Harvesting Hearts in Vietnam: Journey to Eli and Emily

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!

Saturday, January 12, 2008

Journey to Eli and Emily

Latest Pictures of Eli and Emily
Eli is 17 monthes old in this picture and 22 monthes now
Emily is 5 monthes old in this picture and 7 monthes old now

7 comments:

Rebecca said...: Sherri,
Your children are so beautiful! We are praying for you and your family--safe travels!
Love,
Becca; January 13, 2008 6:15 AM
trinity said...: I love the way you did the website! It looks great! There couldn't be a better title for it than "Harvesting Hearts In Vietnam". It's so exciting to think that in just 2 weeks they'll be in your arms!; January 13, 2008 11:10 AM
Karen said...: Jeff and Sherri,
I have been keeping tabs on your journey through Grandma Beth. This is all so exciting. I have been praying for you since the day that I found out about the adoption. I will be praying that you all get on the same flight and that everything will go smooth as you bring Emily and Eli to their new home. I have many friends who have adopted children from other countries and what a blessing it has been to them. I know that Jesus is going to be glorified through all of this. Emily and Eli are going to be a big blessing to all who meet them. Have a safe trip and know that I am praying. Hugs to all, Karen (classmate of Grandma Beth ); January 14, 2008 5:21 PM
*Our Little Angels from Vietnam* said...: How exciting! You'll soon be holding your babies! Yeaaa!!! I can't wait till we have our babies too and they can play with Emily and Eli. I know this is so emotional (believe me I know!) but God is our strength and great Peace-giver. We will make it through this by His Grace. The thought of holding our precious little babies is motivation too! You are in my prayers everyday. I'm so excited for Emily and Eli to be in your wonderful family! I will not stop praying for you until you are all safely back home. Love, Paula Davis; January 14, 2008 8:54 PM
The St. John family said...: I'm so glad you got a blog started! I love the title! I hope you are able to post some updates from VN. We will keep you in our prayers as you travel. Oh, how exciting that you will very soon be holding little Eli and Emily in your arms! Give Faith a big hug for us if you can.

Love,
Jennifer; January 15, 2008 8:50 AM
darcik said...: Hello Sherri,
Today as I was ordering materials, a scrap of paper with the title of an English/Vietnamese counting book fell out of a journal. I had written it down months ago and hadn't ordered it yet. I searched for some others then and found some cute board and picture books and a music/language CD. When you return and have settled in, stop by to check them out if you'd like.
Then tonight after the game I saw this link on Becca's blog. Tay said you were leaving earlier than expected also. If we can do anything to help, we are happy to do it. If it involves the barns, then Tay is happy to do it, I mean. :) I wasn't much help last time I was in them as I recall!
Have a wonderful adventure-
~Darci; January 15, 2008 8:03 PM
Randy and Candy said...: Hi Jeff and Sherri,

You are in our thoughts and prayers. We hope you have a wonderful trip and adventure! Godspeed!

Randy and Candy; January 16, 2008 1:59 PM