Friday, March 11, 2011

Journey to Gracie Joy Part I

I'm going to start sharing how we found our Gracie Joy. This is from a journal I kept throughout this journey. I just knew it was going to be a story worth sharing! It's so much that I'm going to share it in a few different posts.

Summer 2010 – Our church gives a fortune cookie to each woman to promote the “Live the Dream” women’s conference. The fortune inside the cookie says, “LTD 2010…because there are dreams in your heart you do not know of”. I laughed on the way home and said, “I’m not going to that…I might find out we’re supposed to adopt again!!” hmmm….

10/26 - read a post on my friend Stacy’s blog about adopting an older child. (We traveled with Stacy and her family when we got Wesleigh) Her post talked about the fate of children who age out of the system in China. It shared the plan for their family to go back to China. I shared the post with Richard and teared up while we talked about the fact that God had more in store for us. We just really didn’t know if it was even China and didn’t really think that “now” was the time. We also laughed that they were already going back.

10/27 – Diana calls and asks if I would want to help her with Pearl River . I agreed to make the announcements for the children. No big deal…started working on them and didn’t think much of it, but happy to help.

10/28 – Diana sends me about 10 emails full of pictures that need to be put in a book for a child who has been adopted, “Heidi”. I open one of the emails and see this picture of Heidi and her best friend, “Gwynne”. I am immediately drawn to Gwynne and ask more about her. She is still in China! They are supposed to be working on her file, and we are trying to see where that stands. I showed the picture to Richard just because I was so smitten with her.
best friends

10/29 – I share with Richard that I can’t get this little girl off my brain and heart. I asked him to pray about the possibility that she is ours. I told him that I was not saying she was our daughter, but if she was...we couldn't leave her in China! He agreed to pray about it but also stated that he really hoped “now” wasn’t the time. I can’t say I disagreed with that sentiment. This was not something I was pushing for.

11/1 – Richard and I go out to dinner and have a long conversation. We decided that we would jump in with both feet and go back to China. Actually, he said, “I’ve been thinking about it. We might as well start our paperwork.” I have to say…I was kind of shocked! We decided that Wesleigh needs a sister to grow up with. I am hoping that we can miraculously time it right to be able to get Gwynne, but I am afraid that her file will be sent to the CCAA before we’re ready with our paperwork.

11/10 – I tell my mom that we have decided to adopt again. She is shocked and thrilled. I reminded her of the fortune cookie at church and we laugh. She says, “I don’t know…you might should have gone to the conference, maybe He would have given you an easier dream”. lol...

16 comments:

Debbie said...

I love part 1 and I love that name "Gwynne"....such an unusal name! Of course , I love Gracie too (my little girl is named that!) Dx

Aaron and Erica said...

I love reading how God works out His plan in our lives. I can't wait to read more! Actually, I'm not sure I've even congratulated yet! We are just coming out of a fog around here where we've been sick for several weeks. Anyways...Congratulations! Gracie is so beautiful and she has the greatest smile!!! She will make a beautiful addition to your family!

Tina Michelle said...

I am waiting to hear the rest! Wow, I love that picture of her. She looks so happy and her little piggy tails are super adorable.

Anonymous said...

Can't wait to read more. Love that photo of Gracie! Does her best friend live near you? Have a great weekend, Cathy

Football and Fried Rice said...

An easier dream!? YES, isnt that what we all *hope* for??

But the best dreams are the ones that take those extra steps to achieve! Those extra steps with God leading us :)

Good stuff!!

We got a fortune a few months ago that said, "you will soon enjoy a trip to Asia"

We both laughed and said, "I wouldn't exactly say 'enjoy'" :)

Robin said...

Thank you for sharing ... next week marks Tyler being home 1 year from Korea. We are now beginning to pray that God will direct our paths & if we are meant to adopt again ... we will!

Robin

Ani said...

Can't wait for the rest of the story - she is such a happy little girl!

Jennifer said...

I love this! It's so amazing to me how God lays the ground-work for us from the very beginning. What a lucky family and lucky little girl!

carolinagirl said...

AmaZing Amazing story! I absolutely love what your mom said at the end of this post.

I can't even imagine how your hearts have been opened again. I am so happy for you guys that you listened. Gracie is a doll.

Anonymous said...

Easier dream? Maybe. Better dream? No way. :)

3 Peanuts said...

It is so neat to see you share her story like this. God's fingerprints are so clearly all over it.

That is one of my favorite photos and I remember you sharing it with us on the way home from Disney!!

I am sure your family will inspire others. Loved catching up today too:) Have a good weekend:)

Paige said...

I love this!! So very similar to our story:) I prayed the beginning of December for God to put my heart where he needed it to be, I felt I was consumed with getting ready for Christmas ect. wow look out what you pray for is all I can say:)
Can't wait to read the rest!!!

The Gutmans' said...

I love how our father has things in the works and knows what blessings are to come even before we do. We serve an amazing God. Continued prayers for your newest journey!!! That picture of them, melts my heart!

Everything Beautiful Shay said...

Reading your story to Gracie is so sweet!!! Everything is just as God planned it to be... perfect timing for her to be your daughter. Look SO forward to following your journey back to China. :)
Blessings and love!

sweet momma luv u said...

I am so very happy for you Jennifer! I have been one of Gywnne's sponsors now for over a year. She made my heart stop when I saw her. She just has this beautiful spark that flows from her little smile!

I would love to go back for another but, hubby says no and we have our hands full with our Autistic daughter and sweet Jon Jon.

I hope to someday be able to meet this precious girl that we have been praying for and helping provide for.

Many blessing for your precious family!
Jody

Serving the King said...

Well heck ya! How could you not fall in love with that sweet face!! Goodness gracious Jennifer she is darling!!

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