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Emma's Story |
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These are the amazing events that that brought Emma into our lives and changed our lives forever. Our decision to adopt was not
an easy one. We experienced all the pre-adoptions fears and concerns
that most couples do. Being of a culture [Korean] that does not yet
view adoption as being socially acceptable, added to our fears and
concerns. Rather than veil our decision
behind a cloak of secrecy, we came out and surprised many of our
friends by sharing our testimony in front of everyone at our
[Korean-American] Church. We boldly announced that
God had blessed us
with a child named Emma. By sharing our hopes and fears, we
felt an incredible sense of peace. We were amazed by the support and
affirmation we received. Fate [God] would have it, we were able
to share this news with not only our congregation, but with a visiting
contingent of Trans-generational pastors and laity representing
Korean-American Churches throughout the country. We flew to Korea and met Emma
for the first time on August 19, 1999. We had the opportunity to spend 7
wonderful days as a complete family. This was the most memorable week
in all my life. Hedy remained in Korea with
Emma awaiting visa approval. Unfortunately I had to return home alone
without my family. But on the flight back home, I had a chance to
reflect on what I had just experienced. Here are my reflections of the
first encounter
that was published in an article in the Lively Word. The days apart seemed like an
eternity, but finally Hedy and Emma home to the United States on October 18,
1999. Every day now is filled with
incredible joy. With that joy, we feel an incredible responsibility and
a commission to raise Emma in a purposeful way. This was the
expression of joy
and the covenant we made with Emma and God. In retrospect, we wish that
we had come to the decision sooner. We would encourage anyone in
the 'considering stages' of adoption to be Bold and take that leap of
faith. Create a more loving family by adopting a beautiful child of
God. Your lives will be forever changed in the most spectacular way.
We have never been so happy nor felt so blessed. We cannot imagine
loving a child more than we love our Emma. Grace & Peace, Charles & Hedy Lee |
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