Emma's Story

by Charles and Hedy Lee

Tustin Ranch, California

(Adopted Through Eastern Social Welfare Society)  

You may visit the Lee family's website and view many pictures and 
other beautiful writings by Charles and Hedy Lee at:
http://members.cox.net/charleslee/

The Bold Announcement
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.  

The First Encounter
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.

Finally Home
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.

Encouraging Others to Adopt
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

A Wish for Emma

Emmanuel – “God with us.”

Thank you Emma for coming into our lives and bringing to us…

Your sweet smile,

Your adorable giggles & wiggles and

Your kissable cheeks.

Thank you for allowing us to watch you …

Kick up your legs in the morning,

Squirm as we wipe your face,

Splash water during your bath and

Snort as you chow down your meals.

Thank you for being …

Mommy’s new best friend and

Daddy’s little girl.

Thank you God for  …

Hearing our silent cries,

Erasing the pain,

Filling the emptiness and

Always being faithful.

You are the most precious gift that we could have ever received.  We know that this earthly life is short and that any day may be our last, so we will celebrate each morning with a new day song and give thanks for the gift of life as the day ends.

This is our promise to you.  With God’s help we will work lifelong to …

Put Jesus into your heart,

Instill in you Confidence to face the challenges that life brings and

Reveal to you a Purpose for living.

Love & Prayers,

Mommy and Daddy

“The fear of the Lord is the beginning of Wisdom.”  Proverbs 9:10

Only by the divine hand of God could He transform the tragic breakup of one family into bring the greatest joy to another.  It is only through God’s intervention that a soul destined to be intertwined with ours is miraculously united.  It is only by the grace of God that we are able to experience these emotions that we would have missed had we not met her.