Harvesting Hearts in Vietnam: Happy Birthday to Me!!

How our Adoption Journey Began

Our adoption journey started on Oct. 8, 2006, when our 10 year old daughter's prayer intersected with the will of God.
We have 4 wonderful children Clay 13, Erin 11, Suzanne 8, and Brett 6. After Brett was born, we finalized the number of biological children we would have. Before the operation Jeff asked me if I would consider adoption. I said, "yes", mostly because I wanted to ensure I wouldn't ever have to be pregnant again, knowing he would agree with the operation if I would consider adoption.
The years went by and Jeff brought up the adoption discussion many times and each time I ended it with the words, "lets pray about it some more." Jeff and our oldest two children began to talk about it more and more. One day my daughter Erin asked me point blank, "Mommy are you ever going to want to adopt?" I sat down with her on my bed and told her, " Erin I think adopting is a wonderful thing, but Mommy feels like I don't have enough time for the four of you as it is. I'm so busy and I don't feel like I would be a very good Mommy if I took on anymore. And if God wanted me to adopt, he would make my life less complicated. " (This part never happened) I told her to pray that God would change Mommy's heart if he wanted me to adopt.(I thought we'd be good for another year on this subject)But little Erin got right on the task.
The next day I meant a woman, who is now my good friend, Sunnie Frank.(her real name is Kelly, but people call her Sunnie for obvious reasons I'm sure) The meeting was quite odd from her recollection and mine and in less than 3 minutes I found out that she had 4 biological children(like me) and 2 newly adopted little girls from Vietnam. As I was talking to her, I felt the strangest feeling come over me. I was watching her lips, but I felt like I was hearing a verbal conversation between my heart and my mind. And it was loud!
My heart pounded all the way home. I told Jeff and Erin when I got home that I was seriously ready to consider adoption. At that point Erin ran to her room and came back with the prayer she had written to God and put under her pillow the night before. She had tears in her eyes as she handed the paper to me. In her prayer she specifically asked God to change Mommy's heart and help her realize how much we could offer a child with no family. She told God that we could help one child be saved that might never know Jesus otherwise. Wow! That really hit us all!
That night, our family's daily prayers that God would lead us in the direction he wishes us to follow, Erin's specific prayer for adoption, and God's will for our family meant.
Since that day God has answered numerous prayers from Jeff and I to calm our doubts, fears, and anxieties in equally amazing ways.
God Loves You All and So Do We!

Monday, January 28, 2008

Happy Birthday to Me!!

Never thought I'd be spending my 40th b-day like this. Jeff and I are going out on the town tonight while the kids have some bonding time. Good luck with Eli. (we are going to the hotel restaraunt) What an experience in a foreign airport. Almost nobody speaks our language at least face to face but it seems like every anouncement is made in Vietnamese and English. So at least we know when to board the plane. Many more stories on this later. We arrived in Hanoi at approx. 12:00 midnight got to hotel about 1:00am. Slept very well. We met with our coordinator at 8:00 am. to fill out visa applications for Emily and Eli. Everything looks good so far. We had pancakes and bacon for breakfast and you would have thought it was the most expensive meal in the world the way we all enjoyed them. We won't be able to post much as internet is more expensive here. We'll try to post on our Wednesday. Thanks for praying for the Urban's it must have worked. Someone may want to fill us in on how the Huntington Homeschool Eagles did at state. Thanks. Thanks for praying for us to and thanks for your comments. Love you all.

Jeff and Sherri

10 comments:

Kate said...: HAPPY BIRTHDAY SHERRI!
I hope you and Jeff have a wonderful time for your birthday. I am so glad to hear that things are going well. Rob and I continue to pray for you and talk about your expierence. We are excited for you and can't wait to see you all. Please let us know if we can do anything for you when you return. Also glad to hear that the Urbans are getting along better. Take care and enjoy the rest of your time.
Love Kate; January 28, 2008 5:05 AM
Beth Ann said...: Happy Birthday, Sherri!

You certainly received 2 big surprises for your birthday, and this will be the best birthday you will never forget!

Kids, what will you be hungry for when you arrive home. Let us know and we will have it all ready for you. Sounds like you are not doing too badly in menu choices there.

Let us know if we can open your home up for you, or do anything that is needed before you arrive.

Hugs to all,
Dad and Mom
Grandpa and Grandma Beth; January 28, 2008 6:22 AM
Ian said...: Hey Clay, The Huntington Eagles are the state champs! We missed you. I (Ian) slammed from an Alley Ooop from Trey. You should have seen it. Ha! Happy Birthday Sherri! Anxious to see you all.
Neil, Amy , Alyssa and IAN; January 28, 2008 6:26 AM
Julie said...: Sherri-

I know you said you will not be blogging much because of the cost, but I could hardly go a day without feeling like I was talking you. I really can not wait to hear about Eli and Emily. You are going to have to email me a picture when you get home. We will be waiting on the word that we can come and see you. Even if our trip to your house is only for the day, we want to meet the new family members. I know the adjustmet to being home will take a little time, but we are excited. Talk to you soon.

Julie; January 28, 2008 12:21 PM
Ryan and Stephanie said...: So Sherri! I'm so thrilled for you all! And Happy 40th! We're all turning - slowly but surely! This must breathe new life into you! I'm waiting on baited breath to hear that you have safely arrived home with both Eli and Emily! May your travels be safe and memorable!

Love and Hugs,

Stephanie (Brooke) Beckett; January 28, 2008 6:22 PM
melissa said...: Happy Birthday Sherri!
Wow. No time to have any negitive thoughts about 40. What a memorable Birthday you are having. I did not know we were the same age. At least until May. A baby makes you younger. That was my theory:) Can't wait until you come home.
Love In Christ,
God is so Good!
Melissa; January 28, 2008 7:38 PM
Jill said...: Happy Birthday Sherri! We have been following your posts since you gave us the web address. i have goosebumps everytime i read it. Praying for your journey, and a safe trip home. love you, jill and family; January 29, 2008 3:09 AM
Lori said...: Happy Birthday Sherri--a day late! :o) I'm sure you'll never forget this one and all of the blessings that came along with it. We are praying for you still!!
The Binkerds; January 29, 2008 11:26 AM
Jill said...: How awesome what you are doing. Found your site through Becca's. Don't know if you will remember me Jeff, but this is Jill Glick. I am Michael Glicks sister if that helps any?? I am always humbled by those of you that go the adoption path that you chose (or that God chose!). Michael and his wife adopted in Dec. of '06 from Ethiopia and that little boy has been such a blessing to our entire family. It takes a special family to do what you do and God hand picked you just for your children (all of them!). You will have to check out their blog at http://www.glicks-to-ethiopia.blogspot.com/ to see their experience with adoption. I wish you many blessings and peace with your new full family! In His Love, Jill Glick (jill@brinkoetter.com); January 29, 2008 2:06 PM
Pam and Greg said...: Jeff, Sherri and kids,

We have been following your reports and hope you continue to have everything go smoothly for you so you will all soon be on your way back home. We are so anxious to meet Eli and Emily and hear about all your fabulous experiences!

Pam and Greg; January 30, 2008 12:27 PM