This blog is dedicated primarily to our beautiful daughter Raina. "Brothers and sisters, consider the farmer, who waits patiently for the rain..."
James 5:7 (jcp)
Well, today marks one year to the day that we were logged-in to China's adoption program. One year of ups... one year of downs... one year of anticipation... one year of heartache. Wow, I can remember looking at the date - 9/4/2007 - with much excitement. And then we waited. And waited. And waited. I don't think that I'll ever be able to explain in human words what this year has been like for us. Only those who have waited for their own adoption journey could possibly understand. And yet, for some reason, we've come to believe that Raina is born, and she has had an unquestionably harder year. One of very little ups... a great many downs... very little hope... and much heartache. But, little does she know that her mom and dad wait here in Chicagoland, USA - desperately clinging to the Hope that she has yet to experience. Hold on little girl... for just a little longer.
My name is Jay. I am a 37 year old guy, elated to be married to my beautiful bride of 15 years, Laura. We have two sons, Evan and Colin, who are just about the most amazing two boys that anyone, anywhere, has ever known. We have a beautiful daughter named Raina, whom we have recently adopted from China - and quite simply, she has completely lit up our world. I am a bass-playing worship leader at Parkview Christian Church who happens to earn a living as a communications technician in the mighty city of Chicago. I make a very human attempt at following my savior Jesus Christ as closely as I can, so I am therefore very thankful for His grace. He laid down His life in order to purchase mine, and gave me eternal life in exchange for my trust in Him. He has proven Himself faithful to me throughout my life, which is why I hold fast to Him.