We had a good start to our day because we actually got to sleep through the night! Emalee slept from 9 p.m. until 7 a.m. We were very pleased to get some sleep. She did cry a lot yesterday and hardly napped in the day time. There's a certain cry that's called the "grieving" cry. I had been told about it from other adoption friends of mine, but didn't know what it would be like until Emalee started grieving yesterday. It's a heart breaking and very sad cry. There's a distinct difference in that cry compared to her "I'm hungry" cry, etc. Like I said yesterday there's nothing to soothe her except to hold her and let her get it out. She does seem to be very comforted by being in my baby carrier so I wound up carrying her for about 4-5 hours yesterday. We're trying to limit her company to help her transition. Thank you to all my friends & family that understand this! We really appreciate it!
If you scroll all the way down to the bottom of this page I posted two pictures today. The first one is Brian holding Emalee in Korea for the first time and the next one is a picture I took of her on the jet smiling at Brian...she loves her daddy! Psalm 112 should be happy to see some pics! Whoever you are would you please identify yourself???
David and Jacob are doing really well today. Yesterday was a little rough on one of them because I was very occupied with Emalee. Today she has been really good and content, so that has helped me to have more time to spend with the boys today. Brian also took the boys out today for some Daddy time. They love their daddy too!
Friday, March 30, 2007
Thursday, March 29, 2007
We're Home!
I finally have a little time to write today. Brian is playing with Emalee right now. The boys are at Chuck E. Cheese with a friend of mine.
We're getting some sleep. Not much at a time, but some. Emalee slept in her crib last night from 9-11 then got up for a bottle and stayed awake until 12:30 a.m. She's doing most of her grieving cry around this time. She'll wake up on and off and just do this sad little cry. There's nothing that can console her...she just has to cry it out for a few minutes then she'll fall asleep again. She had another bottle at 4 a.m. and then slept until 9 a.m. She's been awake since then. I'm sure another nap is around the corner.
She's a little bitty thing. I actually have her in a size 1 diaper right now! She weighs about 14 pounds and only has 4 oz. of formula about every 3 hours. Her personality is so precious. She likes to laugh and talk to us. I think that she'll adjust rather quickly. Probably a few weeks and she'll be settled in well.
Thanks to all of you that showed up at the airport. It made a very special day even more special for us. We feel very loved by all of you. Also, thanks to those that got gifts for Emalee, David and Jacob. The boys liked all their presents and I think they felt special too!
I'm getting spoiled by all the great dinners we receiving. I may never want to cook again!
Thanks for taking care of our family during this transition. We really appreciate your kindness and generosity. We're very blessed!
Have a wonderful day!
We're getting some sleep. Not much at a time, but some. Emalee slept in her crib last night from 9-11 then got up for a bottle and stayed awake until 12:30 a.m. She's doing most of her grieving cry around this time. She'll wake up on and off and just do this sad little cry. There's nothing that can console her...she just has to cry it out for a few minutes then she'll fall asleep again. She had another bottle at 4 a.m. and then slept until 9 a.m. She's been awake since then. I'm sure another nap is around the corner.
She's a little bitty thing. I actually have her in a size 1 diaper right now! She weighs about 14 pounds and only has 4 oz. of formula about every 3 hours. Her personality is so precious. She likes to laugh and talk to us. I think that she'll adjust rather quickly. Probably a few weeks and she'll be settled in well.
Thanks to all of you that showed up at the airport. It made a very special day even more special for us. We feel very loved by all of you. Also, thanks to those that got gifts for Emalee, David and Jacob. The boys liked all their presents and I think they felt special too!
I'm getting spoiled by all the great dinners we receiving. I may never want to cook again!
Thanks for taking care of our family during this transition. We really appreciate your kindness and generosity. We're very blessed!
Have a wonderful day!
Monday, March 26, 2007
Email From Heather
Hi! This is Laura, Heather's sister! I got this email from Heather tonight and thought I would post it on here. Isn't God Awesome? Please remember to Pray for the Nothnagel's as they travel home. Heather, I will add my own prayer on here for you all. Thanks for letting me blog for you! I enjoyed it. After my prayer, I'll turn your blog back over to you and your password is now erased from my mind! LOL!
Laura,
It's 8:27 a.m. and just thought I'd tell some family member that we're leaving our hotel and going to get Emalee now!
Love you! Heather
Heavenly Father, I lift my sister and her family up to you as they start their journey home. Thank you God for giving them Emalee and for weaving this family together like only You could do. Thank you Father that You call them Yours. I thank You for giving Emalee a foster mother that loves her so much. Please be with her and fill her heart with Your love as Emalee leaves her to be with the family that you have chosen for her. I also pray Father that you fill the emptiness in Emalee's birth mother's heart and that somehow she would know God that Emalee is loved so very much. Thank You for this birth mother and the gift that she has given us. Thank you God for giving all of us a new joy and this wonderful new life to share with Heather and Brian. Please, God, just wrap your loving arms around this family as they begin bonding with eachother and growing in Your love. I ask that You just gently carry them in your hands as you bring them back to us. I also ask Lord, that you be with David and Jacob and help them to grow close to Emalee. Father, please be with Emalee as she travels and adjusts to her new life and family.
In Jesus name I pray, Amen
Laura,
It's 8:27 a.m. and just thought I'd tell some family member that we're leaving our hotel and going to get Emalee now!
Love you! Heather
Heavenly Father, I lift my sister and her family up to you as they start their journey home. Thank you God for giving them Emalee and for weaving this family together like only You could do. Thank you Father that You call them Yours. I thank You for giving Emalee a foster mother that loves her so much. Please be with her and fill her heart with Your love as Emalee leaves her to be with the family that you have chosen for her. I also pray Father that you fill the emptiness in Emalee's birth mother's heart and that somehow she would know God that Emalee is loved so very much. Thank You for this birth mother and the gift that she has given us. Thank you God for giving all of us a new joy and this wonderful new life to share with Heather and Brian. Please, God, just wrap your loving arms around this family as they begin bonding with eachother and growing in Your love. I ask that You just gently carry them in your hands as you bring them back to us. I also ask Lord, that you be with David and Jacob and help them to grow close to Emalee. Father, please be with Emalee as she travels and adjusts to her new life and family.
In Jesus name I pray, Amen
We Met Emalee!!!!!!
Emalee and her foster mother
Brian giving Emalee her first daddy kiss
Heather giving Emalee her first mommy kiss
Heather finally getting to gaze in Emalee's face and wiping up some baby drool!Hello Everyone! What a wonderful day today has been! We went to Eastern at 9:45 this morning and met with the intake worker, Mrs. Park and received Emalee's passport and visa.
At 10:00 we met with the two Dr. Kim's (Jr. and Sr.) Our meeting with them was very nice. The meeting with Dr. Kim Sr. was very touching. He kept telling us thank you. He was pleased that we came to Korea to experience some of the culture here. We could tell that it was very important to him that we did that. He got teary during our meeting and we could tell that he truly has a heart for the orphan. He's a wonderful man of God. He told us that 45,000 orphans have found homes through Eastern since it was founded.
After our meeting with the Dr. Kims we walked down the hall to another room to meet Emalee. As we walked down the hall we spotted her! Our social worker lead us into the meeting room and then Emalee and her foster mother came in. Emalee was in a carrier on her foster mother's back. She was wearing the sweater that I sent her in January and a knitted white hat that her foster mother had made for her.
After we were introduced the foster mother handed her to me (Heather). I cried and kissed and hugged and told her how pretty she was and how much we all love her. I couldn't be happier! She is so cute and such a sweet and easy going baby. She never fussed the whole time we were with her. I held her up in the air and she smiled at me. Such a sweet smile! She seems very happy and content. Her foster mother said that she really only cries when she's hungry and said she thought she'd do well on the flight home.
Brian held her next. Emalee seems to really like Brian a lot. She smiled and laughed with him quite a bit. Her foster mother said that she seems to take to men better. Brian said that she's won his heart forever. She sucks on her hand a lot...she even chewed on Heather's finger a bit. She's a drooler! The foster mother said that Emalee will probably like David and Jacob a lot too!
After Brian held her I took her again and Emalee's foster mother, Mrs. Kim, started crying. She loves Emalee so much and it really showed. She's had seven foster babies, but Emalee is the first girl that she's ever had, so Emalee was very special to her. We're just amazed at the love she's shown Emalee and so grateful for it. We could never thank her enough. She will be in our hearts always!
We gave gifts to Mrs. Kim and then she gave us a hanbok for Emalee and a photo album of pictures that have been taken since she's had her. The photos are priceless since they are all we have of Emalee since she's been born other than the 3 we got from our agency. We also got a necklace for Emalee. It has the Korean flag on one side and on the other side Emalee's birthdate and her Korean name inscribed in hangul. This will be something to always treasure!
It was very hard to give her back when our visit ended. I had to give her more kisses and more hugs! Emalee was strapped to Mrs. Kim's back and then they left the building. It was a beautiful day and a wonderful meeting with our precious baby!
After our meeting with Emalee we had a traditional Korean lunch with Dr. Kim Sr. and other staff at Eastern. We sat at a table with Tricia and Charlie Morgan who are from TX. to adopt their daughter. There was a couple from Australia adopting a baby that we sat with too. There was an adult adoptee who was back visiting and a Dad with his 2 adopted children from Massachusetts here doing a home land tour. It was nice to sit and visit with all these other families and share in eachothers joy.
We will go to Eastern again at 8:40 in the morning. Dr. Kim Sr. will pray over Emalee and us and then we'll get her and go to the airport! Our flight leaves Korea at noon, we land in Chicago and have a layover there for awhile and should be home around 4:45 Tuesday evening.
We ask that you please keep Emalee's foster mother in your prayers. She's going to have a very difficult time tomorrow! She's a very sweet and wonderful woman. Also, please pray that our flights are not cancelled! And of course please pray that Emalee does well on the flight.
We love you all and will see you Tuesday!
Love,
Brian and Heather
At 10:00 we met with the two Dr. Kim's (Jr. and Sr.) Our meeting with them was very nice. The meeting with Dr. Kim Sr. was very touching. He kept telling us thank you. He was pleased that we came to Korea to experience some of the culture here. We could tell that it was very important to him that we did that. He got teary during our meeting and we could tell that he truly has a heart for the orphan. He's a wonderful man of God. He told us that 45,000 orphans have found homes through Eastern since it was founded.
After our meeting with the Dr. Kims we walked down the hall to another room to meet Emalee. As we walked down the hall we spotted her! Our social worker lead us into the meeting room and then Emalee and her foster mother came in. Emalee was in a carrier on her foster mother's back. She was wearing the sweater that I sent her in January and a knitted white hat that her foster mother had made for her.
After we were introduced the foster mother handed her to me (Heather). I cried and kissed and hugged and told her how pretty she was and how much we all love her. I couldn't be happier! She is so cute and such a sweet and easy going baby. She never fussed the whole time we were with her. I held her up in the air and she smiled at me. Such a sweet smile! She seems very happy and content. Her foster mother said that she really only cries when she's hungry and said she thought she'd do well on the flight home.
Brian held her next. Emalee seems to really like Brian a lot. She smiled and laughed with him quite a bit. Her foster mother said that she seems to take to men better. Brian said that she's won his heart forever. She sucks on her hand a lot...she even chewed on Heather's finger a bit. She's a drooler! The foster mother said that Emalee will probably like David and Jacob a lot too!
After Brian held her I took her again and Emalee's foster mother, Mrs. Kim, started crying. She loves Emalee so much and it really showed. She's had seven foster babies, but Emalee is the first girl that she's ever had, so Emalee was very special to her. We're just amazed at the love she's shown Emalee and so grateful for it. We could never thank her enough. She will be in our hearts always!
We gave gifts to Mrs. Kim and then she gave us a hanbok for Emalee and a photo album of pictures that have been taken since she's had her. The photos are priceless since they are all we have of Emalee since she's been born other than the 3 we got from our agency. We also got a necklace for Emalee. It has the Korean flag on one side and on the other side Emalee's birthdate and her Korean name inscribed in hangul. This will be something to always treasure!
It was very hard to give her back when our visit ended. I had to give her more kisses and more hugs! Emalee was strapped to Mrs. Kim's back and then they left the building. It was a beautiful day and a wonderful meeting with our precious baby!
After our meeting with Emalee we had a traditional Korean lunch with Dr. Kim Sr. and other staff at Eastern. We sat at a table with Tricia and Charlie Morgan who are from TX. to adopt their daughter. There was a couple from Australia adopting a baby that we sat with too. There was an adult adoptee who was back visiting and a Dad with his 2 adopted children from Massachusetts here doing a home land tour. It was nice to sit and visit with all these other families and share in eachothers joy.
We will go to Eastern again at 8:40 in the morning. Dr. Kim Sr. will pray over Emalee and us and then we'll get her and go to the airport! Our flight leaves Korea at noon, we land in Chicago and have a layover there for awhile and should be home around 4:45 Tuesday evening.
We ask that you please keep Emalee's foster mother in your prayers. She's going to have a very difficult time tomorrow! She's a very sweet and wonderful woman. Also, please pray that our flights are not cancelled! And of course please pray that Emalee does well on the flight.
We love you all and will see you Tuesday!
Love,
Brian and Heather
Sunday, March 25, 2007
Sunday In Seoul
Hello Everyone!
It's Sunday evening at 8 p.m. right now. We've had a busy day being tourists. This morning we went to Seoul Station and Lotte Mart and Pizza Hut and a palace (can't remember the name right now.)
Seoul Station is comparable to Grand Central Station. There are a lot of people there coming and going. We saw quite few S. Korean military men there.
Lotte Mart is like a Target/Walmart Super Center. We got to observe Koreans in their every day lives. It's 2 stories tall and has an escalator w/o stairs, more like a ramp so shopping carts can go up and down. It was pretty neat.
At the palace we witnessed the changing of the guards ceremony. We really are not sure about much of this, but enjoyed the sightseeing of it.
This evening we went to Seoul Tower. It is a major tourist attraction in Seoul. We went to the top of it and could see the whole city. Unfortunately, it's very over cast here but it was neat too! The tower is the 3rd tallest tower in the world.
Have you every tried Bulgogi Pizza at Pizza Hut? We didn't risk it, but it looked good. We're trying not to eat too much of the ethnic foods here. Some of them look really yummy, but we're afraid of getting sick and don't want to be sick when we bring a new baby home. We did try Bipbimbap on the airplane. It's okay, but we're not crazy about eating seaweed.
We're calling it a day now! Our legs are sore from walking so much today.
Anyway, we'll meet Dr. Kim Sr. and Jr. at 10 a.m. tomorrow. They are the founders of Eastern. Then at 11 a.m. we'll meet Emalee and her foster parents. We can't wait! After meeting Emalee we think we'll be having lunch at Eastern. We hear that there are several other staff members that we'll meet during lunch. If there's enough time after that we may rock the babies again.
We both thank you so much for all the prayers. Tomorrow will be another emotional day for us. It's been such a blessing to experience the people and culture of our daughter's birth country. We're so glad that we'll be able to answer some of the many questions that she may be asking some day. This is a beautiful country with a rich culture.
We love you all!
Brian and Heather
It's Sunday evening at 8 p.m. right now. We've had a busy day being tourists. This morning we went to Seoul Station and Lotte Mart and Pizza Hut and a palace (can't remember the name right now.)
Seoul Station is comparable to Grand Central Station. There are a lot of people there coming and going. We saw quite few S. Korean military men there.
Lotte Mart is like a Target/Walmart Super Center. We got to observe Koreans in their every day lives. It's 2 stories tall and has an escalator w/o stairs, more like a ramp so shopping carts can go up and down. It was pretty neat.
At the palace we witnessed the changing of the guards ceremony. We really are not sure about much of this, but enjoyed the sightseeing of it.
This evening we went to Seoul Tower. It is a major tourist attraction in Seoul. We went to the top of it and could see the whole city. Unfortunately, it's very over cast here but it was neat too! The tower is the 3rd tallest tower in the world.
Have you every tried Bulgogi Pizza at Pizza Hut? We didn't risk it, but it looked good. We're trying not to eat too much of the ethnic foods here. Some of them look really yummy, but we're afraid of getting sick and don't want to be sick when we bring a new baby home. We did try Bipbimbap on the airplane. It's okay, but we're not crazy about eating seaweed.
We're calling it a day now! Our legs are sore from walking so much today.
Anyway, we'll meet Dr. Kim Sr. and Jr. at 10 a.m. tomorrow. They are the founders of Eastern. Then at 11 a.m. we'll meet Emalee and her foster parents. We can't wait! After meeting Emalee we think we'll be having lunch at Eastern. We hear that there are several other staff members that we'll meet during lunch. If there's enough time after that we may rock the babies again.
We both thank you so much for all the prayers. Tomorrow will be another emotional day for us. It's been such a blessing to experience the people and culture of our daughter's birth country. We're so glad that we'll be able to answer some of the many questions that she may be asking some day. This is a beautiful country with a rich culture.
We love you all!
Brian and Heather
Saturday, March 24, 2007
This Is Not Heather, but as close to her as you can get right now!
Hi everyone! This is Laura, Heathers sister. She is unable to post to this blog so she is emailing her posts to me and I am maintaining her blog while she is away. I will try to check my mail as much as possible and get her next blog up quickly. She is unable to reply to your comments right now, but if you wish to leave her comments please do so as I have set this up for her to receive them via email. I know she would love to hear from you all! As you can tell, they are doing well and having a good time. The best time will be when they get to hold Emalee and take her home!
More News From Korea!
Good morning everybody! It's 9:25 p.m. here and we're getting ready to call it a day! We're really upset about the calling card. We've tried everything and just can't seem to get a call to go through. (Laura, you can put this on the blog if you want)
We managed to conquer Seoul's subway system today! What an adventure! We went to Namdaemun market today. This place was huge! It's a place that has a lot of shops on the street and vendors in the middle of the street. Brian and I are guessing that the market covers about 8-10 square city blocks like we have in Spfd. It's packed with people walking shoulder to shoulder. We got some souveneirs there and got Emalee a hanbok (traditional korean outfit) to wear for her 1 year old pics.
The people here are very, very nice to us. They all dress very nice too. We actually feel kind of scummy in our jeans and t-shirts. They all wear suits, dresses, slacks. Almost all the women wear heels...even with all the walking that they do here! We were on the subway when high schoolers got out of school. We noticed that they are very "in" to their clothes, shoes and ipods...just like our american teens.
When walking on the sidewalks people are very pushy, but other than that we have no complaints. In the stores they are very helpful and eager to please. We can tell that they have a lot of pride in their work. In the dept. store that we were at early today there were so many employees ready to assist us it was amazing! They literally stood waiting to apply customer service. A quality we don't get much in the U.S. anymore.
We met 2 Canadians today. One teaches english in a university here and his father was here visiting him. It was nice to speak to someone in English today. We also met a few of our service men here. They were helpful in giving us directions.
Well, off to bed for the night!
Love you all,
Heather and Brian
We managed to conquer Seoul's subway system today! What an adventure! We went to Namdaemun market today. This place was huge! It's a place that has a lot of shops on the street and vendors in the middle of the street. Brian and I are guessing that the market covers about 8-10 square city blocks like we have in Spfd. It's packed with people walking shoulder to shoulder. We got some souveneirs there and got Emalee a hanbok (traditional korean outfit) to wear for her 1 year old pics.
The people here are very, very nice to us. They all dress very nice too. We actually feel kind of scummy in our jeans and t-shirts. They all wear suits, dresses, slacks. Almost all the women wear heels...even with all the walking that they do here! We were on the subway when high schoolers got out of school. We noticed that they are very "in" to their clothes, shoes and ipods...just like our american teens.
When walking on the sidewalks people are very pushy, but other than that we have no complaints. In the stores they are very helpful and eager to please. We can tell that they have a lot of pride in their work. In the dept. store that we were at early today there were so many employees ready to assist us it was amazing! They literally stood waiting to apply customer service. A quality we don't get much in the U.S. anymore.
We met 2 Canadians today. One teaches english in a university here and his father was here visiting him. It was nice to speak to someone in English today. We also met a few of our service men here. They were helpful in giving us directions.
Well, off to bed for the night!
Love you all,
Heather and Brian
Friday, March 23, 2007
News from Korea
We made it to Korea! Our original flight to Chicago go cancelled so we were rerouted to Dallas and flew from there to Seoul. By the time we made it to Seoul we had been awake 24 hours straight. I think we each dozed on the jet maybe 1-2 hours each. It was so hard to sleep because we were so excited!
It's noon on Saturday here. We get to meet Emalee on Monday at 10 a.m. (Sunday at 8 p.m. Missouri time). Today we went to the adoption agency she's been cared through (Eastern Social Welfare Society). We each got to go to the baby nursery and hold and feed babies. Heather got to hold a girl and she looked a lot like Emalee's referral picture. It was a very emotional time! Brian got to hold a boy. Both babies were so sweet and couldn't have been much older than a couple weeks. There are about 25 babies in the nursery waiting for a home. Very heart breaking. The nursery workers remembered Emalee after we showed her picture to them.
We went to the Hyundai Dept. store awhile ago. It's very high dollar. We also found 7-11, Outback steak house, KFC, Pizza Hut, Dunkin' Donuts, etc. I don't think we'll starve. Everything around here smells like kimchi and isn't setting well with Heather's sense of smell.
Well, we're very tired. We'll write as much as we can. Thanks for the prayers!
Love,
Brian and Heather
It's noon on Saturday here. We get to meet Emalee on Monday at 10 a.m. (Sunday at 8 p.m. Missouri time). Today we went to the adoption agency she's been cared through (Eastern Social Welfare Society). We each got to go to the baby nursery and hold and feed babies. Heather got to hold a girl and she looked a lot like Emalee's referral picture. It was a very emotional time! Brian got to hold a boy. Both babies were so sweet and couldn't have been much older than a couple weeks. There are about 25 babies in the nursery waiting for a home. Very heart breaking. The nursery workers remembered Emalee after we showed her picture to them.
We went to the Hyundai Dept. store awhile ago. It's very high dollar. We also found 7-11, Outback steak house, KFC, Pizza Hut, Dunkin' Donuts, etc. I don't think we'll starve. Everything around here smells like kimchi and isn't setting well with Heather's sense of smell.
Well, we're very tired. We'll write as much as we can. Thanks for the prayers!
Love,
Brian and Heather
Hello from Seoul, Korea!!!
Hello Everybody! We made it here. It's 8:25 a.m. right now here in Seoul on Saturday. So, it's 6:25 p.m. on Friday for you. We had quite a long flight getting here. Our flight out of Spfd. was cancelled to Chicago so we were re-routed to Dallas. They wanted us to fly to Tokyo, then Seoul, but luckily we found a flight straight out of Dallas to Seoul. Our flight left Dallas at 1:00 p.m. and we got to Seoul at about 5:30 p.m. the following day. It was about a 14.5 hour flight.
We didn't make it to our hotel until almost 9 p.m. and just did find the computer room. Brian is trying to call the U.S. while I'm in here writing this.
There is so much to write about already. Seoul is a very, very big city. Our driver said that there are 11 million people in Seoul. It's a lot like NYC here. People drive like complete maniacs!!! We don't think there are many traffic laws/speed limits...if so, then no one follows the laws. The only thing we've observed about drivers is that they do yield to pedestrians!
We're getting ready to take the subway down to our adoption agency. We had the same flight as Tricia and Charlie M. I think I mentioned them before.
Anyway, we get to meet Emalee at 10 a.m. on Monday morning. It will probably be the only time we get to see her until we leave Tuesday. It's a neat feeling knowing that we're in the same city that she's in right now!
We miss David and Jacob! I'll email you guys very soon and as soon as we figure out our calling card we'll give you a phone call!
Take care and we'll write again soon!
Love,
Brian and Heather
We didn't make it to our hotel until almost 9 p.m. and just did find the computer room. Brian is trying to call the U.S. while I'm in here writing this.
There is so much to write about already. Seoul is a very, very big city. Our driver said that there are 11 million people in Seoul. It's a lot like NYC here. People drive like complete maniacs!!! We don't think there are many traffic laws/speed limits...if so, then no one follows the laws. The only thing we've observed about drivers is that they do yield to pedestrians!
We're getting ready to take the subway down to our adoption agency. We had the same flight as Tricia and Charlie M. I think I mentioned them before.
Anyway, we get to meet Emalee at 10 a.m. on Monday morning. It will probably be the only time we get to see her until we leave Tuesday. It's a neat feeling knowing that we're in the same city that she's in right now!
We miss David and Jacob! I'll email you guys very soon and as soon as we figure out our calling card we'll give you a phone call!
Take care and we'll write again soon!
Love,
Brian and Heather
Wednesday, March 21, 2007
BEAUTY FROM ASHES!
What a day! All the last minute things have been done! We're getting ready to order dinner from Applebee's and play a game of UNO with the boys. After that they want to take a bike ride. I'm not sure if that will happen! : ) We're really going to miss them while we're gone! We have two great sets of parents that will be keeping them for us and we're so grateful for it!
Tomorrow is March 22. Thirteen years ago on that day I miscarried our first baby. This year I'll be traveling to get one. God is a God of detail, isn't He? He makes beauty from ashes!
The next time we write we'll be in KOREA!
Tomorrow is March 22. Thirteen years ago on that day I miscarried our first baby. This year I'll be traveling to get one. God is a God of detail, isn't He? He makes beauty from ashes!
The next time we write we'll be in KOREA!
Tuesday, March 20, 2007
I'M LEAVIN' ON A JET PLANE!!!
Tuesday, March 20, 2007
Our tickets are booked and as today's heading reads..."I'm leavin' on a jet plane!!!" We leave this Thursday 3/22 at 6:20 a.m. and we'll be back this coming Tuesday 3/27 at 4:48 p.m.
Today has been a day full of packing! I'm trying to fit everything into as few bags as possible. It's become quite a chore! I'm not having a problem with the checked luggage...it the carry on's that are difficult. There are so many items that we're taking that we just don't want to risk getting lost by checking them. I'm determined that everything WILL fit!
Another family through my adoption agency will arrive and leave Korea the same days that we are. I've been emailing back and forth with this cyber friend of mine for quite some time. We pretty much followed the same timeline and it was so nice to have someone to share it with. Now we'll get to meet in person. I think it's funny that we're going half way around the world to meet when she and I are only about 9 hours apart here in the U.S.
Our tickets are booked and as today's heading reads..."I'm leavin' on a jet plane!!!" We leave this Thursday 3/22 at 6:20 a.m. and we'll be back this coming Tuesday 3/27 at 4:48 p.m.
Today has been a day full of packing! I'm trying to fit everything into as few bags as possible. It's become quite a chore! I'm not having a problem with the checked luggage...it the carry on's that are difficult. There are so many items that we're taking that we just don't want to risk getting lost by checking them. I'm determined that everything WILL fit!
Another family through my adoption agency will arrive and leave Korea the same days that we are. I've been emailing back and forth with this cyber friend of mine for quite some time. We pretty much followed the same timeline and it was so nice to have someone to share it with. Now we'll get to meet in person. I think it's funny that we're going half way around the world to meet when she and I are only about 9 hours apart here in the U.S.
Monday, March 19, 2007
WE HAVE TRAVEL CLEARANCE!!!!!!!!!
The phone rang at 8:45 this morning with a call from my agency saying that we had travel clearance!!!!!! I'm so excited!!! We're working on booking our flights right now. We're hoping to fly out on Wed. or Thurs. and return next week on Mon. or Tues. I'll update when I know what's happening for sure! Have a great day everyone!!!
Someone asked what our adoption timeline looked like so I've listed the highlights. Within all of this there was fundraising, fingerprints, adoption classes, CPR, immigration approval, etc. I didn't think I'd list all of those.
Nov. 2004 Started praying about adopting
Feb. 26, 2005 Decided to take the plunge and start adoption procedures
Mar. 31 2005 Sent in first application to our agency
Aug. 22, 2005 Homestudy was approved/put on waiting for referral list
Dec. 20, 2006 Got our referral of Emalee
Mar. 19, 2007 Travel Clearance
Someone asked what our adoption timeline looked like so I've listed the highlights. Within all of this there was fundraising, fingerprints, adoption classes, CPR, immigration approval, etc. I didn't think I'd list all of those.
Nov. 2004 Started praying about adopting
Feb. 26, 2005 Decided to take the plunge and start adoption procedures
Mar. 31 2005 Sent in first application to our agency
Aug. 22, 2005 Homestudy was approved/put on waiting for referral list
Dec. 20, 2006 Got our referral of Emalee
Mar. 19, 2007 Travel Clearance
Sunday, March 18, 2007
Sunday, the day before Monday
The weekend is almost over. In the adoption world this is a good thing since the phone never rings on the weekend. It is Monday, 8:10 a.m. in Korea and I'm hoping that somebody over there is working on getting us a travel call for this week.
Although I would liked to have had my TC (travel call) this past week, it worked out well that I didn't. I attended a baby shower for a friend of mine today that is expecting triplets...all girls! I really didn't want to miss it and I'm glad I got to go. Also, Jacob has a concert tomorrow night and we'll be able to go to it. It will make him happy that we can go!
While I was at the baby shower Brian decided to clean out our tornado room in the basement. Since we've already had a tornado warning this spring he decided it would be a good thing to get done.
Well, I'm off to help David study for tomorrow's spelling test!
Although I would liked to have had my TC (travel call) this past week, it worked out well that I didn't. I attended a baby shower for a friend of mine today that is expecting triplets...all girls! I really didn't want to miss it and I'm glad I got to go. Also, Jacob has a concert tomorrow night and we'll be able to go to it. It will make him happy that we can go!
While I was at the baby shower Brian decided to clean out our tornado room in the basement. Since we've already had a tornado warning this spring he decided it would be a good thing to get done.
Well, I'm off to help David study for tomorrow's spelling test!
Saturday, March 17, 2007
MY NEW BLOG!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Today is the first day of my new blog. I've wanted to create a blog for quite awhile, but the thought of it was overwhelming to me. Luckily, my sister, Laura, knows what she is doing and is helping me.
The main reason for this blog is for me to write to my family and friends while we're in Korea. I'm happy that I can do this. But until the time comes to travel I'll post some of my journal entries that I've written over the last 2 years. This has been an incredible journey and we've shared it with many of you. I hope these entries give you some insight to just how amazing the Lord has been to us since we started our adoption process. It's a lot to read, so don't feel like you have to read it if you don't want to!
Sunday, July 17, 2005
Yesterday we had our first home study. I finally feel as if we are one step closer to our daughter. I am still in amazement that this is even happening and feel so blessed to be part of this miracle. We have been trying to decide on a name and I’m pretty sure it will be Emalee. It’s a pretty name. Emma means “beloved” and Lee is in both Brian’s middle names and mine. So we combined the two together and will give her Korean name to her for her middle name.
Our caseworker said he thinks we should be on the waiting list by mid/late August. It will still be quite a few months before we get to meet our daughter, but I feel that she has been born in my heart for a long time already. I’m amazed at the love I already have for her and can’t wait to hold her.
There are so many things to do before Emalee comes home. David and Jacob will both be going to school this fall. While they’re in school I’m going to try to get photo albums, baby books, etc. done while I have time to work on them. I’m also trying really hard to reassure the boys that they are still loved by us as much as ever! I think David is struggling a little bit with the idea of another sibling and just needs a lot of love and reassurance right now.
Monday, July 25, 2005
We completed our second home study visit yesterday. Our caseworkers name is Bill G. He said he definitely approved us and will write up his report ASAP! We should hear from our agency, Dillon, in a few weeks. He said that we should probably have a baby by Christmas 2006 just as a general guideline. Hopefully it will be sooner than that. I went to Target today and bought a doll for Emalee. It’s an Asian Fisher Price doll and I just couldn’t pass it up!
Friday, August 26, 2005
It finally came today! We are officially on the girl’s waiting list as of August 22. It’s a relief just to be on the list and to know that this is really going to happen. Now we just need to get our passports, go to Kansas City to get fingerprints done and complete my online parenting classes.
September 19, 2005
I can’t believe that David has turned 10 years old! He seems to be doing very well in school and they are working to help him learn better. Jacob has had to adjust to going to Kindergarten. He’s very smart and likes to learn, but he’s been getting really tired. He misses being home and has been testing the teacher a little bit learning to adjust. I’m sure this will pass!
October 11, 2005
We got our passports last week! So, we’re ready to travel now whenever the call comes. Now I just have to do my CPR and internet classes.
Jacob lost his first tooth yesterday and was very excited about it! He came home from school telling me all about it…that was sooo cute!
October 14, 2005
Ephesians 1:4-6
For He chose us in Him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in His sight. In love He predestined us to be adopted as His sons through Jesus Christ, in accordance with His pleasure and will—to the praise of His glorious grace, which He has freely given us in the One He loves.
October 16, 2005
Today has been a good day. It’s been a day full of celebration as my parents celebrated their 40th anniversary today. I’m very thankful for that and am so proud of them for achieving this in their marriage. We held a reception for them at their church and several friends and family came to congratulate them. I think mom and dad had a good time.
November 13, 2005
1 Peter 5:7
Cast all your anxiety on Him for He cares for you.
Today I got a letter in the mail from Shaohannah’s Hope. It said that our request was being reviewed and they asked for copies of our 2003-2004 tax returns. I just hope and pray that something comes from this.
The Lord has been working on me this past week on trusting Him to supply our needs. This subject seems to be a continuing lesson in my life and every time I get through one trial or circumstance it seems like the next one is a little bigger than the last. I know in my heart that everything will work out fine in the end, now I’ve just got to get that message through to my head.
November 21, 2005
Hebrews 10:23
Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful.
Hebrews 11:1
Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.
A lot of families have gotten their (TC) Travel Clearance this week. It’s been encouraging to see!
January 2, 2006
I can’t believe it’s already 2006! This year is going to bring a lot of excitement to our family as we will get a referral for Emalee and maybe go get her as well. We’re praying that the Lord will supply the rest of the funds that we need. This has been our biggest act of faith since the boys were born. I’m praying for a miracle and believing one will happen! I’m still amazed that clear across the world there’s a baby meant to be my daughter. I never thought I’d have a girl, but it looks like God has other plans. I’m glad His ways are not my ways!
January 3, 2006
I didn’t have much time to write yesterday but there was something I have thought about that I just wanted to write down.
The boys and I were getting ready to go to Walmart and as Jacob turned about to walk out the door I noticed that David had taped a sign on his back that said “$1,000.” I thought that was funny and started thinking that if I were a big brother trying to get rid of my younger brother I would have put “free” on the sign. As I thought about that the Holy Spirit whispered to me, “Heather, you were bought with a price.” I won’t ever understand it, but for some reason the Lord thought of me enough to give His own life for me. He paid the ransom for me. This was a neat thought the Lord gave me to start the new year out on. The next part of that verse is this:
1Cor. 7:23 You were bought with a price, do not become slaves of men.
It reminded me just Who it is that I serve and why. When I think of what He paid for me it makes me feel even more glad to be a slave of God. In the price He paid for me He also set me free. Free from sin (Rom. 6:7) and the law of sin and death (Rom. 8:2)
How gracious and merciful you are to me, oh God. Thank You for adopting me and giving me freedom in You. Remind me that it’s You I serve and not men. Thank You for freeing me from my sin Lord. Thank You for setting me free!
January 10, 2006
I decided to be brave today. I called to check the status of the Shaohannah’s Hope grant that we applied for. The lady I spoke with told me that they had just mailed letters out the day before. She checked on our file and it said that we got a grant! I’m so thrilled! I did some figuring and with the grant, our tax return and savings we have about 65% of our expenses covered. There’s one more grant I’m going to apply for but this one was a HUGE answer to prayer.
January 17, 2006
I’m overwhelmed as I write this because one of my biggest prayers has been answered! Jacob asked Jesus in his heart tonight! He’s been thinking about it for a long time and decided that tonight would be the night! He asked me before supper when a good day would be and I told him any day that he felt God wanting him to would be a good day. A couple hours later he came in the living room saying that he would like to ask Jesus in his heart tonight. So, we all four knelt down at the couch with him and I lead him in prayer. It was a sweet moment.
Thank you, Jesus, for saving both of my sons! I pray that their lives bring glory to Your name. Draw them near to You, Lord, and help me and Brian to guide them and teach them in Your ways.
January 18, 2006
It’s funny how I seem to learn so many spiritual lessons from my kids. Here’s the latest…Jacob came home from school today and as soon as Brian came home Jacob ran up to him and said, “Daddy, I sinned today.” After pondering on that for a couple of hours the Lord spoke to me. “How many times do you run confessing your sin to Me?” So many times I run and hide from my Daddy instead of running toward Him. God reminded me that his love never fails and that He’s always ready to embrace me in His arms and forgive me. I just need to run to Him!
Thank you, Father for Your unfailing love. Thank You for providing forgiveness when I sin. Help me to seek You when I feel like hiding.
June 14, 2006
Another prayer for finances was answered today! I’m so totally thrilled and again in awe of how great our God is. He is faithful. Phil. 1:6 says, “He who began a good work in you will be faithful to complete it.” That’s just what He has done! Thank you, Lord Jesus, for answering our prayers. "My God is amazing, steady and unchanging; my God is a mountain firm beneath my feet. My God is a mystery, how you gently lead me, now I got this God song rising up in me…Hallelujah, Hallelujah, Hallelujah! Your love makes me sing!!!"
Sunday, June 18 2006
Today is Father’s Day. It also happens to be the first day of our summer vacation. We’re in Buchanan, Michigan right now getting ready to start our week of “Family Camp” with Life Action Ministries in the morning. It took us 11 hours to get here and we’re all really tired. The boys are trying to sleep, but they’re so excited it’s hard for them to do that. I must admit that after traveling all day I kind of have my second wind and am ready to do something. I guess I’ll go take my shower now.
June 21, 2006
Today was a good day. Actually, I’ve enjoyed the whole week. Yesterday we went to Warren Dunes right on Lake Michigan and let the boys play at the beach. They really had a great time. Tonight was “date night” so Brian and I went to St. Joseph, MI. to sight see. We walked out a pier to a lighthouse. There were a lot of sailboats out and it was really pretty. I was looking at all the sailboats coming in and was reminded of our theme verse for this week:
Matt. 5:16 Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven.
I was thinking of how the light was shining and leading the boats into harbor and how when our light shines for Jesus we help lead people to Him. It was a beautiful picture of God’s glory.
This is a good vacation. We’re learning a lot and having fun at the same time. The food is really good and I haven’t had to cook all week! I’m really glad we took this vacation!
July 20, 2006
We are so excited. Today we found out that David is going to the Jr. Olympic National competition in Colorado Springs, CO. I’ll be going with him Aug. 10-13 and it’s an all expense paid trip! He qualified because he was in the top 3 competitors in the United States for his age group and sport. This is really a neat thing to win. He’s really excited because we get to fly…I don’t think he realizes exactly what he’s won. I guess that will keep him from getting a big head.
Yesterday was a rough day. I found out that Korea is making more changes to its international adoption program that may be affecting us. It looks like referrals may take a lot longer to get as a result of the changes. Anyway, Korea is promoting domestic adoptions and beginning in Jan. 2007 they want babies to be at least 5 months old before they are referred over seas. This means that we may have to wait another 5 months AFTER Jan. 1, 2007 to get our referral. I know that this is a good thing for their country and I’m so glad that their government is putting a value on life, but for us it’s very disturbing news. We’ve already been waiting for Emalee 11 months and I just don’t know how I will have the strength to wait any longer. Our prayer is that the Lord will just grant us favor and get us a referral before the end of the year. Of course, I want His will to be done, but it’s so hard to submit my will to His.
August 19, 2006
Our trip to Colorado was just great! It was a lot of fun for the kids although we were completely worn out and had very little rest time. We happened to fly out the same day that the terrorist level was raised to ORANGE due to a liquid bomb terrorist plot. That was a little scary, but we decided to go anyway.
Once we arrived in Colorado we went to our hotel and got our clothes from the Olympics to wear and had a few hours to unpack and explore the hotel and read the itinerary booklet. That night we had an “opening ceremony” and dinner. The kids ran with the torch and an Olympian lit the torch for the weekend. We also attended a speaking engagement where they introduced all the 72 finalists and some Olympians gave speeches of encouragement to the Jr. Olympians.
The next day tennis, basketball and soccer had their competitions. In the evening we went to a place called “Mr. Biggs”. It was a family fun game place. David and I road the go carts together, played mini golf and he played laser tag. We got to bed pretty late that night.
The following morning was David’s track and field competition. He did SUPER! I couldn’t have been more proud of him and his sportsmanship. He got the bronze medal and is very proud of it. He actually beat he silver medallist in the jump and the 50m dash, but the shot- put put the silver medallists score above David’s. Considering he was the only 10 year old and the other two kids were 11 I think David did great! The best part was that he had never flown in a jet before and really enjoyed that experience.
As far as the adoption goes I’ve finally gotten an "official" letter from our agency stating the new changes to the Korea program. It’s nothing I didn’t already know and I still think that we have a great chance of getting Emalee’s referral by the end of the year. The babies that are taken into Eastern’s custody before Dec. 31 are NOT affected by these new changes. Hopefully, she will be in their custody by then. If not then we’ll probably be waiting until around May ’07 for a referral.
August 22, 2006
It’s been one whole year since we’ve been waiting for Emalee’s referral. I can’t believe it! In some ways it seems to have flown by, but in another way it’s lasting for what seems like eternity! I started off the day by being a little depressed, but was quickly reminded that the Lord has this in His hands and in His time table. He has the most perfect baby girl for our family already chosen and picked out for us. He’s still weaving our new family together and I just need to be patient until the tapestry is finished. I’m sure it will be beautiful.
November 14, 2006
Well, babysitting has begun and it is definitely keeping me busy. It’s helping me keep my mind off of the every day wait for our referral. Today though my mind has been on Emalee. I’m so nervous that we won’t get her referral this year and I’m not sure how I’ll do emotionally with that. I say that I trust that the Lord is working things out to His good, but I question if that is what I’m really believing. Do I really trust Him? And if I do, when will I choose to let go of this overwhelming desire to be God’s helper?
At least I can’t deny that God is teaching me some things during this incredible journey that I’m on.
November 22, 2006
Today marks 15 months that we’ve been waiting for Emalee’s referral. Most referrals are taking about 16 to 16 ½ months right now. I did learn that the new laws in Korea won’t affect the babies that are born in 2006…only those born in 2007. Hopefully this will be good news for us. One of my adoption forum friends got her boy referral last week. I’m happy for their family!
December 24, 2006
PRAISE THE LORD AND HALLELUJAH!!!!!!!!!
After all these months we finally know who our precious little Emalee is! I got a phone call Wednesday, Dec. 20th from our agency telling us that they had a file of a baby girl they thought we’d like to look at. I knew in my heart that this would be our baby. Our agency emailed the file to us to review and we said, “YES!” immediately. Emalee’s Korean name is Jeong Eun Hong. She was born November 9, 2006. She weighed 6 pounds 6 ounces at birth and measured 20 inches long.
Part of me is still in shock that this has even happened. I’m an emotional mess right now. Not a bad emotional mess, but a really, really good one! I’m humbled and in awe that the Lord has chosen us to be the parents of this sweet baby girl. I’m just out of words….all I can say right now is that the Lord has been faithful and good to us. He couldn’t have given us a better gift this Christmas! The referral of Emalee has filled an empty place in my heart and will make this Christmas one that I’ll always remember.
We’re hoping that we will be able to go to Korea in 2-3 months to bring Emalee home with us. I spent all day filling out the necessary forms for U.S. Immigration permission and her acceptance paper work. Not what I planned on doing Christmas Eve, but oh so grateful for it!!!
Lord, You are faithful! You have carried us through this process the last two years and I’m so thankful for it! Thank you, Lord for answering our prayers. We asked that You’d reveal Emalee to us this year and You did! We’ve asked for financial provision and You’ve supplied! We’ve asked for peace during the long wait and You so gently gave us the peace that passes all understanding. We asked that You would protect Emalee and You’ve cradled her in Your loving arms this whole time. Thank you Father, for loving us and giving us grace gifts even when we don’t deserve it. Help us to be a living sacrifice for You. And most of all we thank you for the gift of Your son, Jesus. Merry Christmas!
December 25, 2006
My precious Emalee,
I just found out who you are 5 days ago, but I've known you in my heart for two long years. Because of you we had an extra special Christmas this year. We’ve told Nana and PaPop, Uncle Corey and Aunt Kara all about you. We surprised Poppy and Mamaw, 4 of your great grandparents, Uncle Paul, Aunt Valentina, Aunt Heidi, Uncle Jeff, Aunt Laura, Uncle Michael and all 11 of your cousins by having them unwrap your picture for Christmas. They were so surprised and all cried and we all had a special prayer time for you. What a precious time that was... and guess what? We have it all on video so you can see how loved and just how special you are to all of us. You've been the "talk" of every family gathering we've been to and your picture is posted everywhere we look! I can't tell you how special I feel to be your mama. I'm humbled and just taken back at the incredible gift the Lord has given me this week. I thought of you being alone in the Eastern nursery today and asked the Lord to hold you for me today. I dreamed this week of kissing your fuzzy little head and can't wait for that dream to come true in a few months. David and Jacob have "talked" to your picture every day since we've had it and are soooooo excited to have you as their baby sister. Daddy looks at you and says “she’s so cute” I think he's in love with you already! We officially named you this weekend! Your name will be Emalee Grace Jeong Nothnagel because you are our "beloved grace" gift from Jesus! We love you so much and can't wait to get you home. I love you, my precious daughter! Love, Mommy
February 21, 2007
It’s been awhile since I’ve written. We had a major ice storm in January and that put everything on hold in my entire life for at least two weeks. Our adoption is moving rather quickly now. We’re very excited because a lot has happened in just the last few weeks.
January 26 we received our legals for Emalee ,February 17 we received emigration permission and today we received passport permission. We’re only waiting on one thing….her visa issued by the U.S.A. Korea is done with everything on their side. We think we have another 2-3 weeks before we travel to get her. I can’t believe this is finally almost over and I’ll have my sweet baby home.
I only have 2 more days left to babysit and then I’m going to shop like a maniac to have everything ready for our trip. There’s a lot to get done still and I hope to get the majority of it done before we leave.
March 5, 2007
We found out that Emalee’s visa has been approved!!!!! I’m so excited! We were just told a few days ago that it might take another 6 weeks, so this is definitely an answer to prayer. It looks like we’ll be traveling in roughly 2 weeks to go get her. I still have quite a bit to get done before we travel and am starting to get a little bit overwhelmed, but it’s a good feeling too! I’ll be holding my baby very, very soon! All I’m waiting on is a phone call from our agency giving us permission to travel!!!
The main reason for this blog is for me to write to my family and friends while we're in Korea. I'm happy that I can do this. But until the time comes to travel I'll post some of my journal entries that I've written over the last 2 years. This has been an incredible journey and we've shared it with many of you. I hope these entries give you some insight to just how amazing the Lord has been to us since we started our adoption process. It's a lot to read, so don't feel like you have to read it if you don't want to!
Sunday, July 17, 2005
Yesterday we had our first home study. I finally feel as if we are one step closer to our daughter. I am still in amazement that this is even happening and feel so blessed to be part of this miracle. We have been trying to decide on a name and I’m pretty sure it will be Emalee. It’s a pretty name. Emma means “beloved” and Lee is in both Brian’s middle names and mine. So we combined the two together and will give her Korean name to her for her middle name.
Our caseworker said he thinks we should be on the waiting list by mid/late August. It will still be quite a few months before we get to meet our daughter, but I feel that she has been born in my heart for a long time already. I’m amazed at the love I already have for her and can’t wait to hold her.
There are so many things to do before Emalee comes home. David and Jacob will both be going to school this fall. While they’re in school I’m going to try to get photo albums, baby books, etc. done while I have time to work on them. I’m also trying really hard to reassure the boys that they are still loved by us as much as ever! I think David is struggling a little bit with the idea of another sibling and just needs a lot of love and reassurance right now.
Monday, July 25, 2005
We completed our second home study visit yesterday. Our caseworkers name is Bill G. He said he definitely approved us and will write up his report ASAP! We should hear from our agency, Dillon, in a few weeks. He said that we should probably have a baby by Christmas 2006 just as a general guideline. Hopefully it will be sooner than that. I went to Target today and bought a doll for Emalee. It’s an Asian Fisher Price doll and I just couldn’t pass it up!
Friday, August 26, 2005
It finally came today! We are officially on the girl’s waiting list as of August 22. It’s a relief just to be on the list and to know that this is really going to happen. Now we just need to get our passports, go to Kansas City to get fingerprints done and complete my online parenting classes.
September 19, 2005
I can’t believe that David has turned 10 years old! He seems to be doing very well in school and they are working to help him learn better. Jacob has had to adjust to going to Kindergarten. He’s very smart and likes to learn, but he’s been getting really tired. He misses being home and has been testing the teacher a little bit learning to adjust. I’m sure this will pass!
October 11, 2005
We got our passports last week! So, we’re ready to travel now whenever the call comes. Now I just have to do my CPR and internet classes.
Jacob lost his first tooth yesterday and was very excited about it! He came home from school telling me all about it…that was sooo cute!
October 14, 2005
Ephesians 1:4-6
For He chose us in Him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in His sight. In love He predestined us to be adopted as His sons through Jesus Christ, in accordance with His pleasure and will—to the praise of His glorious grace, which He has freely given us in the One He loves.
October 16, 2005
Today has been a good day. It’s been a day full of celebration as my parents celebrated their 40th anniversary today. I’m very thankful for that and am so proud of them for achieving this in their marriage. We held a reception for them at their church and several friends and family came to congratulate them. I think mom and dad had a good time.
November 13, 2005
1 Peter 5:7
Cast all your anxiety on Him for He cares for you.
Today I got a letter in the mail from Shaohannah’s Hope. It said that our request was being reviewed and they asked for copies of our 2003-2004 tax returns. I just hope and pray that something comes from this.
The Lord has been working on me this past week on trusting Him to supply our needs. This subject seems to be a continuing lesson in my life and every time I get through one trial or circumstance it seems like the next one is a little bigger than the last. I know in my heart that everything will work out fine in the end, now I’ve just got to get that message through to my head.
November 21, 2005
Hebrews 10:23
Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful.
Hebrews 11:1
Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.
A lot of families have gotten their (TC) Travel Clearance this week. It’s been encouraging to see!
January 2, 2006
I can’t believe it’s already 2006! This year is going to bring a lot of excitement to our family as we will get a referral for Emalee and maybe go get her as well. We’re praying that the Lord will supply the rest of the funds that we need. This has been our biggest act of faith since the boys were born. I’m praying for a miracle and believing one will happen! I’m still amazed that clear across the world there’s a baby meant to be my daughter. I never thought I’d have a girl, but it looks like God has other plans. I’m glad His ways are not my ways!
January 3, 2006
I didn’t have much time to write yesterday but there was something I have thought about that I just wanted to write down.
The boys and I were getting ready to go to Walmart and as Jacob turned about to walk out the door I noticed that David had taped a sign on his back that said “$1,000.” I thought that was funny and started thinking that if I were a big brother trying to get rid of my younger brother I would have put “free” on the sign. As I thought about that the Holy Spirit whispered to me, “Heather, you were bought with a price.” I won’t ever understand it, but for some reason the Lord thought of me enough to give His own life for me. He paid the ransom for me. This was a neat thought the Lord gave me to start the new year out on. The next part of that verse is this:
1Cor. 7:23 You were bought with a price, do not become slaves of men.
It reminded me just Who it is that I serve and why. When I think of what He paid for me it makes me feel even more glad to be a slave of God. In the price He paid for me He also set me free. Free from sin (Rom. 6:7) and the law of sin and death (Rom. 8:2)
How gracious and merciful you are to me, oh God. Thank You for adopting me and giving me freedom in You. Remind me that it’s You I serve and not men. Thank You for freeing me from my sin Lord. Thank You for setting me free!
January 10, 2006
I decided to be brave today. I called to check the status of the Shaohannah’s Hope grant that we applied for. The lady I spoke with told me that they had just mailed letters out the day before. She checked on our file and it said that we got a grant! I’m so thrilled! I did some figuring and with the grant, our tax return and savings we have about 65% of our expenses covered. There’s one more grant I’m going to apply for but this one was a HUGE answer to prayer.
January 17, 2006
I’m overwhelmed as I write this because one of my biggest prayers has been answered! Jacob asked Jesus in his heart tonight! He’s been thinking about it for a long time and decided that tonight would be the night! He asked me before supper when a good day would be and I told him any day that he felt God wanting him to would be a good day. A couple hours later he came in the living room saying that he would like to ask Jesus in his heart tonight. So, we all four knelt down at the couch with him and I lead him in prayer. It was a sweet moment.
Thank you, Jesus, for saving both of my sons! I pray that their lives bring glory to Your name. Draw them near to You, Lord, and help me and Brian to guide them and teach them in Your ways.
January 18, 2006
It’s funny how I seem to learn so many spiritual lessons from my kids. Here’s the latest…Jacob came home from school today and as soon as Brian came home Jacob ran up to him and said, “Daddy, I sinned today.” After pondering on that for a couple of hours the Lord spoke to me. “How many times do you run confessing your sin to Me?” So many times I run and hide from my Daddy instead of running toward Him. God reminded me that his love never fails and that He’s always ready to embrace me in His arms and forgive me. I just need to run to Him!
Thank you, Father for Your unfailing love. Thank You for providing forgiveness when I sin. Help me to seek You when I feel like hiding.
June 14, 2006
Another prayer for finances was answered today! I’m so totally thrilled and again in awe of how great our God is. He is faithful. Phil. 1:6 says, “He who began a good work in you will be faithful to complete it.” That’s just what He has done! Thank you, Lord Jesus, for answering our prayers. "My God is amazing, steady and unchanging; my God is a mountain firm beneath my feet. My God is a mystery, how you gently lead me, now I got this God song rising up in me…Hallelujah, Hallelujah, Hallelujah! Your love makes me sing!!!"
Sunday, June 18 2006
Today is Father’s Day. It also happens to be the first day of our summer vacation. We’re in Buchanan, Michigan right now getting ready to start our week of “Family Camp” with Life Action Ministries in the morning. It took us 11 hours to get here and we’re all really tired. The boys are trying to sleep, but they’re so excited it’s hard for them to do that. I must admit that after traveling all day I kind of have my second wind and am ready to do something. I guess I’ll go take my shower now.
June 21, 2006
Today was a good day. Actually, I’ve enjoyed the whole week. Yesterday we went to Warren Dunes right on Lake Michigan and let the boys play at the beach. They really had a great time. Tonight was “date night” so Brian and I went to St. Joseph, MI. to sight see. We walked out a pier to a lighthouse. There were a lot of sailboats out and it was really pretty. I was looking at all the sailboats coming in and was reminded of our theme verse for this week:
Matt. 5:16 Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven.
I was thinking of how the light was shining and leading the boats into harbor and how when our light shines for Jesus we help lead people to Him. It was a beautiful picture of God’s glory.
This is a good vacation. We’re learning a lot and having fun at the same time. The food is really good and I haven’t had to cook all week! I’m really glad we took this vacation!
July 20, 2006
We are so excited. Today we found out that David is going to the Jr. Olympic National competition in Colorado Springs, CO. I’ll be going with him Aug. 10-13 and it’s an all expense paid trip! He qualified because he was in the top 3 competitors in the United States for his age group and sport. This is really a neat thing to win. He’s really excited because we get to fly…I don’t think he realizes exactly what he’s won. I guess that will keep him from getting a big head.
Yesterday was a rough day. I found out that Korea is making more changes to its international adoption program that may be affecting us. It looks like referrals may take a lot longer to get as a result of the changes. Anyway, Korea is promoting domestic adoptions and beginning in Jan. 2007 they want babies to be at least 5 months old before they are referred over seas. This means that we may have to wait another 5 months AFTER Jan. 1, 2007 to get our referral. I know that this is a good thing for their country and I’m so glad that their government is putting a value on life, but for us it’s very disturbing news. We’ve already been waiting for Emalee 11 months and I just don’t know how I will have the strength to wait any longer. Our prayer is that the Lord will just grant us favor and get us a referral before the end of the year. Of course, I want His will to be done, but it’s so hard to submit my will to His.
August 19, 2006
Our trip to Colorado was just great! It was a lot of fun for the kids although we were completely worn out and had very little rest time. We happened to fly out the same day that the terrorist level was raised to ORANGE due to a liquid bomb terrorist plot. That was a little scary, but we decided to go anyway.
Once we arrived in Colorado we went to our hotel and got our clothes from the Olympics to wear and had a few hours to unpack and explore the hotel and read the itinerary booklet. That night we had an “opening ceremony” and dinner. The kids ran with the torch and an Olympian lit the torch for the weekend. We also attended a speaking engagement where they introduced all the 72 finalists and some Olympians gave speeches of encouragement to the Jr. Olympians.
The next day tennis, basketball and soccer had their competitions. In the evening we went to a place called “Mr. Biggs”. It was a family fun game place. David and I road the go carts together, played mini golf and he played laser tag. We got to bed pretty late that night.
The following morning was David’s track and field competition. He did SUPER! I couldn’t have been more proud of him and his sportsmanship. He got the bronze medal and is very proud of it. He actually beat he silver medallist in the jump and the 50m dash, but the shot- put put the silver medallists score above David’s. Considering he was the only 10 year old and the other two kids were 11 I think David did great! The best part was that he had never flown in a jet before and really enjoyed that experience.
As far as the adoption goes I’ve finally gotten an "official" letter from our agency stating the new changes to the Korea program. It’s nothing I didn’t already know and I still think that we have a great chance of getting Emalee’s referral by the end of the year. The babies that are taken into Eastern’s custody before Dec. 31 are NOT affected by these new changes. Hopefully, she will be in their custody by then. If not then we’ll probably be waiting until around May ’07 for a referral.
August 22, 2006
It’s been one whole year since we’ve been waiting for Emalee’s referral. I can’t believe it! In some ways it seems to have flown by, but in another way it’s lasting for what seems like eternity! I started off the day by being a little depressed, but was quickly reminded that the Lord has this in His hands and in His time table. He has the most perfect baby girl for our family already chosen and picked out for us. He’s still weaving our new family together and I just need to be patient until the tapestry is finished. I’m sure it will be beautiful.
November 14, 2006
Well, babysitting has begun and it is definitely keeping me busy. It’s helping me keep my mind off of the every day wait for our referral. Today though my mind has been on Emalee. I’m so nervous that we won’t get her referral this year and I’m not sure how I’ll do emotionally with that. I say that I trust that the Lord is working things out to His good, but I question if that is what I’m really believing. Do I really trust Him? And if I do, when will I choose to let go of this overwhelming desire to be God’s helper?
At least I can’t deny that God is teaching me some things during this incredible journey that I’m on.
November 22, 2006
Today marks 15 months that we’ve been waiting for Emalee’s referral. Most referrals are taking about 16 to 16 ½ months right now. I did learn that the new laws in Korea won’t affect the babies that are born in 2006…only those born in 2007. Hopefully this will be good news for us. One of my adoption forum friends got her boy referral last week. I’m happy for their family!
December 24, 2006
PRAISE THE LORD AND HALLELUJAH!!!!!!!!!
After all these months we finally know who our precious little Emalee is! I got a phone call Wednesday, Dec. 20th from our agency telling us that they had a file of a baby girl they thought we’d like to look at. I knew in my heart that this would be our baby. Our agency emailed the file to us to review and we said, “YES!” immediately. Emalee’s Korean name is Jeong Eun Hong. She was born November 9, 2006. She weighed 6 pounds 6 ounces at birth and measured 20 inches long.
Part of me is still in shock that this has even happened. I’m an emotional mess right now. Not a bad emotional mess, but a really, really good one! I’m humbled and in awe that the Lord has chosen us to be the parents of this sweet baby girl. I’m just out of words….all I can say right now is that the Lord has been faithful and good to us. He couldn’t have given us a better gift this Christmas! The referral of Emalee has filled an empty place in my heart and will make this Christmas one that I’ll always remember.
We’re hoping that we will be able to go to Korea in 2-3 months to bring Emalee home with us. I spent all day filling out the necessary forms for U.S. Immigration permission and her acceptance paper work. Not what I planned on doing Christmas Eve, but oh so grateful for it!!!
Lord, You are faithful! You have carried us through this process the last two years and I’m so thankful for it! Thank you, Lord for answering our prayers. We asked that You’d reveal Emalee to us this year and You did! We’ve asked for financial provision and You’ve supplied! We’ve asked for peace during the long wait and You so gently gave us the peace that passes all understanding. We asked that You would protect Emalee and You’ve cradled her in Your loving arms this whole time. Thank you Father, for loving us and giving us grace gifts even when we don’t deserve it. Help us to be a living sacrifice for You. And most of all we thank you for the gift of Your son, Jesus. Merry Christmas!
December 25, 2006
My precious Emalee,
I just found out who you are 5 days ago, but I've known you in my heart for two long years. Because of you we had an extra special Christmas this year. We’ve told Nana and PaPop, Uncle Corey and Aunt Kara all about you. We surprised Poppy and Mamaw, 4 of your great grandparents, Uncle Paul, Aunt Valentina, Aunt Heidi, Uncle Jeff, Aunt Laura, Uncle Michael and all 11 of your cousins by having them unwrap your picture for Christmas. They were so surprised and all cried and we all had a special prayer time for you. What a precious time that was... and guess what? We have it all on video so you can see how loved and just how special you are to all of us. You've been the "talk" of every family gathering we've been to and your picture is posted everywhere we look! I can't tell you how special I feel to be your mama. I'm humbled and just taken back at the incredible gift the Lord has given me this week. I thought of you being alone in the Eastern nursery today and asked the Lord to hold you for me today. I dreamed this week of kissing your fuzzy little head and can't wait for that dream to come true in a few months. David and Jacob have "talked" to your picture every day since we've had it and are soooooo excited to have you as their baby sister. Daddy looks at you and says “she’s so cute” I think he's in love with you already! We officially named you this weekend! Your name will be Emalee Grace Jeong Nothnagel because you are our "beloved grace" gift from Jesus! We love you so much and can't wait to get you home. I love you, my precious daughter! Love, Mommy
February 21, 2007
It’s been awhile since I’ve written. We had a major ice storm in January and that put everything on hold in my entire life for at least two weeks. Our adoption is moving rather quickly now. We’re very excited because a lot has happened in just the last few weeks.
January 26 we received our legals for Emalee ,February 17 we received emigration permission and today we received passport permission. We’re only waiting on one thing….her visa issued by the U.S.A. Korea is done with everything on their side. We think we have another 2-3 weeks before we travel to get her. I can’t believe this is finally almost over and I’ll have my sweet baby home.
I only have 2 more days left to babysit and then I’m going to shop like a maniac to have everything ready for our trip. There’s a lot to get done still and I hope to get the majority of it done before we leave.
March 5, 2007
We found out that Emalee’s visa has been approved!!!!! I’m so excited! We were just told a few days ago that it might take another 6 weeks, so this is definitely an answer to prayer. It looks like we’ll be traveling in roughly 2 weeks to go get her. I still have quite a bit to get done before we travel and am starting to get a little bit overwhelmed, but it’s a good feeling too! I’ll be holding my baby very, very soon! All I’m waiting on is a phone call from our agency giving us permission to travel!!!
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