Thursday, February 18, 2010

Who We Are

While we wait for our agency to review our application, I thought I'd share a bit of our story for those who don't know. Mr. Branch and I met at Multnomah Bible College in 1990 but didn't start dating until 1993. We were at the "just friends" stage for a long time until suddenly one day we weren't anymore. As soon as we began dating, I just knew that he was the one. It all made sense why we were such good friends. After graduation, he moved home to find a job and as soon as he did he proposed. (For those who need details, he changed the words to a choir song we had performed together and gave me a ring he had designed...wonderful memories!!!) Our wedding day was full of meaning and special moments. We both hold dear the first time we saw each other that day. Since pictures were before the ceremony, we had reserved time in the prayer chapel for some quiet time together. I'll never forget the look on his face when he saw me in my dress...

Being that Mr. Branch was already 28 and I was nearly 25 (oh, so old), we decided to start a family right away. Well, that was our plan anyway. God had a different one, however, and after 4 years of infertility and miscarriage we adopted Twiggy One from China. I had taught English there during college summer breaks so it was a natural decision. Three years later we returned to China to adopt Twiggy Two.

Between their adoptions I began struggling with severe endometriosis and had several surgeries locally that had little effect. We were told that there was little chance I would ever get pregnant again. In desperation, I visited a world renowned specialist who performed two successful surgeries. Six months later I was pregnant with Twiggy Three.

Our journey has had it's ups and downs, but through it all God has been faithful to be all that we need. His plan has been much better than ours and we trust Him for our future.

Next post: What we're up to these days...

1 comment:

  1. I'm praying for you in the decision-making process and the following-God's-lead process. I love all of you bunches! Big Sis

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