Harvesting Hearts in Vietnam: Last Post from Ho Chi Minh

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 26, 2008

Last Post from Ho Chi Minh

Don't know what internet availability will be like in Hanoi. Hope we will be able to post some. To be honest, it is difficult to get away from the kids (Eli and Emily) to post or email anything. Eli clings to Jeff at all times. I think the poor fellow is scared to death. Even when Jeff is holding him sometimes he cries. So much ajustment for them and us. Our kids are doing well and being very helpful. It is such a blessing to have them here. The growth in faith and maturity the have been very evident. They also wouldn't mind staying here a little longer. They are getting good at bargaining with the locals for item they wish to purchase. Yesterday Suzanne wanted a braclet, the lady told her it was 3 US Dollars, Suzi said 1 USD, the lady said 2 USD and Suzi said no 1 USD, and the lady took her 1USD and gave her the bracelet. Clay and Erin have done their share of bargaining to we just haven't witnessed it. They are getting pretty good at crossing the streets here to. Believe me this is no small task here. It seems like there is a million motorcycles on the streets at all times. It seems like mass confusion on the streets to us but we are getting used to it. We comforted our tummies a little last night with Pizza Hut. It was delicious. Hopefully I will be able to post from Hanoi, but if not we will be home Saturday late p.m. (The Good Lord Willing)
We love you all, thanks for your prayers!!!!!!
Jeff and Sherri

5 comments:

Charissa said...: I am so jealous that you brought your kids with you!! I'm missing mine terribly, and we have about two more weeks here! Sounds like things are going well. THANK YOU for your prayers! I hope you have been back to see the wonderful outcome. She is coming home with us!!! Hooray!; January 27, 2008 4:46 AM
Reid's said...: SF...we can't wait to meet your new additions!! Have a safe trip home. See you soon! Love, The Reid's; January 27, 2008 7:19 AM
Julie said...: Sherri- By the time you read this you will have hit the BIG 40!! At least in Vietnam it will be Jan. 28th. I hope you have a great birthday and enjoy the day with your family. The kids loved the story about Suzi, I am glad they are enjoying the trip. We hope you can send messages from Hanoi. We will be looking for them!

Curt, Julie, Jared, Mandy & Sara; January 27, 2008 7:32 AM
The St. John family said...: We are checking for updates every morning and love hearing what the latest is. I'm glad it sounds like everyone is having a good trip. Praise the Lord!

We continue to lift each of you up in prayer... especially little Eli.

I noticed that your time at the orphanage seemed to be VERY brief. I was hoping they would allow us to spend a little time there, but maybe that's not going to be the case. I would love to talk to you when you get back, if you have time before we travel.

Enjoy your time in Hanoi!

Happy Birthday Sherri! This is a birthday you should never forget. :)

Jennifer; January 27, 2008 12:28 PM
Lori said...: We are so happy to hear all your news! We think of you so often and pray for you all. Thank you for praying for us...we feel the prayers and are doing well. We are so excited to see you all again!! Our prayers will continue to be with you!
Lori and family; January 27, 2008 7:18 PM