Hello Everyone!
There's only one more day until 2008 begins. Unbelievable! Where did 2007 go? Actually, our adoption journey "officially" began almost two years ago...and we continue to move forward. Sometimes it seems the time is moving so slowly and then sometimes we turn around and another year has passed so very quickly. As friends continue to remind us, God's timing is always right. He's never too early or too late. He's always on time. We believe that our Journey to our little one/s will likewise be in His perfect plan and timing...and each day brings us closer to the little daughter He has chosen for us. The Journey continues into a brand new year and we are excited to see what 2008 will bring.
Tomorrow is our son's birthday! It doesn't seem possible that sixteen years ago, our New Year's Eve was spent in the hospital waiting, (and working), for his arrival. He was actually due on December 20...but what a joy it was when he was born on New Year's Eve night! Now we can't imagine it being any other way. As I told him many years ago, people all over the world celebrate that day. Just as his birthday came at just the right time...and Rachel's birthday came at just the right time....our precious little baby girl will also be delivered in our lives at just the right moment.
Happy Birthday, Micah! Happy New Year to all of you! May 2008 bring you joy, peace, hope and love. And to our little Sweetie/s in China, Happy New Year to you from Daddy, Mommy, Rachel and Micah. We're getting closer to you each day and we love you so very much. Rest in God's arms as He carries you to us. Remember that although we haven't seen you yet, you are definitely in our hearts and family already.
Blessings to you, our dear friends who so faithfully encourage, care, pray and walk beside us on this Journey of Blessings. We appreciate you and love you all.
Blessings to all...
Tim, Terri, Rachel and Micah
Jenna Elizabeth (aka "JennaBeth") Song Lorenz
Waiting For Our Little One To Come Home From China!
Sunday, December 30, 2007
Friday, December 21, 2007
A Blessed Christmas To You All
What a year 2007 has been! It seems like only a month ago we were putting away the candles, wreaths, lights and spotlights, tree, ornaments and wrapping supplies. Now we're a few days away from Christmas...and a few more days away from 2008. Unbelievable! We could chat about all the progress made in our adoption journey. We could tell you about the places we've gone and the joys we've shared with our children. But for tonight, it's simply a time to say "Thank You" and we wish you a very Blessed Christmas!
There have been so many blessings along our journey this year. There are the friends who ask how the process is going and really want to hear about it. There are our Doctors and their staff members who take time to ask and help in any way needed. There are our Church friends who always have encouraging words about this journey. There are those of you who are praying for this process, for our little Jenna Elizabeth, (and maybe Emma Katherine), and for everyone involved. There's the adoption agency who is so kind and encouraging. There are our friends who are adoptive parents who always share positive thoughts and information. There are always people to remind us just how blessed we have been...and are right now...as we wait and walk closer toward our little daughter each day. There are those who see us out and about at the stores and say "any word on the baby?" and our hearts are warmed by their enthusiasm and genuine concern. There are so many blessings along this journey that we can't possibly mention them all. But one thing is for sure. What a wonderful journey it is because of each of you who truly care and bless our lives in so many wonderful ways. Thank you!
As the Season continues to grasp us with busy schedules, long check-out lines, numerous commercials everywhere we look...and even traffic jams...take a quiet moment to stop, think and realize that you are a blessing in our lives...and we thank God for you. As you reflect on your past year, your activities, your goals for 2008 and the purpose of your life, never forget that you are touching lives deeply with one of the greatest gifts of all...loving others. Thank you for your love, your joy, your friendship, your prayers and your genuine interest in our family's journey to a little girl on the other side of the world waiting to come home. You may never realize how much you mean to us, but always know that you matter and your life is a gift! We can hardly wait to tell our little daughter about all the special people who prayed us through our journey to her.
We'll keep you posted on our progress. Please keep us posted about your precious lives, as well. We'll continue to update this blog...and will add pictures once we figure out how to do that. Meanwhile, our love and prayers go out to all of you in our lives who truly care and walk beside us in our Journey of Blessings. Thank you for being wonderful blessings to us. A very Blessed Christmas to you all!
Love to all,
Tim, Terri, Rachel and Micah
There have been so many blessings along our journey this year. There are the friends who ask how the process is going and really want to hear about it. There are our Doctors and their staff members who take time to ask and help in any way needed. There are our Church friends who always have encouraging words about this journey. There are those of you who are praying for this process, for our little Jenna Elizabeth, (and maybe Emma Katherine), and for everyone involved. There's the adoption agency who is so kind and encouraging. There are our friends who are adoptive parents who always share positive thoughts and information. There are always people to remind us just how blessed we have been...and are right now...as we wait and walk closer toward our little daughter each day. There are those who see us out and about at the stores and say "any word on the baby?" and our hearts are warmed by their enthusiasm and genuine concern. There are so many blessings along this journey that we can't possibly mention them all. But one thing is for sure. What a wonderful journey it is because of each of you who truly care and bless our lives in so many wonderful ways. Thank you!
As the Season continues to grasp us with busy schedules, long check-out lines, numerous commercials everywhere we look...and even traffic jams...take a quiet moment to stop, think and realize that you are a blessing in our lives...and we thank God for you. As you reflect on your past year, your activities, your goals for 2008 and the purpose of your life, never forget that you are touching lives deeply with one of the greatest gifts of all...loving others. Thank you for your love, your joy, your friendship, your prayers and your genuine interest in our family's journey to a little girl on the other side of the world waiting to come home. You may never realize how much you mean to us, but always know that you matter and your life is a gift! We can hardly wait to tell our little daughter about all the special people who prayed us through our journey to her.
We'll keep you posted on our progress. Please keep us posted about your precious lives, as well. We'll continue to update this blog...and will add pictures once we figure out how to do that. Meanwhile, our love and prayers go out to all of you in our lives who truly care and walk beside us in our Journey of Blessings. Thank you for being wonderful blessings to us. A very Blessed Christmas to you all!
Love to all,
Tim, Terri, Rachel and Micah
Saturday, December 8, 2007
The Journey...Then and Now
It's a rainy Saturday, less than three weeks before Christmas, and I am thinking about our journey to our little Sweetie/s...and the journey another family made many years ago to their little One. The journey was long. It had to be tiring. They left familiarity for not-so-familiar. They weren't sure who they would meet, where they would stay, or how everything was going to work out in that process, either. As a Mom, I think of Mary and how she anticipated seeing the very One she carried in her heart and body...yet so many "details" were incomplete. I think of Joseph and how he must have felt so much responsibility to care for her...and to make the journey to pay taxes...yet anticipated bringing a new Child into their lives all at the same time. I even think about that precious little One...born in one town...but raised elsewhere. And it occured to me that their journey as a family, though different in many ways, also holds strong similarities to the journey our family now experiences. Yet in the middle of uncertain details, timing, and concerns, an amazing and incredible moment took place full of purpose, joy, peace and promise for that dear family...and so many more. And I am reminded that if God can handle all of the details to bring His Son into the world at just the right time, in just the right plan, to just the right people for just the right purpose...I believe He can bring our family together someday, too. He has done so many times before as little babies join their Forever Families. He did it with Joseph, Mary and His own Son. So, there's a precious reminder that He will bring our little Sweetie home to us when it's "just right," too.
Someone asked us recently if the wait is stressful. I didn't have to think twice before saying, "no." The wait IS hard! The wait IS long. The wait is a lesson in patience, trust and peace like we've never known before. But stressful isn't the word we would use. For there is a peace about it all that we've known from the very beginning. When we began this journey, we knew it was in the hands of the very One who prepared our hearts for it for several years before we began. When we began this journey, we knew it was not in our own timing, but in the timing of God, Himself. When we began this journey, we knew that many, many different factors must be considered in order for the process to develop...and deliver our precious baby girl to our family. As overwhelming as that sounds and even feels sometimes, we have entrusted the care, the timing, the plan and the process entirely up to God. Yes, we miss her so much already. Yes, we wish she could be with us this Christmas. Yes, it would be wonderful to send family pictures to loved ones of our entire family this year. But it is even more wonderful to realize that every day brings us closer to the very child God has in store for us. It is a journey...not a sprint. It is a time of trusting, loving and hoping for what remains to be seen. It's a time of anticipation. And just as some of our dear friends who have been down this road before have told us, God's timing is always right. It will all make sense when we hold her in our arms. It is best to allow God to lead us...and not the other way around!
So precious little Sweetie, we miss you. We love you. We are so excited about meeting you sometime soon. But we know that just as a special Mom and Dad waited for their precious Baby Boy long ago, our wait will also be complete in God's very perfect timing. We wouldn't want it any other way. He's holding you in His hands right now. He's also holding us in His hands at the very same time. So if you think about it, we're not really that far apart after all, are we? Hold on, Sweetie. We'll see you someday soon. It will be worth every moment of this incredible journey to you.
May all of you be blessed in your journeys this season and in the coming new year! Thank you for your continued thoughts, prayers and love during our Journey of Blessings. We thank God for each of you. Happy Birthday, Jesus...and thank You for the Journey You made to us.
Merry CHRISTmas!
Love & Prayers,
Tim, Terri, Rachel & Micah
Someone asked us recently if the wait is stressful. I didn't have to think twice before saying, "no." The wait IS hard! The wait IS long. The wait is a lesson in patience, trust and peace like we've never known before. But stressful isn't the word we would use. For there is a peace about it all that we've known from the very beginning. When we began this journey, we knew it was in the hands of the very One who prepared our hearts for it for several years before we began. When we began this journey, we knew it was not in our own timing, but in the timing of God, Himself. When we began this journey, we knew that many, many different factors must be considered in order for the process to develop...and deliver our precious baby girl to our family. As overwhelming as that sounds and even feels sometimes, we have entrusted the care, the timing, the plan and the process entirely up to God. Yes, we miss her so much already. Yes, we wish she could be with us this Christmas. Yes, it would be wonderful to send family pictures to loved ones of our entire family this year. But it is even more wonderful to realize that every day brings us closer to the very child God has in store for us. It is a journey...not a sprint. It is a time of trusting, loving and hoping for what remains to be seen. It's a time of anticipation. And just as some of our dear friends who have been down this road before have told us, God's timing is always right. It will all make sense when we hold her in our arms. It is best to allow God to lead us...and not the other way around!
So precious little Sweetie, we miss you. We love you. We are so excited about meeting you sometime soon. But we know that just as a special Mom and Dad waited for their precious Baby Boy long ago, our wait will also be complete in God's very perfect timing. We wouldn't want it any other way. He's holding you in His hands right now. He's also holding us in His hands at the very same time. So if you think about it, we're not really that far apart after all, are we? Hold on, Sweetie. We'll see you someday soon. It will be worth every moment of this incredible journey to you.
May all of you be blessed in your journeys this season and in the coming new year! Thank you for your continued thoughts, prayers and love during our Journey of Blessings. We thank God for each of you. Happy Birthday, Jesus...and thank You for the Journey You made to us.
Merry CHRISTmas!
Love & Prayers,
Tim, Terri, Rachel & Micah
Wednesday, November 28, 2007
Happy "Holidaze" to our Daughter/s!
Where did the year go? It seems like a few weeks ago that our daughter graduated from high school and moved into college life. It seems like yesterday that our son was in summer band camp. Now there are Christmas lights, decorations, music and the hurried pace of shopping, planning and meeting deadlines in preparation for the Holiday Season. How quickly time is passing in so many areas of our lives...except one!
As we begin to witness the sights, sounds and schedules of Christmas and the New Year, we can't help but think about the "Holidaze" we hold inside our hearts. For as wonderful as it will be to spend time together with friends and family during the season, a part of our life remains with a precious little sweetheart, (or two), in China. We miss her so much already. Just today, I saw beautiful dresses, accessories and items that I thought she would enjoy. And I wonder, is she born yet? Does she know that she is loved so very much already? What will our "Gotcha Moment" be like when we meet her for the very first time? And what will her first Christmas at home with our family be like? (Fabulous, no doubt!) There's the first family portrait that will be made with Jenna Elizabeth (and maybe Emma Katherine) in the arms of her Dad, Mom, sister Rachel and brother Micah. What a joy that will be! We can hardly wait.
But we must. Rather than be sad because she is not with us yet, we choose to rejoice as we realize that each day brings us closer to her...and our life together. So, dear JennaBeth (and possibly EmmaKate) "Happy Holidaze"...because you're always in our thoughts, hearts and prayers...and you will be with us every moment of this season. As your caregivers feed you, change your clothes, bathe you and take care of you, know that we thank God for them as they prepare you for your journey home! As Christmas surrounds the world, know that our love surrounds you, too. Our arms aren't empty for you because they're reaching halfway across the world and holding you in our hearts! But someday soon, we will hold you and we will bring you home. And you'll hear the story about how a little baby boy came into the world and changed lives forever. So rest, dear daughter/s. Rest in God's love and plan. Rest in knowing that some wonderful people are taking care of you and working very hard to help you get home! Rest in knowing that your family loves you dearly. And rest in the dreams of our first Christmas together...very soon!
We love you!
Dad, Mom, Rachel and Micah
As we begin to witness the sights, sounds and schedules of Christmas and the New Year, we can't help but think about the "Holidaze" we hold inside our hearts. For as wonderful as it will be to spend time together with friends and family during the season, a part of our life remains with a precious little sweetheart, (or two), in China. We miss her so much already. Just today, I saw beautiful dresses, accessories and items that I thought she would enjoy. And I wonder, is she born yet? Does she know that she is loved so very much already? What will our "Gotcha Moment" be like when we meet her for the very first time? And what will her first Christmas at home with our family be like? (Fabulous, no doubt!) There's the first family portrait that will be made with Jenna Elizabeth (and maybe Emma Katherine) in the arms of her Dad, Mom, sister Rachel and brother Micah. What a joy that will be! We can hardly wait.
But we must. Rather than be sad because she is not with us yet, we choose to rejoice as we realize that each day brings us closer to her...and our life together. So, dear JennaBeth (and possibly EmmaKate) "Happy Holidaze"...because you're always in our thoughts, hearts and prayers...and you will be with us every moment of this season. As your caregivers feed you, change your clothes, bathe you and take care of you, know that we thank God for them as they prepare you for your journey home! As Christmas surrounds the world, know that our love surrounds you, too. Our arms aren't empty for you because they're reaching halfway across the world and holding you in our hearts! But someday soon, we will hold you and we will bring you home. And you'll hear the story about how a little baby boy came into the world and changed lives forever. So rest, dear daughter/s. Rest in God's love and plan. Rest in knowing that some wonderful people are taking care of you and working very hard to help you get home! Rest in knowing that your family loves you dearly. And rest in the dreams of our first Christmas together...very soon!
We love you!
Dad, Mom, Rachel and Micah
Saturday, November 3, 2007
We are thankful!
With November here and the Thanksgiving season upon us, we wanted to share how very thankful that we are everyday for all of you involved in our journey! It never ceases to amaze us how during times of our lives when waiting is hard, the future is uncertain and the busy pace of life surrounds us...we still have so much to be thankful for...like you! We have some of the most incredible friends, Church family, physicians, Adoption agency family and relatives on this planet! To each of you who lifts us up in prayer, friendship, encouragement, interest, concern and enthusiasm, please know that we thank God for YOU! You may never realize just how much your thoughts, prayers, words and companionship along this journey make a difference in our lives. There's no doubt in our minds that God has placed each of you in our lives for very special purposes...and we shall never forget the blessings you are. We look forward to telling JennaBeth (and possibly EmmaKate) about each of you!
May your lives be blessed as richly as God has blessed our lives through you!
Love to all,
Tim, Terri, Rachel & Micah
May your lives be blessed as richly as God has blessed our lives through you!
Love to all,
Tim, Terri, Rachel & Micah
Sunday, October 21, 2007
A Name or Two....
It has been an exciting and busy weekend but I could hardly wait to write on our blogsite today! The journey continues for our family in many ways and we always look forward to sharing it with friends and family!
First, congratulations to our son on the very impressive Marching Band State Finals Competition. The band won 4th place in their Class and we are so proud of all of the students, staff and parents involved! We are very proud of you, son...especially since you made it through with that knee injury! You did a wonderful job!
Also, our daughter was home to work this weekend and it's always good to have her home! Both she and our son have achieved great midterm grades so we are very thrilled for them. This journey of blessings constantly reminds us of just how much we have to be thankful for in our lives! Our daughter and son are certainly major blessings whom we thank God for each day!
Ok...the next part is news we've been very eager to share with you! We have named our little Sweetie, (or Sweeties if we are blessed with twins) and would love to ask you to continue to keep her/them in your hearts and prayers...and now with specific names in mind!
Our first little daughter from China will be named Jenna Elizabeth. Jenna will be named after my precious Grandma Jenny. Elizabeth is also a family name. It is a Grandmother's name on my Mom's side and it is also the name of my Dad's Aunt. By suggestion of our oldest daughter, Jenna Elizabeth will be affectionately called "JennaBeth." Jenna will also keep part of her original Chinese name as an additional middle name.
If we are given another daughter who would be Jenna's twin sister, her name will be Emma Katherine. Emma will be named after Tim's sweet Grandma Emma. Katherine is also a family name on both Tim's Mom and Dad's sides. Amazingly, he has two Aunts named Katherine. By suggestion of our son, Emma Katherine will be affectionately called "EmmaKate." Emma will also keep part of her original Chinese name as an additional middle name.
So, there you have it. Please continue to pray for JennaBeth as well as the possibility of EmmaKate and the journey to our family. It is such a blessing to know that not only will our daughter/s be given names that represent family members...but we can now pray by specific reference. We also hope and pray that our Grandma Jenny, Grandma Emma and other name-sake relatives will somehow know that we have selected names in their honor and memory!
Thank you for your continued presence in our Journey of Blessings. There are no words to describe how much it means to us to know that you care and you are praying. May we all continue to realize the blessings we are given with each breath of life!
Counting our blessings....
Terri and family
First, congratulations to our son on the very impressive Marching Band State Finals Competition. The band won 4th place in their Class and we are so proud of all of the students, staff and parents involved! We are very proud of you, son...especially since you made it through with that knee injury! You did a wonderful job!
Also, our daughter was home to work this weekend and it's always good to have her home! Both she and our son have achieved great midterm grades so we are very thrilled for them. This journey of blessings constantly reminds us of just how much we have to be thankful for in our lives! Our daughter and son are certainly major blessings whom we thank God for each day!
Ok...the next part is news we've been very eager to share with you! We have named our little Sweetie, (or Sweeties if we are blessed with twins) and would love to ask you to continue to keep her/them in your hearts and prayers...and now with specific names in mind!
Our first little daughter from China will be named Jenna Elizabeth. Jenna will be named after my precious Grandma Jenny. Elizabeth is also a family name. It is a Grandmother's name on my Mom's side and it is also the name of my Dad's Aunt. By suggestion of our oldest daughter, Jenna Elizabeth will be affectionately called "JennaBeth." Jenna will also keep part of her original Chinese name as an additional middle name.
If we are given another daughter who would be Jenna's twin sister, her name will be Emma Katherine. Emma will be named after Tim's sweet Grandma Emma. Katherine is also a family name on both Tim's Mom and Dad's sides. Amazingly, he has two Aunts named Katherine. By suggestion of our son, Emma Katherine will be affectionately called "EmmaKate." Emma will also keep part of her original Chinese name as an additional middle name.
So, there you have it. Please continue to pray for JennaBeth as well as the possibility of EmmaKate and the journey to our family. It is such a blessing to know that not only will our daughter/s be given names that represent family members...but we can now pray by specific reference. We also hope and pray that our Grandma Jenny, Grandma Emma and other name-sake relatives will somehow know that we have selected names in their honor and memory!
Thank you for your continued presence in our Journey of Blessings. There are no words to describe how much it means to us to know that you care and you are praying. May we all continue to realize the blessings we are given with each breath of life!
Counting our blessings....
Terri and family
Friday, October 19, 2007
Six Months Closer!
The wait continues...and is exciting...but sometimes challenging. A friend reminded us recently that God's timing is always right and it was a perfect day to hear those words! Although we "know" it, it's just sometimes a bit hard to love our little girl so very much...yet never know when we'll actually see her. But the encouragement and kindness of our friends are TRUE BLESSINGS to "hear" during this journey. So we are very thankful for those of you who do ask how it's going...and who remind us that each day is a step closer to her. This process has sometimes been called "Paper Pregnancy" and it's very true! It's already the longest and most difficult pregnancy we've known so far! Our journey has been "official" for fifteen months (since application) and our "Log In Date" was issued over six months ago. SIX MONTHS have already passed and we're that much closer to our baby girl! How exciting! Now that's a blessing!
Right now, the time frame from "Log-In" to "Referral" is around twenty-three months...with another one or two months of waiting before going to China. That time-frame does fluctuate so it's not definite. We trust that God's timing will be perfect! We really believe that He has a plan and He knows what is best for our little girl. But we just want to thank you for caring, asking, praying, encouraging and sharing this journey with us! Hearing your joy, your interest and your excitement somehow keeps her even more connected to us! Thank you! Your love and prayers for this little girl are such tender blessings! We thank God for each of you as you walk beside us!
Before long, we will post the names we have selected for our little Sweetie! Actually, we are even approved for twins, if they are available! Of course, twins are rare in China, but if God so chooses to bless us with twin daughters, we would be THRILLED! Yet one precious baby will certainly be an amazing and incredible gift, as well!! (Actually, we would love to bring an entire plane load of children home with us...but that's not the way it works!) So, in the very near future, we will share the names of our little Sweetie (or Sweeties) with you. I can hardly wait to share them. For not only will that bring the reality of our daughter even closer, but we can pray more specifically for her. Be watching!
May your journey in life continue to be blessed as richly as you have blessed our journey! You are all so dear to us. Blessings to all of you!
Right now, the time frame from "Log-In" to "Referral" is around twenty-three months...with another one or two months of waiting before going to China. That time-frame does fluctuate so it's not definite. We trust that God's timing will be perfect! We really believe that He has a plan and He knows what is best for our little girl. But we just want to thank you for caring, asking, praying, encouraging and sharing this journey with us! Hearing your joy, your interest and your excitement somehow keeps her even more connected to us! Thank you! Your love and prayers for this little girl are such tender blessings! We thank God for each of you as you walk beside us!
Before long, we will post the names we have selected for our little Sweetie! Actually, we are even approved for twins, if they are available! Of course, twins are rare in China, but if God so chooses to bless us with twin daughters, we would be THRILLED! Yet one precious baby will certainly be an amazing and incredible gift, as well!! (Actually, we would love to bring an entire plane load of children home with us...but that's not the way it works!) So, in the very near future, we will share the names of our little Sweetie (or Sweeties) with you. I can hardly wait to share them. For not only will that bring the reality of our daughter even closer, but we can pray more specifically for her. Be watching!
May your journey in life continue to be blessed as richly as you have blessed our journey! You are all so dear to us. Blessings to all of you!
Wednesday, October 10, 2007
We love you, Sweetie!
It's just one of those days that I can't get our little Sweetie off my mind. She may not even be born yet but I can't help but think about her and her journey to our family. Last night, a friend emailed some pictures of her little daughter from China and I was so touched by those beautiful photos! (Thanks, Yolanda!) :() So today I'm thinking about our little one and wondering how she is doing, where she is, what she's thinking and feeling. Of course, I'm reminded that no matter where she is, she is always in the love and care of her precious Heavenly Father.
So, Sweetie, please know that your Daddy, Mommy, Sister and Brother are thinking about you everyday and love you so much!!!! You are very dear to our hearts already! Every time we see a precious child from China, we think of you! Everytime I see little girl clothes, I think of you! (Ok, I confess, I've already been picking up little socks, headbands, ribbons and bibs for you!! And planning the nursery is fun, too!) Every time we hear a little child laugh, we smile as we think of you. When we rise in the mornings or go to sleep at night, we think of you! And when I'm in the grocery store and see baby formula or baby food, I think of you again! Yes...even diapers look "sweet" to us again! :() I've already been thinking about updating my teacher materials so I can teach you to read like I did with your big sis and brother. We're going to have so much fun learning about one another and sharing life together. And of course, there will be music for us to enjoy...and walks to take...and so many sweet folks in our lives who love you and are praying for you already! You're going to love your Daddy's laugh...and your Sister's singing voice...and your Brother can really play that trumpet! (Of course, I'll teach you about playing piano, too!) Your brother will try to teach you about football and maybe you will understand it much better than I do! (But I'll show you my tennis racquet when he's not around!) ha! And your sister will sing to you and you will think you're hearing the voice of an angel! That Daddy of yours is so special! His heart is precious and he works very hard for our family. And his speaking voice is quite distinguished, too! We love to laugh and we can hardly wait to see your first smile and hear your first chuckle! We love you, sweetie! Even though you are halfway around the world, you're already a major part of our family and our lives. So hold on and know that the same arms of God that hold you now...will bring you into our arms soon. We love you and we're praying for you...and we're waiting for you with arms wide open!
Thanking God for you, our Precious Blessing from China,
Your Daddy, Mommy, Sister and Brother
So, Sweetie, please know that your Daddy, Mommy, Sister and Brother are thinking about you everyday and love you so much!!!! You are very dear to our hearts already! Every time we see a precious child from China, we think of you! Everytime I see little girl clothes, I think of you! (Ok, I confess, I've already been picking up little socks, headbands, ribbons and bibs for you!! And planning the nursery is fun, too!) Every time we hear a little child laugh, we smile as we think of you. When we rise in the mornings or go to sleep at night, we think of you! And when I'm in the grocery store and see baby formula or baby food, I think of you again! Yes...even diapers look "sweet" to us again! :() I've already been thinking about updating my teacher materials so I can teach you to read like I did with your big sis and brother. We're going to have so much fun learning about one another and sharing life together. And of course, there will be music for us to enjoy...and walks to take...and so many sweet folks in our lives who love you and are praying for you already! You're going to love your Daddy's laugh...and your Sister's singing voice...and your Brother can really play that trumpet! (Of course, I'll teach you about playing piano, too!) Your brother will try to teach you about football and maybe you will understand it much better than I do! (But I'll show you my tennis racquet when he's not around!) ha! And your sister will sing to you and you will think you're hearing the voice of an angel! That Daddy of yours is so special! His heart is precious and he works very hard for our family. And his speaking voice is quite distinguished, too! We love to laugh and we can hardly wait to see your first smile and hear your first chuckle! We love you, sweetie! Even though you are halfway around the world, you're already a major part of our family and our lives. So hold on and know that the same arms of God that hold you now...will bring you into our arms soon. We love you and we're praying for you...and we're waiting for you with arms wide open!
Thanking God for you, our Precious Blessing from China,
Your Daddy, Mommy, Sister and Brother
Sunday, October 7, 2007
Blessed...again!
It's been a few days since we wrote but I wanted to express what a wonderful weekend it has been. Our daughter came home from college to work...and to celebrate her birthday! It was amazing. We were thrilled to share the past few days with her. Interestingly, she left the university a little later than we expected...and later called to tell us she was in a traffic jam on the interstate. We soon realized that if she had left earlier, she could have easily been in one of two accidents on that road instead of behind them! Wow! We were so blessed to have her arrive home later...safely! Now she has returned to school and is ready for another week of studies. We are so grateful for her safety...and for every precious day she has been in our lives! Happy Birthday again, Sweetie!
Our son was in another band competition and made it back safely as well. He's fighting a knee injury but was blessed enough to get through the competition and play his solos well. So we are very thankful for that and for all the kind people who shared concern and assistance for him. Congratulations, son, on a job well done! We are so proud of your dedication and hard work. But take care of that knee, ok? We have a couple more weekends to go, including state finals! Know that we're cheering for you, too!
We were so excited to attend Church last night and be with our friends again. It is always so great to be with our Church family. While in the service, we noticed a young Dad bringing his two sweet daughters into the room to be with him and their Mom. When I saw that family, I felt such a peaceful reminder from God. For these two sisters, probably around two and four years of age, were beautiful children from China. They were so sweet! Of course, there were tears in our eyes for we know that in the middle of all the paperwork, expenses and waiting, God continues to orchestrate His plan to bring us together with our little daughter someday. Knowing that we may be waiting for another two years before we see her and hold her in our arms is challenging, to say the least. But between seeing those sweet girls at Church and the encouragement from another friend we saw yesterday, we just knew that God was reminding us to hold on and to wait patiently! And we will.
So the weekend has been wonderful. Our family was together the majority of the weekend. Our son and daughter enjoyed safe trips. We saw a very dear friend who was so encouraging about our adoption process. And then we saw those precious girls who had joined their "forever family" at our Church. Truly, our Journey of Blessings continues. May each of you be blessed richly as we all cherish every breath of life as a gift!
Walking by faith....
Terri & Family
Our son was in another band competition and made it back safely as well. He's fighting a knee injury but was blessed enough to get through the competition and play his solos well. So we are very thankful for that and for all the kind people who shared concern and assistance for him. Congratulations, son, on a job well done! We are so proud of your dedication and hard work. But take care of that knee, ok? We have a couple more weekends to go, including state finals! Know that we're cheering for you, too!
We were so excited to attend Church last night and be with our friends again. It is always so great to be with our Church family. While in the service, we noticed a young Dad bringing his two sweet daughters into the room to be with him and their Mom. When I saw that family, I felt such a peaceful reminder from God. For these two sisters, probably around two and four years of age, were beautiful children from China. They were so sweet! Of course, there were tears in our eyes for we know that in the middle of all the paperwork, expenses and waiting, God continues to orchestrate His plan to bring us together with our little daughter someday. Knowing that we may be waiting for another two years before we see her and hold her in our arms is challenging, to say the least. But between seeing those sweet girls at Church and the encouragement from another friend we saw yesterday, we just knew that God was reminding us to hold on and to wait patiently! And we will.
So the weekend has been wonderful. Our family was together the majority of the weekend. Our son and daughter enjoyed safe trips. We saw a very dear friend who was so encouraging about our adoption process. And then we saw those precious girls who had joined their "forever family" at our Church. Truly, our Journey of Blessings continues. May each of you be blessed richly as we all cherish every breath of life as a gift!
Walking by faith....
Terri & Family
Tuesday, September 25, 2007
Another Blessed Day!
It has been another day of blessings! What a wonderful journey God continues to provide! We met with our new Family Advocate at the adoption agency today and she is precious! It will be a joy to have her walk us through the rest of the process. So that makes two wonderful family advocates we've had and both have been so sweet! We are so thankful. Our discussion today gave us a great deal to consider. But before we even arrived home, our Family Advocate had emailed us an answer to some of our concerns and that was very helpful! Right now, the estimated wait from Log-In to Referral is around 23 months!! So we were concerned about the age factor. But it turns out it's not a major concern! Yay, God! So meeting our new Family Advocate and finding out that my age is not an issue at this point were great blessings! Of course, we still have paperwork to update in the coming months, but we know God will lead us in that aspect of our journey as well.
We have a few specific prayer requests at this point. First, please pray for everyone involved in the adoption process...the precious children waiting to go home, the wonderful folks in the USA and PRC who are working so hard to bring the children and their families together, and the families who are working, waiting and walking by faith to bring the children home. Waiting for approximately 23 months is very difficult to imagine and endure. But once again, God's master plan and perfect timing will orchestrate bringing everyone together so beautifully! Second, please pray for this waiting time to possibly decrease. Time frames fluctuate often so it is very possible that it will be reduced sometime. Yet our hearts ache for all the children and parents who long to be together as "Forever Families." Third, Tim and I have always been open to both non-Special Needs Children and Special Needs Children options. We are currently in the non-Special Needs process and remain peaceful with this choice. However, we always wish to follow God's leading and we ask your prayers as we continue listening for His direction in this area. He already knows the answer. We simply want to follow His call. Please pray that we will continue to listen wholeheartedly.
What a beautiful day! The emails and posts we have received from precious friends are indeed gifts from God. Thanks to all of you for every word, hug, prayer and kindness you share. May your lives be blessed as richly as He has blessed us through you!
Walking by faith....
Terri & family
We have a few specific prayer requests at this point. First, please pray for everyone involved in the adoption process...the precious children waiting to go home, the wonderful folks in the USA and PRC who are working so hard to bring the children and their families together, and the families who are working, waiting and walking by faith to bring the children home. Waiting for approximately 23 months is very difficult to imagine and endure. But once again, God's master plan and perfect timing will orchestrate bringing everyone together so beautifully! Second, please pray for this waiting time to possibly decrease. Time frames fluctuate often so it is very possible that it will be reduced sometime. Yet our hearts ache for all the children and parents who long to be together as "Forever Families." Third, Tim and I have always been open to both non-Special Needs Children and Special Needs Children options. We are currently in the non-Special Needs process and remain peaceful with this choice. However, we always wish to follow God's leading and we ask your prayers as we continue listening for His direction in this area. He already knows the answer. We simply want to follow His call. Please pray that we will continue to listen wholeheartedly.
What a beautiful day! The emails and posts we have received from precious friends are indeed gifts from God. Thanks to all of you for every word, hug, prayer and kindness you share. May your lives be blessed as richly as He has blessed us through you!
Walking by faith....
Terri & family
Saturday, September 22, 2007
The Journey...from the beginning
How exciting it has been to see and hear the responses from dear friends already! Thank you for walking beside us in this journey! It's a beautiful Saturday and when I looked around this morning, I realized just how very blessed we already are in our lives. I woke up to a husband who arrived safely home from work. Our dear daughter is home from college this weekend to visit and to work at her wonderful job. Our son is on another exciting band trip today representing his school and enjoying his friends and band staff. It's a busy, busy day with laundry to fold, a house to clean and food to prepare for our family cookout tonight. It just can't get much better than this! Then I am reminded that in the middle of our daily routines, we are one day closer to our sweet little daughter in China and we have friends and family who are loving, praying and encouraging us through this special time in our lives. Wow! We are so thankful for such a normal and yet special time in our lives.
Some have asked how this journey began. Well, to put it quite simply...it began a very long time ago. I came from a family of seven and Tim came from a family of five. When we began dating, we discussed how very important family is to us and how we both wanted several children. So several years later, we welcomed our precious daughter, Rachel, into our lives. What a sweetheart! Three years later, here came our adorable Micah! We knew we were blessed so richly. Yet our hearts always longed for more children. Even our children wanted more children! We both had witnessed the joy of adoption in the lives of family and friends. Eventually we realized that this miracle of adoption would be a part of our lives, as well. So in July of 2006, we turned in our application to the adoption agency. We were later given the "go ahead" and the process began.
The details of our "Paper Trail" were overwhelming, but once again we were so blessed. Our adoption agency family has been incredible. Our friends, physicians, family, Church family, co-workers, school friends, various office workers we dealt with and other adoptive parents have been incredible! The willingness of everyone to encourage and assist in so many ways has made this journey so much more enjoyable. Even when we share that we will be "updating" paperwork in the future, their reactions are so kind and willing to help in any way they can! On March 23, 2007 our Dossier, (that's the collection of all the necessary information and paperwork re: our lives, family, home, etc.), was sent to the People's Republic of China! On April 13, 2007 we were officially "Logged In" to China's system of Adoption Affairs. What a great day! This "LID" (Log-In-Date) is pretty much our "waiting ticket" for our future steps to our little daughter. Right now, the Referrals are being placed with families from late November of '05. So we have quite a wait ahead of us. But as dear friends who recently adopted have told us, it all makes sense when we finally hold our new daughter in our arms. For God's master design is always best!
For now, we have parenting classes ahead, updating paperwork, and....yes, getting a nursery put together once again!! Yay!!!! And with a daughter in college and a son in high school, we're definitely going to remain busy! We often hear how difficult it must be to wait for the time to hold our little one in our arms. We'll agree. It's already very difficult. We already love her so very much. But we firmly believe that the same God who brought Rachel and Micah into our lives at just the right time will bring our little one into our arms in His perfect time and plan. Perhaps she is already born. Perhaps she is yet to be born. Wherever she is, we know she is in His care and He will bring us together at just the right time. Until that moment, we will love her, prepare for her, pray for her and thank God for every step in our journey that takes us closer to her.
Thank you for your continued prayers, encouragement, concern and friendship. What a difference it makes to know we are not walking this road alone. We truly appreciate every precious person God has placed in our lives during this time. We thank Him for you..true blessings in our journey! Until next time...
Terri and Family
Some have asked how this journey began. Well, to put it quite simply...it began a very long time ago. I came from a family of seven and Tim came from a family of five. When we began dating, we discussed how very important family is to us and how we both wanted several children. So several years later, we welcomed our precious daughter, Rachel, into our lives. What a sweetheart! Three years later, here came our adorable Micah! We knew we were blessed so richly. Yet our hearts always longed for more children. Even our children wanted more children! We both had witnessed the joy of adoption in the lives of family and friends. Eventually we realized that this miracle of adoption would be a part of our lives, as well. So in July of 2006, we turned in our application to the adoption agency. We were later given the "go ahead" and the process began.
The details of our "Paper Trail" were overwhelming, but once again we were so blessed. Our adoption agency family has been incredible. Our friends, physicians, family, Church family, co-workers, school friends, various office workers we dealt with and other adoptive parents have been incredible! The willingness of everyone to encourage and assist in so many ways has made this journey so much more enjoyable. Even when we share that we will be "updating" paperwork in the future, their reactions are so kind and willing to help in any way they can! On March 23, 2007 our Dossier, (that's the collection of all the necessary information and paperwork re: our lives, family, home, etc.), was sent to the People's Republic of China! On April 13, 2007 we were officially "Logged In" to China's system of Adoption Affairs. What a great day! This "LID" (Log-In-Date) is pretty much our "waiting ticket" for our future steps to our little daughter. Right now, the Referrals are being placed with families from late November of '05. So we have quite a wait ahead of us. But as dear friends who recently adopted have told us, it all makes sense when we finally hold our new daughter in our arms. For God's master design is always best!
For now, we have parenting classes ahead, updating paperwork, and....yes, getting a nursery put together once again!! Yay!!!! And with a daughter in college and a son in high school, we're definitely going to remain busy! We often hear how difficult it must be to wait for the time to hold our little one in our arms. We'll agree. It's already very difficult. We already love her so very much. But we firmly believe that the same God who brought Rachel and Micah into our lives at just the right time will bring our little one into our arms in His perfect time and plan. Perhaps she is already born. Perhaps she is yet to be born. Wherever she is, we know she is in His care and He will bring us together at just the right time. Until that moment, we will love her, prepare for her, pray for her and thank God for every step in our journey that takes us closer to her.
Thank you for your continued prayers, encouragement, concern and friendship. What a difference it makes to know we are not walking this road alone. We truly appreciate every precious person God has placed in our lives during this time. We thank Him for you..true blessings in our journey! Until next time...
Terri and Family
Wednesday, September 19, 2007
Hello Family & Friends!
Welcome to our new Blog! What an exciting journey we will all travel together. When I began to set up this blog, I kept thinking about the title. Nothing else seemed to fit as the simple but timely message...."Journey of Blessings." We are so blessed to have our precious family. We are blessed to have our extended family and friends. Now we are blessed to travel together in this process of bringing our little daughter home from China. It is certainly a major walk of faith...but there have been so many blessings already...and there is no doubt that we will be blessed in many ways in the days and months ahead. So thank you for your love and prayers as we take each step along the way.
Life is very busy right now in so many ways. Tim works very hard at his job. Our daughter is a freshman in college. Our son is a sophomore in high school. Meanwhile, I'm busy being wife, mom, homemaker, "Mom's taxi" service...and lots of other projects. I'll post as often as I can so please bear with us as we learn, share and journey along this path. Meanwhile, know that we are so very thankful for you and your presence in this, our Journey of Blessings. It's going to be great! Love to all!!!
Life is very busy right now in so many ways. Tim works very hard at his job. Our daughter is a freshman in college. Our son is a sophomore in high school. Meanwhile, I'm busy being wife, mom, homemaker, "Mom's taxi" service...and lots of other projects. I'll post as often as I can so please bear with us as we learn, share and journey along this path. Meanwhile, know that we are so very thankful for you and your presence in this, our Journey of Blessings. It's going to be great! Love to all!!!
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