Dear Family and Friends

December 15, 2007

Dear Family and Friends,

As I sit here listening to Christmas music thinking of my "still to-do list" I take a step back and try to remind myself of the powerful truth that underlies this most sacred of holy seasons- "the virgin shall conceive and bear a Son, and shall call His name Immanuel." The TRUE meaning of Christmas. It is very easy to get caught up in all the commercialism of the holidays, but I hope that as you read this letter that you also will stop and think about the real reason for the season.

Looking back, 2007 was another year of God's grace. Our family continues to be covered with blessings. After "graduating" from preschool, and being voted "Class Bookworm" in the spring, Madison started Kindergarten. It was very emotional for me to let her go, but she is doing wonderfully. Jamie is still working at the hospital and in his spare time playing the guitar. He is playing with a local bluegrass band called "Special Edition". I still have a daycare.

We started attending a new church. Although we miss our church family dearly, we love that we can be more involved in a church close by. Madison is attending AWANA and loves it. She is doing a great job memorizing her Bible verses. I attended a woman's bible study in the summer, and Jamie and I are leading the Praise and Worship on Sunday nights.

Our biggest announcement is that we have decided to add another child to our family thru the miraculous blessing of adoption. For a little over a year, we have been talking and praying about another baby. We feel that the path that God has chosen for us to follow is thru international adoption. Specifically Korea, and we are very happy with our decision!
Our desire to have a child goes much deeper than our genes. There are so many children in the world who needs not only a mother, and a father (and a sister), but a loving extended family as well. We know that whether biological or not that this child will be as much our own child and as much a part of our family as Madison is.

This baby will be fully Korean, and we have no reservations about having a child of a different race and culture. As children we are taught "We are the World" and "Jesus Loves the Little Children". With that in mind we need to remind ourselves that we are all God's children, no matter where we are born or the color of our skin. God sees no color. A child is a child no matter where they are from whether it's the U.S., Korea, Africa, or Spain. They all need love and deserve a family.

We realize that this is not the easiest way to have a child. The process is very time consuming, stressful, and expensive. Although it may not be the road for everyone, we know it is the right road for us. Please keep us in your thoughts and prayers. If you have any questions or concerns please do not hesitate to get in touch with us.

Finally dear friends, Christmas would not be complete without the smiles, hugs, and love that you bring to our lives. We are honored to call you all family. I pray that every good thing will come your way as you celebrate Jesus' birth. May the wonder, joy, peace, and hope of Christmas, fill your mind and heart this year. God bless you and Merry Christmas!

Jamie Jessica and Madison