Chen Chronicles

I was inspired to write this because of our church's MOPS chapter.  This month's theme was "Courage to Tell Your Story," and falls under this year's theme, "Be You, Bravely."  Thank you for inspiring me to share this testimony.  I did not see God’s purpose in all the suffering until over a decade later, in the cold, dark abyss of Eastern Russia.   Twelve years ago, I was a tiny, energetic, beautiful 22-year old with stars in my eyes.   I was an on-air personality for a national radio conglomerate and was going to be the NEXT Katie Couric.   I had the world by a string….until one fateful day when a host of medical problems stopped me in my tracks.   Three kidney stones, a horribly traumatic infection and a blood clot left me a miniscule of my former self. I was broken. What I did not know then is that God had greater plans for my life than even I could envision. In the book of Jeremiah, it is written,"For I know the plans I have for ...

As many already know, I am a Southerner at heart, born and raised in Alabama and married to a man from Louisiana. We met on e-Harmony. Yes, online dating works and we are a testament to the value of this as we have been married seven years and together for eight. As I pondered how to address this particular topic today, on the "love" holiday of the year, I thought it best to approach this from a Christian viewpoint as it best aligns with my beliefs.  In our monthly MOPs meeting this month, they assembled a panel of men and these men answered pre-selected questions meant to "tame the mystery of man." It was nice to hear one of them say that his wife was NOT submissive and it was possible to have a good marriage and good life with someone who wasn't. I agree with that statement somewhat, and I even mentioned it the other night to my husband after I came home. He reminded me gently that this isn't the way God intended our marriages to be and that bei...

One day, I shall turn all of this into a book, beginning of when Aaron & I met and going forward.  There are not many couples who can say they met on e-harmony, have traveled extensively and that are now adopting a beautiful baby girl from literally the other side of the world!  This blog has been very therapeutic for me.  I know it has for many other families who have and are adopting as well.  I hope we can keep it up once our little girl is home so that other families have the kind of encouragement I have.   Aaron spoke to Oksana, our Russian coordinator/translator and she seems very nice!  We are thoroughly impressed with the service and the hospitality extended to us through Beacon House and Building Blocks.  I've said it before on this, but we would wholeheartedly recommend them to anyone wishing to adopt internationally.  They are SO very personable and always available to talk when you need them!!!! We are SOOOO excited because ...