Nate and Christiana

a journalesque post

In composing this entry, I had difficulty deciding on the title. This post is about friendship, saying goodbye, and the eternal bond of believers. It is based on an event, a luncheon given by my friends to show their love and support for me as I become a mother, but even moreso, as I leave  for Cambodia.

Send “Friends Are Friends Forever” Ringtone to your Cell Phone

As the countdown to our Cambodia departure rushes on, I’ve been somewhat suppressing my emotions regarding our move. I am incredibly close to my family and friends, and the thought of leaving everyone is sometimes more than I can handle. If I dwell too long, I become a sentimental and emotional mess, especially in my pregnant state. Depressing thoughts creep in, like…”This could be my last Thanksgiving and Christmas with my family” or “I won’t be here for my sister’s pregnancy” (No, Bethany’s not pregnant!) or “What if something tragic happens and I’m not here?” or “My kids won’t grow up with their cousins.” I can go on and on. My usual strategy is to push these thoughts away as soon as they come.

This luncheon was instrumental in allowing my friends and I to face the reality of my Cambodia departure–to grieve for the loss, but to simultaneously rejoice in God’s goodness and sovereign purpose in our lives. Hosted by two of my dearest friends, Sarah and Larissa, it was a sweet testimony to their enduring love for me. The delicious food for the event was Mexican salad, complemented by Sarah’s famous ice cream pie. Following the lunch, they all generously blessed me with several pampering gifts…including a pregnancy massage gift certificate! There were also some delightful baby gifts, Taste and See by John Piper, and a Starbucks gift card. The most significant gift, however, was a scrapbook album lovingly created by Sarah, using photo contributions from my other friends. The album was composed of  page dedications from each friend, including a written letter. This treasure will definitely accompany me to Cambodia, and I will cherish it as one of my most priceless possessions! Thank you, Sarah, for all of the time and resources spent to create this beautiful album, and thank you to the rest of you for your contributions! Needless to say, when I saw the album, I could not control my emotions, and broke down into tears. After the gift opening, they asked me to give them specific prayer requests. Each woman then took one of the requests and prayed for it, spending nearly an hour in prayer. It was such a sweet time, and many more tears were shed…I KNEW that the luncheon was going to be one big cry fest and my expectations were indubitably fulfilled.

So, while this luncheon was simply the beginning of many tearful goodbyes, it was a blessed reminder of God’s faithfulness in giving me so many amazing friends. Friends who will not forget, but will continue to support me by prayer and in correspondence. Friends who will “let me go”, knowing that this is God’s sovereign plan. I know that it will still be incredibly difficult being half-way across the world from these precious ones, but I also know that God will grant me incredible grace, even in their physical absence. He will fill their void in His own way.  They will be my “forever friends” regardless of how our lives will change, because He is the eternal bond of unity between us.

Sarah commencing the luncheon

Some of my “Forever Friends”

Jess and Sarah

Rita and Alisha

Sister Bethany and Mom

Esther and Jenn

Larissa and Jess preparing the food

The delicious luncheon

Pampering gifts

Sarah helping me unwrap…

…my wonderful memory album

Unexpectedly, Mia Amoré wasn’t breathing and having seizures at birth. Mia was born at Sunrise Children’s Hospital in Las Vegas, NV on Feb. 4, 2009 and was in the NICU for 10 weeks. Mia and her Mommy were flown by air ambulance to Children’s Hospital Oakland where she was in the NICU for 6 weeks. Mia is now at the Children’s Recovery Center in Campbell, CA. This facility specializes in ventilator and trach weaning. At 6 weeks of age, Mia got her trach, g-tube and fundoplication.

These are the sobering words that introduce the Adamis Family blog. I grew up with Rachael Adamis, a fellow homeschooler and friend. She married Robert several years ago and they soon welcomed little Mercedes. In February of this past year, they excitedly anticipated the birth of their second daughter, Mia Amoré. She was born February 4, 2009, and as the blog post indicates, it was immediately apparent that something was wrong. Since her birth, Mia has been in constant medical care, as the attempt is made to stabilize her little respiratory system.

Nate and I have closely followed the Adamis Family’s difficult journey over these last six months. It has hit close to home, especially in light of our own pregnancy and expectation of  Baby Girl Wells. As parents, we all have fears and concerns regarding the well-being of our children. Nate and I have discussed the potential that we could have a child with special physical or mental needs. Believing that humans, including fetuses, are made in God’s image, we never considered the option of abortion, even if our child tested positive for Down Syndrome or other related conditions. We actually refrained from taking these tests, knowing that they would be irrelevant in the decision to keep our baby.

While these desires are godly and noble, they remain theoretical in many ways, since we have yet to experience the realities that accompany a child with special needs. Robert and Rachael Adamis, however, have lived their convictions in a very real way. They have not only fought to preserve the life of their little girl, but they have maintained a remarkable faith in God’s loving providence throughout this entire trial. They know that “all things work together for good” and they have confidence that regardless of the outcome, they will praise their Lord and Savior for His faithfulness to them. This has been such an incredible testimony to God’s sustaining grace, and I have personally been overwhelmed and blessed by their story. I hope that you too will be encouraged by their example. I know that they would greatly appreciate your prayers for little Mia! You can follow her progress on the Adamis Family Blog.

Mia’s “accessories”

In July, Nate and I had the privilege of visiting Mia and her beautiful Mommy.

I recently attended a sweet shower for Rachael and Mia, hosted by their wonderful family.

Rachael enjoying her guests

Jessica, one of my dearest friends, generously blessed us with a pregnancy photo shoot at the beginning of August (31 weeks). We are so grateful for the time and talent that she expended to give us this priceless gift! Thanks, Jess!

You can check out her website by clicking here: Sweet Voyage . I highly recommend her for family portraits, engagement/wedding pictures and any of your other photography needs!