Four Years Since Log-In!

Wow....as of Wednesday, April 13, our Dossier has been Logged-In for four years! It has been a long, extensive and expensive journey but God has faithfully protected and provided for us all along. Of course, no one ever expected that the wait would extend this far but we know God is in control of this journey to our little one/s. He led us to this journey over five years ago and He will continue to see us through to the time we meet our little daughter/s and arrive home as a Forever Family.

We began this journey in March of 2006 when we began talking about it, praying about it and meeting with the adoption agency. In July of 2006, we submitted our official application and began compiling our Dossier. In March of 2007, we sent our paperwork to China and on April 13, 2007, our Dossier was officialy Logged-In. The Log-In date is the "waiting ticket number" for the order of Referral. So our wait has been long but we choose to perceive it as being that much closer to seeing, traveling and holding our baby girl/s for the first time.

We originally prayed that all of our children would live together at home when our little one/s from China arrived. But it just didn't work out that way. We were a bit concerned that our travel time to China might conflict with Rachel's high school graduation, Micah's high school graduation...or Rachel's college graduation. But that didn't happen, either. Our Rachel will graduate from KCU next month and we are so proud of her. Micah will not graduate from UK for another three years so we firmly anticipate having our daughter/s by then! :) We are thankful that although the wait has been long, we didn't miss these important milestones in our children's lives. Again, God has taken great care of the details along the way.

Now we anticipate our oldest daughter's college graduation in a few weeks, the close of our son's freshman year of college in a few weeks...and the continuing journey to our little daughter/s in China. Tim and I will also celebrate our 27th anniversary in May. Yes...life is blessed.

Hold on, precious Jenna Elizabeth (JennaBeth) and possibly Emma Katherine (EmmaKate). We are four years closer to you and the time is much closer now than ever before. Although we long to hold you in our arms and bring you home, we continue to hold you in our hearts, thoughts and prayers each day. You are loved so very much.

Many thanks to all of our dear friends and family members who continue to walk this journey with us. Your prayers for our little girl/s in China, our family here in KY and God's protection and provision as we continue this journey are appreciated immensely. It will soon be update time again for our paperwork...but we know God will see us through the challenges of that season, as well. For now, we celebrate four years of waiting...and loving our little girls! Each moment is definitely worth the wait of this wonderful calling God has placed before us.
Cherishing four years of waiting for our baby girl/s,
Terri & family

Thinking....and Praying...and Missing our Girl/s...

We're only one week away from being logged in China's adoption system for four years! That's so hard to grasp. Since the wait was eighteen months when we first logged in....and it was much less than eighteen months prior to the beginning of our journey...it's very difficult to imagine that we have already waited almost forty-eight months since our Log-In time. But every day brings thoughts, prayers and dreams of having our little daughter/s home with us soon. And we continue to hold onto that dream with much hope, trust, love, joy and peace.

It's also difficult to believe that in about one month, our daughter, Rachel, will graduate from Kentucky Christian University with majors in Nursing and Bible. Wow! Our son, Micah, will finish his freshman year at the University of Kentucky around the same time. Life is so blessed and moving so quickly. Well...that is in every area except for bringing our little ones/s home from China. :)

It occurred to me tonight that as much as I ask for your prayers on behalf of our little daughter/s in China...and our family as we take each step toward bringing her home, that I have not asked for your consistent prayers on a more specific level. Of course, we realize that God's perfect timing and Master design include each day of this journey already and will also include each day ahead. But I think it would be very meaningful to ask you to pray daily for more specific areas of concern along this journey. Perhaps each month I can post detailed requests as we approach each step toward our little one/s and determine new information. Would you be so kind to do that for our precious daughter/s?

For April of 2011, I ask that you pray for the birthmother of our daughter/s. After giving birth twice to our now adult children, I cannot imagine the heart of our daughter's birthmom knowing that her little girl/s will be placed in the care of another family she has never met. It has to be so very difficult to love her little one/s and realize that someday she will no longer hold her baby girl/s in her arms or see her/them again. My heart aches for this woman who loves her baby girl/s so much that she is willing to choose adoption for their well-being. I thank God for this birthmother and I will always be grateful for her sacrifice. Our little daughter/s will always be aware of their incredible birthmother who shared them with us. May God hold her, comfort her, strengthen her and give her peace now and in the days ahead. While it is challenging for us to wait until we see and hold our baby girl/s in our future...I cannot imagine how heartbreaking it will be for the birthmother to miss seeing and holding her daughter/s in her future. She will always be in our hearts, thoughts and prayers.

Thank you for your prayers for JennaBeth/EmmaKate...for her/their birthmother...and for our family as we continue this long yet very worthwhile journey. We thank God for each of you in this journey of blessings.
Cherishing the gift of our daughter/s' birthmother,
Terri & Family

Forty-Seven Months & Holding on to Our Dream!

We have reached another milestone! As of yesterday, March 13, we have been logged-in China's adoption system for forty-seven months! The wait is definitely longer than we ever expected but we believe the joy will definitely be more amazing than ever imagined. So we continue waiting, loving, praying and holding on to the dream of bringing our little girl/s home from China someday soon.

Ironically, Tim and I took our daughter, Rachel, and her boyfriend, Zack, to the Bluegrass Airport in Lexington early yesterday morning. They flew to Florida to visit Zack's family during spring break this week. It was exciting to watch her prepare for the trip and go through the process of boarding the plane...and then hear that they landed safely. We look so forward to meeting them back at the airport next weekend and hearing all about the wonderful time they had. I can hardly wait to see them coming down that escalator and seeing their faces again.

I must share that while we were at the airport yesterday, Tim and I were also thinking about a day in the near future when we will be going to the airport to fly to China. We will be loading our luggage and baby supplies, as well as the hopes, love and prayers of our faithful friends and family, to make the journey to our little girl/s so we can bring her/them home. We aren't sure yet if we will leave the Bluegrass Airport in Lexington or the Cincinnati/Northern KY International Airport. But we know that it will be a dream come true when we are that close to seeing, holding and loving our little daughter/s. As we look forward to seeing our Rachel's face this coming weekend when she returns home from Florida, I am sure it will be so exciting when Tim and I return to the airport with our JennaBeth/EmmaKate. I can only imagine how wonderful it will be when our Micah and Rachel see their baby sister/s for the first time coming down the escalator! I can only imagine how thrilling it will be when our faithful friends and family await this arrival and are within sight of the newest Lorenz family member/s! The day is coming and our hearts rejoice for our present journey and the joyful celebration to come.

Just yesterday I posted on my Facebook wall that we are celebrating forty-seven months of Log-In. A precious friend of mine named Sharon shared these amazing words that touched my heart so deeply. Here is what she wrote:

"Imagine all of the angels in heaven dancing and singing with you today because of God's never ending love! We too rejoice! Praise God from whom all BLESSINGS flow! May the doors fling wide open and your hearts not never miss a beat of this incredible culmination of your waiting on the Lord for your hearts desire!"

Thank you, Sharon! You, too, know the journey of adoption. You also know the abounding love and commitment of traveling to another country to share your hearts with those you love.(Sharon and her husband, Gary, are missionaries in El Salvador.) Just when our hearts long so intensely for our little girl/s that it is unimaginable and indescribable, God speaks through you, dear friend, to bless us with the strength, joy, hope, endurance and love we embrace as this very long journey continues to unfold. We know it is worth it. We trust that God's plan, design, timing, protection and provision are absolute and perfect. We are delighted to be called to walk this long road to another exciting chapter in our family...bringing home our dear little girl/s to their Forever Family. What a blessing that God calls us to be Dad and Mom to one or two more daughters! Wow! He never said it would be easy...or quick. But He asked us to follow Him...and that is what we will do. He didn't say it would be without sacrifice, patience or endurance. But He did say He would be with us each step of the way. What a celebration that awaits in this journey! The love, understanding, encouragement and Christ-like example you and and Gary live each day...are nothing less than a gift from God. Thank you, Sharon...for listening to His call in your life, family, ministry and outreach to others...including our family. We thank God for you and the way He spoke through your beautiful words of hope yesterday. I love you, my friend!

So...it's another day closer to our little one/s and the journey continues. Many thanks to all of you who pray and walk beside us. You are loved, appreciated and cherished. I cannot imagine facing this long road without you...and the amazing ways God works through you as we continue to move closer to our baby girl/s. As God holds our precious little girl/s in His arms, we pray that He will hold all of us together in a way that honors, praises and glorifies Him each step of the way.
Holding onto Him...and the dream,
Terri & family

Forty-Six Months...And Remembering.....

Why is it that the days seem to pass so quickly before I write another entry on this blogsite...yet our journey to our baby girl/s seems so slow? Although I am a few days overdue in writing, as of February 13, we have been logged-in China's adoption system Forty-Six Months! So we are taking more steps toward our little one/s and we rejoice that we are getting closer each day. Of course, we wish we were awaiting a Referral at any moment...but we continue to trust God in this very long journey. We have been so blessed by the encouragement of friends who have learned of the longer than expected delay...again. As disappointed as we all are, we know that God is working it all together and it will be wonderful when we are ready to see her/their Referral picture...and prepare to fly to China. Until then, we wait, pray, hope and trust. It's certainly not easy to wait...but it will definitely be worth it all.

A couple days ago, I saw a friend who told me about being in the Lexington airport just one day before. While waiting for his relative, he noticed lots of people standing around with balloons, welcome home posters, etc.. Then he saw a family coming toward them with a little Asian daughter...and a younger Asian son. The little girl had obviously been adopted a few years earlier..but the little boy was coming home for the first time. My friend said he immediately thought of my family and how it will be when we arrive home with our little one/s. That made my day. The next day, as I watched the news from Lexington, they showed another family who had just arrived from Africa with three little ones to add to their growing family. They already had a couple biological children...but now they were blessed with three more precious children. The news anchors talked about how very long the journey had been because they had waited over three years! My heart was leaping for joy for both of these families. I wanted to call the tv station and tell them that we are going into our fifth year of this process! But I felt a peaceful nudging within me. Just as the perfect time came for the family with the little Asian daughter and new little Asian son....and then for the family who added more children from Africa to their precious family...so our time will come, as well. God knows which child or children He has created and designed to be with us. And although His timing is obviously very different from ours, we must trust the One who led us to this journey to bring us all together in just the right season of life for our daughter/s...and us. I admit it is difficult to wait longer...but it isn't about what we feel or want. It is about what is best for our little one/s in China. God knows what is best for them and so we wait, trust, pray, love, hope and prepare for what He is doing now and in the days ahead.

I also want to take a moment to wish my dear Grandmother a wonderful ♫ Happy Birthday ♫ tomorrow...February 22. If she were still with us, she would turn 101. Instead, she is celebrating in an incredible place where she is surrounded with love, joy, peace and no pain, illness or sorrow. However, she lives on within our hearts, our memories, our lives and our family each day. I vividly recall one of our last phone conversations before she went Home. She mentioned how she always wished that she could have had a granddaughter named after her but it never happened. The interesting thing is that without hesitation, I immediately and genuinely promised her that if my husband and I ever had another daughter, we would name the little one after her. I had no immediate plans of having another child...and certainly held no certainty of specifically having another daughter. But I felt such peace and joy as I heard myself make that promise to her. Grandma Jenny laughed and said..."you would really do that, wouldn't you, honey?" "Of course I would, Grandma! It would be an honor," I replied. "You can count on it. If God ever blesses us with another little girl, she will be named after you!" I was surprised to hear myself say that but I meant every word. She and I both knew it was a promise sealed in love. Not long after that conversation, Grandma went Home...and it wasn't until several years later that my husband and I were called to adopt a little girl or two from China. I wish Grandma Jenny could hold JennaBeth in her arms here on earth. But JennaBeth will always know about her dear Grandma Jenny who now lives in the presence of the God who made our little one/s and brought them into our lives. Meanwhile, we remember my dear Grandma who loved unconditionally, shared unselfishly, lived faithfully and honored God with her words, actions, heart and life no matter where she was or who she met. I miss you, Grandma Jenny...more than words can ever say. But I am thrilled that you are in a place where you are healed and surrounded with eternal love, light and dear loved ones. I love you, Grandma. Sometimes I find myself still reaching for the phone to call you...or seeing something I want to buy for you and send to you. But then I remember that you may not be with us on earth...but you are always with us in our hearts. Thank you for touching my life forever.

Now we are forty-six months closer to JennaBeth/EmmaKate and we celebrate Grandma Jenny's 101st birthday. There are many seasons in our lives...but each one is a true gift from God and I cherish the blessing of all the loved ones and moments in each season. This journey we now walk is no exception. I am extremely thankful.
Cherishing memories from before and memories to be made...
Terri & Family

Trusting More!

It's been a long winter. It seems we have had winter storms every few days and for someone who doesn't care for cold temperatures, snow or inability to travel due to bad weather conditions, I am really looking forward to spring. With forty days to go before it is officially spring on the calendar, I am excited for each day that takes us closer to warm temperatures. But for now....I trust. I realize that the snow brings much needed moisture to the ground. I have experienced droughts before so I am very thankful when moisture is plentiful. I know that the cold temperatures help decrease pollen and germs...although I wonder why there are still enough germs for colds, flu and bronchitis that have hit our family repeatedly this winter. :) I know that even though winter seems dormant, there is a purpose for this season and that there is a process going on which is unseen. So although the long winter is not my most favorite season, I accept its purpose, blessing and beauty. And I must trust that the Designer of the seasons has a very good reason for including winter in His plan...far beyond my understanding.

Our adoption journey seems to be in the winter season presently, as well. We had thought that we would see more "light at the end of the tunnel" by now. We also hoped that our wait would not go beyond this summer. However, that doesn't seem to be the case right now. After reviewing the current standings of LIDs (Log In Dates) and Referrals, it appears that the process has slowed down considerably. We have not been given any official estimates of how much longer we must wait before our Referral...but it could easily be another year or so. So...as much as we are disappointed that the wait must continue...and as tired as we are of going through repeated updates...we must also accept that the Designer of our lives and our Journey to our little girl/s in China knows what is best. And we will trust Him to protect our little one/s, to provide what we need to continue this journey...and to direct our path as we continue to wait for our daughter/s.

Before it is assumed that we are heartbroken, giving up or devastated, let me assure you that we are disappointed...of course. However, we knew from the very beginning that the wait was unpredictable. The wait has become much longer than anyone imagined and it can certainly be frustrating. But our God is much stronger than our disappointment and frustration. Our faith must focus on Him and not on the wait. He led us to this journey. He touched our hearts and called us to love a precious little girl or two....and He has seen us through every step of the way so far. One of my favorite Scripture passages is "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways, acknowledge Him and He will direct your paths." (Proverbs 3:5>6) So...we wait...and trust...and believe. He didn't bring us this far to walk away now. And we won't give up...on Him...or on our little girl/s. We cling to the truth that even winter eventually turns to spring! And we will cherish the purpose, blessing and beauty of this winter season as the journey continues. There remains much work to do, many goals to achieve in the meantime. So our wait will be be purposeful...and never boring. :)

JennaBeth...(EmmaKate?)...our hearts are so full of love for you. We miss you so much and want you home soon. But we must wait a little longer...and we will definitely do whatever it takes to continue the journey to bringing you home...in our arms and in our family. Hold on...and each time you see a new day come and go, know that we are one day closer to you. And some wonderful day...still sooner than later, we will come to China and hold you, love you, travel with you and bring you home and you will be a part of our family forever. Comparing our five or six year journey to having you with us the rest of our lives...still allows us plenty of time to be together. Until we hold you in our arms, we are holding you in our hearts, thoughts and prayers....and we are not letting go! ♥

We thank each of you who continue to walk beside us in this amazing journey. Please continue to pray for our little daughter/s, the caregivers, the people in the USA and PRC who are working so hard to bring children and families together...and for God's perfect plan in this journey to glorify Him...in every season. And if you wish, we would appreciate your prayers as we continue to find beauty in trusting Him along this Journey of Blessing then...now...and in the days ahead.
Cherishing His Master Design and Perfect Plan...
Terri & Family

Forty-Five Months Closer!

We are busy adjusting to 2011 and all that it involves. Rachel returned to KCU last Sunday to begin her final (wow!) Senior semester before graduating! Micah returned to UK on Monday to prepare for his second freshman semester. (Another Wow!) Tim is back at work and I am here at home with unlimited projects, goals and activities to accomplish as a family, an individual and an adoptive parent. There is no lack of things to do this year...and I am thrilled to face another year of life, blessings and purpose.

While visiting Tim's Mom in Ohio recently, she said something that really inspired me. Some of the family members were talking about reaching various ages and the shock that comes along with each new decade. Then Margaret said that age has never bothered her for she is simply thankful to have another day/year to live. I love that! I am so grateful for such a positive outlook on life and it is one I choose to embrace, as well. Thanks, "Mom Margaret!" :)

As today marks the forty-five month mark of being Logged-In China's adoption system, I choose to see the joy of being so much closer to our baby girl/s. Instead of being discouraged that it has taken far longer than we ever imagined, I believe that God knows exactly what is best in His plan to bring our baby girl/s home to her Forever Family. I have heard it said so many times from several of our adoptive family friends. God knows the EXACT child He has chosen to bring into our lives and only in HIS perfect timing, will she arrive...just as He planned all along. We wouldn't have it any other way. So...45 months is a significant place in this journey and we are thrilled to be this far along.

Many thanks to you who continue to walk beside us as we wait for our JennaBeth/EmmaKate to come home. Your prayers, encouragement, excitement, faith and joy are tremendous gifts. We thank God for you each day as we continue this amazing Journey of Blessings. May each day in your lives be celebrated and lived to the fullest!
Cherishing each step closer to our little one/s,
Terri & Family

Another Year of Blessings! Happy 2011! ♥

Christmas has come and gone. New Year celebrations are complete. Decorations are taken down and packed away. Tim and the children are back at work. Soon Rachel and Micah will return to the universities to begin their spring semesters. It's a new year and a time of more change in our lives. But I choose to celebrate that this is a time of new blessings, new opportunities and new growth as individuals and a family. I do miss the tree glowing in our living room. I do miss the time we spent with family and friends over the holidays. But I am so grateful that we had those moments to share then....and I look forward to new moments to share in this new year.

As we enter 2011, I anticipate so many possibilities this year. Will we get "the call" this spring, summer or fall? Will we see JennaBeth's (and maybe EmmaKate's) face soon? Will we wait longer or shorter than we anticipate? What will it be like to be in China to finally see, hold and bring our little one/s home? How will our lives grow this year? How will the children enjoy spring semester? What will Tim experience at work this year? Will I find new opportunities and accomplishments in my personal goals and dreams? What great times will we share as a family? What will it be like to be the Mom of a college graduate in May? Where will Rachel find a nursing job after graduation? What will her apartment be like? How will family and friends find their new year of opportunities? What surprises are in store for us? What exciting moments lie ahead in our lives this year?

The truth is that we don't know what each new day of this new year holds. But I do know this. We are very blessed to have great family, friends and people in our lives who are walking along this journey with us. And we are so very thrilled to be walking along life's journey with them, too. We are never alone and we have so much to be thankful for in this new adventure of 2011.

I just want to take this opportunity to say that I wish each of you a very joyful, healthy, peaceful and loving 2011. May your journey be blessed each moment. You have blessed our lives so greatly and we look forward to sharing a new year of life with you. May we celebrate this gift of life, love and hope with great anticipation and gratitude.

May our little one/s in China come home soon. We love you, JennaBeth/EmmaKate. May God continue to hold you in His arms and bless each life that takes great care of you until Dad and Mom come to China to bring you home. Our thoughts and prayers are with you continually as well as with the caregivers, birth parents and workers who are making it possible for you to come home soon. Until then, we are holding you in our hearts with much love and joy.
Cherishing another year of blessings in our journey,
Terri & Family