Nov 6, 2008

A look back ...

As I look back it is hard to believe that we have been working on our adoption since May 2006. I would like to take a brief look back at this amazing journey that led us to where we are today. I remember the struggle I went through when deciding to adopt. I thought of it as me giving up a little of my independence due to the fact that we were adopting because I had been diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis. It took many tears and much prayer before I allowed the Lord to reveal to me that this was HIS plan. MS was His plan, adopting was His plan and HE is in control. I struggled with this for a while but I found that trying to understand where my life was going was too complicated and that it would just be better if I sat back and enjoyed the ride. After I allowed the Lord to take control, this is where Ema came into the picture. I want you to realize that Kirk and I fell in love with this child way back in May of 2006, before we ever had her picture, before we had been blessed to see her face....from the very beginning. I remember when we chose her name. Kirk and I had been to Memphis and we had been talking about what we would name our first child. I had always wanted to use Emily because that is my grandmother's name and she and my grandad adopted my mom. They are the "cornerstone" of my family and I have always been very close to them. Kirk's full name is Lee Kirkland and we decided to use Li after him. This is how we came up with Ema Li Richardson. Being the excited parents that we are we began getting her nursery ready right away. Her room has been our safehaven through it all. Many times Kirk and I would go in her room only to imagine a baby being in the bed. Many times especially in the trying times before the September 1 deadline, I would go in her room and get on my knees and pray for her, for guidance, and for Kirk and me to have patience. Well, here we are two years and 5 months later, and we got the best news of our lives today. Today we were told that we are to be in Vietnam on November 25th. That's right, we will be celebrating Thanksgiving in Vietnam with the newest member of our family... Ema Li Richardson

4 comments:

Amy said...

Wow, this news gives me chills! Literally, you should see my arms now, the hairs are standing up on end! Emily and Kirk, I am so thrilled for you both! God is good! What a way to spend Thanksgiving! It couldn't have fell into place at a more perfect time. Something to be truly thankful about. My prayers for you will continue as you patiently await 11/25.

Life As We Know IT said...

just in time for christmas, what a great blessing!

kate said...

AMEN! Praise God! What more can I say? Blessings, blessings, blessings!

Georgia said...

I am so excited for the two of you. I cannot wait to meet the wonderful new addition to your family. Have a safe trip. Your family will be in my prayers.