings. Yet as we all know, life is indeed blessed but sometimes not easy. Today is one of those days...but the blessings involved far outweigh the challenges.
Seven years ago today, my precious Grandmother left this earth for her eternal home. It has not been easy missing her during these years. From my earliest memories, "Grandma Jenny" was a very important part of my life. She never owned a car. She never had a computer. She lived a modest and quiet life. She resided in a small town in the mountains of Virginia. She never went to college. She never held public office. But she is one of the most influential people I have ever known and only on the other side of heaven will we know how many lives she touched in her ninety-one years!
Grandma had a heart that knew no boundaries. She loved everyone she could and tried to treat everyone fairly and respectfully...even those who mistreated her. She had a way of making each individual feel loved, valued, cherished and important. She had a contagious laugh and it was easy to forget that she was decades older than her grandchildren. She was so "young at heart" that she brought life, joy, laughter and enthusiasm to everyone around her. Her memory was amazing. She could describe someone's words, clothes, actions and appearance decades later. She could repeat a conversation verbatum...from many years ago. She would tell me how to cook something without ever looking in a cookbook while I busily wrote down the instructions so I wouldn't forget her words five minutes later! :) (And oh, how she could cook!) Grandma knew what was important. She lived a life of unconditional love, fairness, forgiveness, encouragement, faith, kindness, peace, patience, commitment, family, courage and confidentiality. She never forgot a birthday, anniversary or the birth of her grandchildren...or even the weather that accompanied an eventful day! She told me about living through the Great Depression, hearing about the Titanic as a young child, working hard to provide for her children and assisting a doctor who made house calls to deliver babies! She sang. She played piano. She saw so much in her lifetime. She learned much. She loved much. She taught much. She is missed very much.
I miss visiting her on my lunch hours when I worked at the bank in her town. I miss talking to her on the phone as a child, student...and wife. I miss our slumber parties! I miss the letters we wrote while I was in college! I miss seeing her at Christmas time and wishing her a Happy Birthday in February. I miss the secrets we shared, the laughter we enjoyed, the dreams we had and those late night chats. But she will always have a special place in my heart...and in our family. For when our baby girl is placed into our arms, she will be named "Jenna Elizabeth" and called "JennaBeth"...and one of Grandma Jenny's dreams will finally come true. A short time before she passed away, Grandma commented that of all the grandchildren she had, she had always hoped that one would have her name. I promised her that if another baby girl ever joined our family, she would indeed bear Grandma's name. Little did I realize how soon Grandma would leave this world...and little did we realize that our journey to our baby girl/s would take us halfway around the world years later.
We miss you, Grandma Jenny. We love you so much. Someday we will hold our new baby girl and whisper for the very first time to our Jenna Elizabeth that she is loved dearly and is named after you!! Whenever we speak or hear JennaBeth's name already, I immediately think of your precious life. Oh, how we miss you! Oh, how we miss our baby girl/s! Oh how we long for the day when we will all be together. I can hardly wait for you to meet your namesake, Grandma!
Until then, our hearts ache for our precious Grandma Jenny, (and all our dear Grandparents.) And our hearts ache for our sweet little baby girl/s. But what a joy it is to have known those who came before us in this journey, to enjoy those who walk beside us now and to look forward to those we will soon welcome into our family. Life is indeed a journey of blessings past, present and future. We love, we miss, we cherish and we hope. We are indeed grateful...and blessed.
Cherishing each loved one in our journey,
Terri & Family
Seven years ago today, my precious Grandmother left this earth for her eternal home. It has not been easy missing her during these years. From my earliest memories, "Grandma Jenny" was a very important part of my life. She never owned a car. She never had a computer. She lived a modest and quiet life. She resided in a small town in the mountains of Virginia. She never went to college. She never held public office. But she is one of the most influential people I have ever known and only on the other side of heaven will we know how many lives she touched in her ninety-one years!
Grandma had a heart that knew no boundaries. She loved everyone she could and tried to treat everyone fairly and respectfully...even those who mistreated her. She had a way of making each individual feel loved, valued, cherished and important. She had a contagious laugh and it was easy to forget that she was decades older than her grandchildren. She was so "young at heart" that she brought life, joy, laughter and enthusiasm to everyone around her. Her memory was amazing. She could describe someone's words, clothes, actions and appearance decades later. She could repeat a conversation verbatum...from many years ago. She would tell me how to cook something without ever looking in a cookbook while I busily wrote down the instructions so I wouldn't forget her words five minutes later! :) (And oh, how she could cook!) Grandma knew what was important. She lived a life of unconditional love, fairness, forgiveness, encouragement, faith, kindness, peace, patience, commitment, family, courage and confidentiality. She never forgot a birthday, anniversary or the birth of her grandchildren...or even the weather that accompanied an eventful day! She told me about living through the Great Depression, hearing about the Titanic as a young child, working hard to provide for her children and assisting a doctor who made house calls to deliver babies! She sang. She played piano. She saw so much in her lifetime. She learned much. She loved much. She taught much. She is missed very much.
I miss visiting her on my lunch hours when I worked at the bank in her town. I miss talking to her on the phone as a child, student...and wife. I miss our slumber parties! I miss the letters we wrote while I was in college! I miss seeing her at Christmas time and wishing her a Happy Birthday in February. I miss the secrets we shared, the laughter we enjoyed, the dreams we had and those late night chats. But she will always have a special place in my heart...and in our family. For when our baby girl is placed into our arms, she will be named "Jenna Elizabeth" and called "JennaBeth"...and one of Grandma Jenny's dreams will finally come true. A short time before she passed away, Grandma commented that of all the grandchildren she had, she had always hoped that one would have her name. I promised her that if another baby girl ever joined our family, she would indeed bear Grandma's name. Little did I realize how soon Grandma would leave this world...and little did we realize that our journey to our baby girl/s would take us halfway around the world years later.
We miss you, Grandma Jenny. We love you so much. Someday we will hold our new baby girl and whisper for the very first time to our Jenna Elizabeth that she is loved dearly and is named after you!! Whenever we speak or hear JennaBeth's name already, I immediately think of your precious life. Oh, how we miss you! Oh, how we miss our baby girl/s! Oh how we long for the day when we will all be together. I can hardly wait for you to meet your namesake, Grandma!
Until then, our hearts ache for our precious Grandma Jenny, (and all our dear Grandparents.) And our hearts ache for our sweet little baby girl/s. But what a joy it is to have known those who came before us in this journey, to enjoy those who walk beside us now and to look forward to those we will soon welcome into our family. Life is indeed a journey of blessings past, present and future. We love, we miss, we cherish and we hope. We are indeed grateful...and blessed.
Cherishing each loved one in our journey,
Terri & Family
Thursday, November 13, 2008
Nineteen Months...and Still Moving Forward!
It was nineteen months ago today since we were "Logged In" China's system...and it seems like a very long time. But I am convinced that it is very worth the wait! Of course it would be incredibly wonderful if we could have our little darling/s here with us as the Holidays approach. But we know that isn't going to happen this year...and probably not next year, either. Yet each moment...each day...each week...each month...and each step brings us closer to our sweet baby girl/s. Even when it seems we're sitting still and simply waiting, we are reminded that we are still moving forward!!
Yesterday was a little more challenging for me for some reason. I guess seeing the temperatures fall along with the leaves...and already feeling the pressure of the holiday preparations upon us, I was beginning to get that overwhelmed feeling. Even more so, I just longed to see a picture or even better, HOLD our little girl/s, and see progress "in action." Well, the temperatures still fell along with the leaves. There was no miraculous timing of a referral letter...and we didn't see any pictures of our baby girl/s. But...we were blessed in a surprising way.
While in college, I met a sweet, sweet gal named Yolanda. We sang in concert choir together and shared lots of laughs and life. Who knew that someday she would be blessed with several children, including a precious daughter from China! And who knew that we would be blessed with our children...and while one is in college and the other in high school...we would be waiting for one, (or two, if twins are available), sweet daughter/s from China? Yolanda has been enjoying her sweet baby girl for a while now and "out of the clear blue" she decided to email some pictures to me...yesterday!!! While I "oooohed and ahhhhed" over the pictures, I couldn't help but acknowledge that we were blessed so abundantly again!!! Thank you sooooo much, Yolanda! You touched my heart, my family...and our "Journey of Blessings" in perfect timing. Yolanda also commented "He will bless you, too--in His perfect time." Wow!!!! Perfect words and perfect reminders at the perfect time! How can I ever doubt that God's plan, provision, guidance and timing will be just as incredible in bringing our sweet daughter/s home, as well? Absolutely...positively...we are still moving forward!!!
Thank you for all the prayers, reminders, encouragement and love so many of you share with us along this journey. Thank you for the wonderful ways you touch our lives...as we wait...yet move forward...toward our baby girl/s. Thank you for mentioning our little girls to us. That helps more than you may realize. Thank you for continuing to hope, love, pray and walk beside us every moment. Thank you for "somehow" knowing just when to say the right words when we are missing our sweet little daughter/s so much. And thank you to my precious husband, daughter and son for keeping little "JennaBeth" (and "EmmaKate"?) close in our hearts and home as we wait. It's so neat when we see little Asian girls on tv and we all say "ahhhhhhhh" in unison with tears in our eyes!!! What a joy that is as we wait for our little sweetie/s to join our "forever family!"
The holidays are almost here...and I miss our sweetie/s so much. Nineteen months have now officially passed since "Log In"...and twenty-eight months have passed since we first began this journey! We are definitely still moving forward...and we're closer than ever before! We're never alone. Neither are you. Let's keep moving forward...together!
Cherishing the journey...past, present and future,
Terri and Family
Yesterday was a little more challenging for me for some reason. I guess seeing the temperatures fall along with the leaves...and already feeling the pressure of the holiday preparations upon us, I was beginning to get that overwhelmed feeling. Even more so, I just longed to see a picture or even better, HOLD our little girl/s, and see progress "in action." Well, the temperatures still fell along with the leaves. There was no miraculous timing of a referral letter...and we didn't see any pictures of our baby girl/s. But...we were blessed in a surprising way.
While in college, I met a sweet, sweet gal named Yolanda. We sang in concert choir together and shared lots of laughs and life. Who knew that someday she would be blessed with several children, including a precious daughter from China! And who knew that we would be blessed with our children...and while one is in college and the other in high school...we would be waiting for one, (or two, if twins are available), sweet daughter/s from China? Yolanda has been enjoying her sweet baby girl for a while now and "out of the clear blue" she decided to email some pictures to me...yesterday!!! While I "oooohed and ahhhhed" over the pictures, I couldn't help but acknowledge that we were blessed so abundantly again!!! Thank you sooooo much, Yolanda! You touched my heart, my family...and our "Journey of Blessings" in perfect timing. Yolanda also commented "He will bless you, too--in His perfect time." Wow!!!! Perfect words and perfect reminders at the perfect time! How can I ever doubt that God's plan, provision, guidance and timing will be just as incredible in bringing our sweet daughter/s home, as well? Absolutely...positively...we are still moving forward!!!
Thank you for all the prayers, reminders, encouragement and love so many of you share with us along this journey. Thank you for the wonderful ways you touch our lives...as we wait...yet move forward...toward our baby girl/s. Thank you for mentioning our little girls to us. That helps more than you may realize. Thank you for continuing to hope, love, pray and walk beside us every moment. Thank you for "somehow" knowing just when to say the right words when we are missing our sweet little daughter/s so much. And thank you to my precious husband, daughter and son for keeping little "JennaBeth" (and "EmmaKate"?) close in our hearts and home as we wait. It's so neat when we see little Asian girls on tv and we all say "ahhhhhhhh" in unison with tears in our eyes!!! What a joy that is as we wait for our little sweetie/s to join our "forever family!"
The holidays are almost here...and I miss our sweetie/s so much. Nineteen months have now officially passed since "Log In"...and twenty-eight months have passed since we first began this journey! We are definitely still moving forward...and we're closer than ever before! We're never alone. Neither are you. Let's keep moving forward...together!
Cherishing the journey...past, present and future,
Terri and Family
Monday, November 3, 2008
In the middle of life...
Life has been busy for our family, as usual. But in the middle of it all...we are blessed, grateful, and enjoying each moment in this journey. Our home sometimes seems like "Grand Central Station" but we wouldn't want to miss one moment of this amazing time in our lives.
This weekend was no exception. Our son left Friday morning on a high school band trip. Our daughter came home from college Friday evening. On Saturday morning, Tim and I left for Louisville to attend the band competition while our daughter went to work at the pharmacy. Saturday evening, Tim and I arrived home just before our daughter returned home from work. Meanwhile, our son remained in Louisville with the band. Yesterday began with more trips and errands. During the afternoon, our son arrived back in town with the band. I spent time in the kitchen preparing food for our family and neighbors who are ill....while Tim ran to the store to pick up a few things. We finally had a few hours together as a family...and then our daughter left to return to the university. It was a busy time but we cherished every opportunity we had to be together. It's not always this hectic...but in the middle of the trips, laundry, cooking, packing, unpacking and preparing for this week....we realized we had been given so many blessings.
Not one day passes in the middle of the work, school, home and errands that we don't think about our baby girl/s. Is she, (or they), born yet? How are her birth parents doing during this time in their lives? How are the caregivers who work so diligently to meet the needs of these precious babies? How are all those involved in government offices and adoption agencies doing as they continue to work to bring the children together with their "Forever Families?" How are the other waiting families doing as they continue with paperwork, preparations and "patience-building" during this journey to their babies? What does our little girl look like? What did her day involve? Does she have any idea how very, very loved she is on both sides of the planet? Does she suck her thumb or twist her hair? Does she like music? Is she learning to talk already? Does she realize how many people are praying for her? Even though we have never seen her picture and don't even know her date of birth, we thank God for her every day and our hearts are overflowing with joy and love for her. In the middle of life, our family and our hearts....she is truly with us every moment!
We were indeed reminded recently that the same God who holds our Jenna Elizabeth, ("JennaBeth"), (and maybe our Emma Katherine--"EmmaKate"), in His hands continues to bring us all closer together in His loving and perfect plan. Last Friday our mailman began frantically blowing his horn in front of our house. I was a bit puzzled for we had not ordered anything recently and I couldn't imagine what package would be coming to our home. But I walked out to his car on our street and he handed me a package from a dear friend of ours in Indiana. Once I got inside, I quickly opened the package and found a precious, precious book entitled "On The Night You Were Born." As I sat down and read it, the tears began to fall. Our sweet friend, Joyce, found this book and chose to send it to us for our baby girl/s. The book is adorable and I would highly recommend it to any of you who have children or grandchildren...or just want to read it for yourselves! (And that comes from my personal Mom, counselor and teacher perspectives!) Thank you, Joyce, for allowing God to work through you to remind us that the birth of our little daughter/s is still being witnessed, orchestrated and blessed by our wonderful Heavenly Father. Although we are not present for her birth, our baby is still in the most loving and capable hands we could ever imagine! I can hardly wait to read it to our little sweetie/s. Our 20 year old daughter read it aloud this weekend and we were both teary-eyed when she finished! I think I'll even read it to our almost 17 year old son soon, too! It touches us all as we remember that we are created and brought into this world with an incredible design and purpose! Wow!!
So in the middle of life's busy schedules, demands, noises and concerns, please remember that life is indeed a precious gift. You are not alone, dear ones. Our baby girl/s are not alone. Our family is not alone. You have been given this gift of life for an incredible purpose and you are special! You are special to Him...and you are special to us! Our thoughts and prayers continue for each of you as we walk together in this journey of blessings!
Cherishing life,
Terri & Family
This weekend was no exception. Our son left Friday morning on a high school band trip. Our daughter came home from college Friday evening. On Saturday morning, Tim and I left for Louisville to attend the band competition while our daughter went to work at the pharmacy. Saturday evening, Tim and I arrived home just before our daughter returned home from work. Meanwhile, our son remained in Louisville with the band. Yesterday began with more trips and errands. During the afternoon, our son arrived back in town with the band. I spent time in the kitchen preparing food for our family and neighbors who are ill....while Tim ran to the store to pick up a few things. We finally had a few hours together as a family...and then our daughter left to return to the university. It was a busy time but we cherished every opportunity we had to be together. It's not always this hectic...but in the middle of the trips, laundry, cooking, packing, unpacking and preparing for this week....we realized we had been given so many blessings.
Not one day passes in the middle of the work, school, home and errands that we don't think about our baby girl/s. Is she, (or they), born yet? How are her birth parents doing during this time in their lives? How are the caregivers who work so diligently to meet the needs of these precious babies? How are all those involved in government offices and adoption agencies doing as they continue to work to bring the children together with their "Forever Families?" How are the other waiting families doing as they continue with paperwork, preparations and "patience-building" during this journey to their babies? What does our little girl look like? What did her day involve? Does she have any idea how very, very loved she is on both sides of the planet? Does she suck her thumb or twist her hair? Does she like music? Is she learning to talk already? Does she realize how many people are praying for her? Even though we have never seen her picture and don't even know her date of birth, we thank God for her every day and our hearts are overflowing with joy and love for her. In the middle of life, our family and our hearts....she is truly with us every moment!
We were indeed reminded recently that the same God who holds our Jenna Elizabeth, ("JennaBeth"), (and maybe our Emma Katherine--"EmmaKate"), in His hands continues to bring us all closer together in His loving and perfect plan. Last Friday our mailman began frantically blowing his horn in front of our house. I was a bit puzzled for we had not ordered anything recently and I couldn't imagine what package would be coming to our home. But I walked out to his car on our street and he handed me a package from a dear friend of ours in Indiana. Once I got inside, I quickly opened the package and found a precious, precious book entitled "On The Night You Were Born." As I sat down and read it, the tears began to fall. Our sweet friend, Joyce, found this book and chose to send it to us for our baby girl/s. The book is adorable and I would highly recommend it to any of you who have children or grandchildren...or just want to read it for yourselves! (And that comes from my personal Mom, counselor and teacher perspectives!) Thank you, Joyce, for allowing God to work through you to remind us that the birth of our little daughter/s is still being witnessed, orchestrated and blessed by our wonderful Heavenly Father. Although we are not present for her birth, our baby is still in the most loving and capable hands we could ever imagine! I can hardly wait to read it to our little sweetie/s. Our 20 year old daughter read it aloud this weekend and we were both teary-eyed when she finished! I think I'll even read it to our almost 17 year old son soon, too! It touches us all as we remember that we are created and brought into this world with an incredible design and purpose! Wow!!
So in the middle of life's busy schedules, demands, noises and concerns, please remember that life is indeed a precious gift. You are not alone, dear ones. Our baby girl/s are not alone. Our family is not alone. You have been given this gift of life for an incredible purpose and you are special! You are special to Him...and you are special to us! Our thoughts and prayers continue for each of you as we walk together in this journey of blessings!
Cherishing life,
Terri & Family
Monday, October 20, 2008
As the Seasons Change...
The year is passing so very quickly in many ways...except for the journey to our baby girl/s, that is. :) But we continue to count our blessings and remember that each day brings us a step closer to bringing our sweetie/s home. So we wait...and soak in the blessings along the way.
Last week, Tim and I took a couple trips to visit our daughter in college. As parents, it only takes one call to hear "Mom, I need..." and we're figuring out a way to get there. It was so worth it in many ways. One unexpected joy in those trips was driving on the country and interstate roads and seeing the fall colors lavishly dancing along the way. The gold, orange, red and even taupe hues were abundant as we made our journey. It was breathtaking to see how perfectly placed these colors, hillsides, foliage and woodlands were presented to remind us that another season has arrived.
Quite honestly, autumn is not my most favorite time of year. I love spring and summer's warm and colorful palettes even more. But fall is a beautiful time of year...especially after the weeds have retreated! :) Autumn is a great time of year for me, though. Our firstborn child arrived in the fall. I love the sound of bands playing and football crowds roaring in the stands. I enjoy the crisp air teasing us and inviting us to new menus of soup, pumpkin pie and hot tea or apple cider. I enjoy watching folks come and go as the nip of fall brings natural blushes to their faces. I suppose my greatest concern about fall, though, is that winter soon follows. And as beautiful and exciting as winter can be, I am always concerned about loved ones dealing with slick roads, ice storms and cold, cold temperatures.
Yet our scenic drives last week reminded me once more of the beauty of changing seasons. Each one has its own beauty. Each one has a purpose. Each one prepares for the next season, as well. And even when we can't see it all happening before us, it is a constant cycle of change to be enjoyed and appreciated. That's a bit like life, isn't it? As Tim and I strolled along our alma mater's campus, it was hard to believe that we had been students there decades ago! It sure doesn't seem that long but that was an earlier season in our life. Then we had the season of parenting little ones and we believed that the next eighteen years were going to be a much longer time frame. Yet we turned around all too soon to realize that our children are no longer little ones. Both are driving. She is in college and is a young adult. He is in high school and is a teenager. How quickly it has gone! The seasons have been purposeful and passed more quickly than we ever anticipated. Yet we wouldn't trade one single day of those seasons for anything. Each season was an incredible blessing in its own way as it led to another wonderful and blessed season in the journey of life as a family.
The journey to our baby girl/s is not that different. We've been walking along this road for over two years. We have been logged in now for eighteen months. And as challenging as it is to wait, each season of our journey to our sweetie/s is precious. Once again, I am reminded of the words of several friends who have encouraged us in this journey. One said "God's timing is always right." So we must trust that the waiting continues until the time God designed for us to meet our little one/s. Another said "God has a master plan." If He can plan the perfect and beautiful seasons of spring, summer, autumn and winter, I'm sure He's capable of planning our journey to our little daughter/s. Another friend said "When they place her in your arms, it all makes sense." We believe that is worth waiting for!! Some seasons are a bit more exciting and some seasons are a bit more challenging. But each one has its reason and its beauty in our journey.
So we continue to walk, pray, love, hope and enjoy each step...and each season. Whether we are in the season of paperwork, rest, dreaming, more paperwork, uncertainty or celebrating each milestone along the way...we are grateful. We are blessed. We are thrilled. And we are never alone. Thank you for walking beside us each moment. May you be blessed in each of your journeys...and seasons, as well!
Cherishing each season,
Terri and family
Last week, Tim and I took a couple trips to visit our daughter in college. As parents, it only takes one call to hear "Mom, I need..." and we're figuring out a way to get there. It was so worth it in many ways. One unexpected joy in those trips was driving on the country and interstate roads and seeing the fall colors lavishly dancing along the way. The gold, orange, red and even taupe hues were abundant as we made our journey. It was breathtaking to see how perfectly placed these colors, hillsides, foliage and woodlands were presented to remind us that another season has arrived.
Quite honestly, autumn is not my most favorite time of year. I love spring and summer's warm and colorful palettes even more. But fall is a beautiful time of year...especially after the weeds have retreated! :) Autumn is a great time of year for me, though. Our firstborn child arrived in the fall. I love the sound of bands playing and football crowds roaring in the stands. I enjoy the crisp air teasing us and inviting us to new menus of soup, pumpkin pie and hot tea or apple cider. I enjoy watching folks come and go as the nip of fall brings natural blushes to their faces. I suppose my greatest concern about fall, though, is that winter soon follows. And as beautiful and exciting as winter can be, I am always concerned about loved ones dealing with slick roads, ice storms and cold, cold temperatures.
Yet our scenic drives last week reminded me once more of the beauty of changing seasons. Each one has its own beauty. Each one has a purpose. Each one prepares for the next season, as well. And even when we can't see it all happening before us, it is a constant cycle of change to be enjoyed and appreciated. That's a bit like life, isn't it? As Tim and I strolled along our alma mater's campus, it was hard to believe that we had been students there decades ago! It sure doesn't seem that long but that was an earlier season in our life. Then we had the season of parenting little ones and we believed that the next eighteen years were going to be a much longer time frame. Yet we turned around all too soon to realize that our children are no longer little ones. Both are driving. She is in college and is a young adult. He is in high school and is a teenager. How quickly it has gone! The seasons have been purposeful and passed more quickly than we ever anticipated. Yet we wouldn't trade one single day of those seasons for anything. Each season was an incredible blessing in its own way as it led to another wonderful and blessed season in the journey of life as a family.
The journey to our baby girl/s is not that different. We've been walking along this road for over two years. We have been logged in now for eighteen months. And as challenging as it is to wait, each season of our journey to our sweetie/s is precious. Once again, I am reminded of the words of several friends who have encouraged us in this journey. One said "God's timing is always right." So we must trust that the waiting continues until the time God designed for us to meet our little one/s. Another said "God has a master plan." If He can plan the perfect and beautiful seasons of spring, summer, autumn and winter, I'm sure He's capable of planning our journey to our little daughter/s. Another friend said "When they place her in your arms, it all makes sense." We believe that is worth waiting for!! Some seasons are a bit more exciting and some seasons are a bit more challenging. But each one has its reason and its beauty in our journey.
So we continue to walk, pray, love, hope and enjoy each step...and each season. Whether we are in the season of paperwork, rest, dreaming, more paperwork, uncertainty or celebrating each milestone along the way...we are grateful. We are blessed. We are thrilled. And we are never alone. Thank you for walking beside us each moment. May you be blessed in each of your journeys...and seasons, as well!
Cherishing each season,
Terri and family
Sunday, October 5, 2008
In Our Hearts While We're Apart...
Being a parent is the highest calling in my life. It brings the greatest joys while also pulling on my heart in the deepest capacities I've ever known. To love my children more than life itself means that my entire world has changed with motherhood. Of course, I still have personal dreams, goals and individuality...to some degree. :) But I would trade it all in a moment...for my children. Today is no exception.
Our daughter just drove off to return to the university campus. It was a special weekend for we celebrated her birthday a little early. Tomorrow will be the first official birthday we will spend "apart" and yet I knew it would someday happen. But my heart throbs for who knew that the years would pass so very quickly? Who knew that the little baby girl I held for the first time twenty years ago would grow up so rapidly and move on to college while we see less and less of her at home? We will wait by the phone until we know she is back on campus safely...and we'll miss her terribly every moment yet rejoice in her endeavors, her life and her purpose. And each phone call, text message, email or word from her will be held in our hearts as we love her yet watch her soar as a young adult.
Our son just drove away for a quick trip to the store. He will return in just a little while and I will breathe a sigh of relief that he is safely back home. Yet all too soon, he will also drive off to college in another year or two...and we'll once again adjust to the shocking reality that our babies have become adults and our parenting roles have changed dramatically. It seems like only yesterday they were both in car seats anticipating the newest kid's meal toys as we made our Friday night trips to the local burger drive-through. One night I specifically remember them telling me what they wanted to be "when they grow up" and we spent a few minutes dreaming of all their options. Our daughter eventually stopped and said "Mommy, what do you want to do when you grow up? What do you dream about doing?" Without any hesitation, I responded "I'm living my dream, sweetie. It just doesn't get any better than this! I'm living it right now."
Now as one drives back to the university and one drives to the store, I think about how we've given them roots...and are learning to give them wings. I realize that my heart never ceases to learn new depths of loving them. I'm learning to love them when they're near and love them in my heart when we're apart. It's not easy...but it's a new step in our journey of life.
We are also in a season of life where we love another precious child who has not quite yet made it home for the first time. Instead of loving her at home and then loving her from a distance, we have loved her from a distance originally and long to bring her home more each day. We know our little Jenna Elizabeth ("JennaBeth")...and possibly our Emma Katherine ("EmmaKate")...live far away in miles. But our hearts certainly hold a very deep love for our baby girl/s that cannot be shaken by time or distance. So we wait...and we love...and we pray...and we learn more and more about parenting whether our children are in our arms...or in our hearts while we're apart. Nothing can separate us from the love we hold for each of them!
So happy birthday, Rachel. And drive home safely, Micah. And hold on, baby girl/s, as we wait for the day we meet you for the very first time and bring you home. May all of you remember that you're never alone and you're never without our love...in our arms...or in our hearts while we're apart! I love you always....Mom.
Cherishing the journey of parenthood,
Terri
Our daughter just drove off to return to the university campus. It was a special weekend for we celebrated her birthday a little early. Tomorrow will be the first official birthday we will spend "apart" and yet I knew it would someday happen. But my heart throbs for who knew that the years would pass so very quickly? Who knew that the little baby girl I held for the first time twenty years ago would grow up so rapidly and move on to college while we see less and less of her at home? We will wait by the phone until we know she is back on campus safely...and we'll miss her terribly every moment yet rejoice in her endeavors, her life and her purpose. And each phone call, text message, email or word from her will be held in our hearts as we love her yet watch her soar as a young adult.
Our son just drove away for a quick trip to the store. He will return in just a little while and I will breathe a sigh of relief that he is safely back home. Yet all too soon, he will also drive off to college in another year or two...and we'll once again adjust to the shocking reality that our babies have become adults and our parenting roles have changed dramatically. It seems like only yesterday they were both in car seats anticipating the newest kid's meal toys as we made our Friday night trips to the local burger drive-through. One night I specifically remember them telling me what they wanted to be "when they grow up" and we spent a few minutes dreaming of all their options. Our daughter eventually stopped and said "Mommy, what do you want to do when you grow up? What do you dream about doing?" Without any hesitation, I responded "I'm living my dream, sweetie. It just doesn't get any better than this! I'm living it right now."
Now as one drives back to the university and one drives to the store, I think about how we've given them roots...and are learning to give them wings. I realize that my heart never ceases to learn new depths of loving them. I'm learning to love them when they're near and love them in my heart when we're apart. It's not easy...but it's a new step in our journey of life.
We are also in a season of life where we love another precious child who has not quite yet made it home for the first time. Instead of loving her at home and then loving her from a distance, we have loved her from a distance originally and long to bring her home more each day. We know our little Jenna Elizabeth ("JennaBeth")...and possibly our Emma Katherine ("EmmaKate")...live far away in miles. But our hearts certainly hold a very deep love for our baby girl/s that cannot be shaken by time or distance. So we wait...and we love...and we pray...and we learn more and more about parenting whether our children are in our arms...or in our hearts while we're apart. Nothing can separate us from the love we hold for each of them!
So happy birthday, Rachel. And drive home safely, Micah. And hold on, baby girl/s, as we wait for the day we meet you for the very first time and bring you home. May all of you remember that you're never alone and you're never without our love...in our arms...or in our hearts while we're apart! I love you always....Mom.
Cherishing the journey of parenthood,
Terri
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