17 Years Ago Today – Our Emma

Linny Saunders87 Comments

Seventeen years ago today I woke up in the night and couldn’t sleep. I was eight months pregnant and had just been {finally!} allowed off bed rest the day before. I had been on complete bed rest for 3-1/2 weeks because I was already dilated to 4 at only 7 months pregnant and I was having lots of contractions.

Anyway, I woke and since I couldn’t sleep, and had been on bed rest for three and a half weeks I had an irresistible urge to clean. By the time some of the kids started to wake up I had mopped {on my hands and knees} the entire foyer, hallway, downstairs 1/2 bath, dining room and our big ol’ country kitchen.

That day we were leaving early for all of us {it was Dw’s day off} to go to Richmond to my OB appointment, do some shopping and then on to Colonial Heights where friends of ours were living. It would be a fun, full day. Just before walking out the door Dw said, “Babe, maybe we should bring your suitcase, just in case. And better not forget the video camera too.” Good idea. {Yup we videoed the entire birth, from a bird’s eye view.}

As we were driving toward the city, I mentioned to Dw that I had had quite a few contractions that morning as I was washing the floor. He asked me if I had timed them at all. Nope. Hadn’t had time to time them. He said, “Well tell me when you are having one.” “Okay, right now.” “Tell me when you are having another.” There was a brief lapse of time and I said, “Right now.” Then again, another brief lapse of time, “Again.”

Emmy teaching “our African son & her African brother” how to dance {he’s getting married soon and we are invited!}

“Did you know they are five minutes apart?”

“Huh. I thought they were kind of close. And they are getting stronger!!”

Needless to say, a trip to the docs, with clear instructions to head directly to the hospital. We were going to have a baby!!

Sure enough, a few hours later…three pushes and a gorgeous head full of dark hair arrived! We had not known what we were having. When we had had a sonogram done, the doc had asked if we wanted to know. We said we didn’t know. He said, “Are you guys the type who know presents beforehand?” We told him that we loved surprises and rarely wanted to know presents ahead of time. “Well guess what,” he said. “This little one must be a girl, because she is modest and has her legs pressed tightly together. You wouldn’t be able to know what sex this baby is even if you wanted to.”

True to her “wombish behavior”, our 7lb. 1 oz. baby girl, Emma Joy is a modest thing. She is a treasure sent from the heart of God. Today, being her 17th birthday, I just have to tell you a bit about her.

Her sense of humor has us laughing daily. She is witty and cheery. She is not your typical moody teenager. She is kind and tenderhearted to all. Her easy-going temperament makes all who know her, just love her. She loves on her brothers and sisters and both of the little boys want to marry her one day!

She doesn’t like to see people visiting church or even youth group and not feel welcome. She reaches out to anyone new. Young and old alike. She realized her dream of Africa just two years ago when she went with her daddy where they would spend two weeks working in the orphanages, serving in the slums, and doing a VBS and pastor’s conference in Ssenge Village.

In the last two years she has been to Africa 4 times to serve! She loves the people of Uganda beyond words. And they love her! When she arrived with the team to do VBS this past year a couple hundred people had gathered and were chanting, “Emma! Emma! Emma!” They know that one day, she will return for good and they can’t wait!

About 10 years ago, when she was just 7, she began to pray “When I grow up God, would you please let me be a missionary to Africa and if it’s okay with you, would you let me adopt twin African girls.” Her heart hasn’t changed. She has on the back of her ipod engraved, “Ugandan at Heart”…and “Isaiah 6:8” {Isaiah 6:8 says, “Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, “Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?” And I said, “Here am I. Send me!”}

Yes, her heart is in Africa and she is planning to move there right after she graduates from high school {in two years}. Her dream and plan is to work in an orphanage and eventually to run an orphanage one day. She cannot see herself doing anything but. Emma spends large parts of her days planning and thinking and praying about how to do it. She told me a few months back that she wanted to train to work at the Crisis Pregnancy Center in town so that one day, when in Africa and she meets women in Crisis Pregnancies she will know how to talk to them. She asked me if she could take an intense First Aid course at the college we have nearby. She said she needs to have a clue how to treat people’s medical needs. Her heart is in working with the little ones…but she wants to be prepared as possible.

So today, as I celebrate this daughter of ours and as we honor her 17th birthday, I am realizing that the time I have with her is quickly growing shorter. She will be heading before too long to the other side of the world to serve the God she passionately loves. {She already has a blog, EmOnAMission, that if you are interested in following along, you will be able to watch her journey to Africa unfold, firsthand.}

You, my bloggy friends, have been so sweet in wishing my other kids a Happy Birthday…would you wish this orphan servin’, Jesus honorin’, God worshippin, Africa lovin’ girl of ours a very, very, very Happy 17th Birthday??

87 thoughts on “17 Years Ago Today – Our Emma”

  2. I saw first hand EMMA IN ACTION in Uganda!! 🙂 Ahh, what a sweet daughter you have! I could go on and on. I love Emma!!!

    Happy birthday, Emma! Thank you for all of your sweet words and encouragement you've given me! Your an amazing girl! Keep following your dream, girl!! And please, will you video tape the day that you go back to live there and the whole village is shouting "Emma, Emma, Emma!!!"….I can imagine it now!! What a happy day that will be!

    Lexie
    P.S. we need to start talking….I want to help others adopt from other countries….and go visit the orphanages and get the kids "paper ready"! That is my dream!! I'll help get your kiddos ready to be adopted at your orphanage…perfect! :))

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  3. Happy Birthday Emma! I hope it has been a wonderful one! How fun that (Lord willing) we will both be moving to Uganda to pursue similar dreams the same year. My hope is to move to Uganda once I graduate college in 2012. 🙂 Can't wait to see just how God continues to work in your life. Happy 17th!

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  6. HAPPY BIRTHDAY EMMA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! You rock my socks!! Ahh, I can't believe you are 17! Your so OLD! But thats a good thing because you are a whole year closer to moving to Uganda! Yikes! So excited for you! Can I visit you in Uganda!?!?! Love love love you!

    Your favorite Canadian,
    Joanna

    p.s.
    I think I should start coming to your youth group because my church doesn't have one. Oh if only I could.

    p.p.s
    You make me laugh. Like, everyday I think of something funny you have said.

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  8. Happy birthday Emma! I wish I lived in your town, because I had a horrible experience in my youth group here, and from what your mom says about you, I think we would be great friends! Hope your day was blessed beyond measure!

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  10. Oh Emma! You are a beautiful treasure for your mom and all she shares you with. May God keep His hands on you and bless all you put YOUR hands to. Hope this birthday is filled with love and laughs, sweet girl.

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  12. happy birthday, Emma 🙂 May YHWH guide you clearly as you serve Him so that you may have peace knowing that you are doing exactly what He wants you to do 🙂

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  14. Sweet Emma,

    My daughter is 6…and I would love for her to be like you when she's 17. You are glory to God!

    Way to go! You'll change the world.

    Happy Birthday!

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  18. Happpy Birthday Emma! It is good to know that as God knit you together in your momies womb He prepared plans for you that you would continue to follow as you grow into adulthood! I can't wait to read and be encouraged by your bravery!!!

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  19. Happy Birthday Sweet Emma!

    Emma – You must be one mature young lady. You knew there was an Isaiah at Sanyu, yet you sat back and watch the lord reveal it to Justin, even tho he told you in the van on the way there that GOd had given him the name Isaiah. It must have been hard for you to not leap up and say, "there is, there is!" 🙂

    I look forward to watching GOd continue to use you! I have a feeling we will meet up in Uganda.

    Happy Birthday!

    Reply

  23. happy birthday, emma. i love your heart and how "others-centered" you are.
    may God bless this 17th year of your life beyond your wildest expectations… have a sweet birthday!

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  25. Your Emma sounds like an absolutely amazing girl! How wonderful is her heart for God!
    Happy Birthday, Emma!!!!
    How exciting to see a young person so willing and focused to serve God!!!

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  26. Your daughter needs to meet Katie Davis if she hasn't already. Katie is a young lady from my area of Nashville, Tn who began a huge ministry in Uganda right after she graduated from high school. Here is her blog site http://kissesfromkatie.blogspot.com She and Emma would have a lot in common. She is the legal guardian of 13 girls!

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  28. Happy birthday Emma! I pray that God will continue to work in your life to move mountains so you can be trained up as a servant and leader of those precious children in Africa.

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  29. Happy Birthday precious Emma! I don't know you well – but just seeing you when I am at the River Church makes me smile. JOY radiates from you and your love for Jesus is obvious. Love your heart to serve Him. May this year be blessed beyond your wildest dreams.

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  30. Happy Birthday Emma!!! I have only met you once but I swear I feel like I know you- your mom always has such a way of painting such amazing word portraits of you! I hope you are having the best birthday ever and know you are loved by sooo many!!

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  33. wow my friend. sounds like you have one amazing daughter! My prayer is that Isaac our son will grow up with a heart like that! A heart so in love with Christ that is drives everything he does! Happy BIrthday Emma..you are SO beautiful on the outside but by the way your mom talks about you I can tell you are WAY more beautiful on the inside! What an amazing Godly women you are!

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  35. Happy Birthday "African friend, Emma!"

    Sorry about the phone calls today, Linny. Taleah likes my new phone. I'll have to tell you about the meeting we had to Durango…

    Bitrhday blessings, Emma!
    Mark, Lisa, Tavin, and Taleah

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  36. Happy 17th Birthday, dear Emma. It's wonderful to hear your dream of working in Uganda in a few years, serving the Lord and the people there. That is awesome for a young lady to do. God bless you as you pursue what you need to learn before you leave. Keep God's word and love in your heart always. Hugs to you and your family!

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  37. Birthday blessings to sweet Emma! You are a beautiful girl inside and out. I am so proud of you for being so diligent in your preparation for your service in Africa.
    It inspires me to see young people with such a passion to serve God!
    Praying for you, sweet girl!
    Sue Speir

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  38. Happy Birthday, little sister!

    How excited I am to watch your life unfold serving the God we both love! And just so ya know, I am planning on spending some time in Uganda once my only chick is gone off to college. So, hey…maybe, just maybe, we will connect! That would be so cool.

    Hugs and birthday blessings…
    Nancy in CT

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  41. Happy Birthday Emma! You have such a beautiful heart and I know Jesus smiles when he sees how you are his hands and feet. Thank you for all you do to take care of the orphans. Many blessings to you as you make your journey.

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  43. Happy Birthday Emma…I love to hear about young hearts for God, like yours. I pray my children grow with the same spirit ….

    Happy Birthday!

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  44. Oh happy birthday, Emma! You have done more in your 17 years than many people do their whole lives. What a beautiful reflection you are of Christ's love and an amazing resemblance (inside and out) of your precious parents.

    I can't wait to see what God has planned for your life! I hope your birthday is as special as you are.

    Much Love,
    Kathie

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  45. Emma,
    What a true treasure you are to the Almighty that created you. I wish you the very happiest birthday, filled with many blessings.
    Happy Birthday to you
    Happy Birthday to you
    Happy Birthday dear Emma
    Happy Birthday to you! : )

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  47. happiest of birthdays, emma!! oh how i pray that our children will have the heart to serve as you do! what a beautiful thing. i'm so excited for you and the journey that God has you on.
    when that time comes [it will probably fly by!] i look forward to seeing how we can help you. i am CERTAIN that you will be doing wonderful, amazing work for His glory.

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  50. Happy 17th Birthday Emma! I love your heart, and am so excited about the plans the Lord has for you. Oh the people you have blessed, and ohhh the people you will bless again!

    May the Lord bless your own Ugandan heart great big!

    Love from Texas~

    Tina

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  51. Dearest Emma,

    You are already a ginormous blessing to many of us that only know you through a blog.God has given to you such a special heart for Him and His people. Have a wonderful and fantabulous birthday. I pray that you will experience amazing surprises from God in the next year. Happy Birthday Blessings to You!!!!

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  52. Wow you have an amazing daughter! I hope Emma doesn't mind if I follow her blog. I was so amazed by Katie of Amazima – now another young woman dedicating her life to God's work – wonderful work and wonderful to be so sure of your purpose in life at this age when so many flounder!

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  53. Happy Birthday Emma! Maybe we will have to celebrate late with a piece of ice cream cake in a couple weeks 😉 Blessings to the whole boatload!

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  55. Happy birthday, Emma. I've been reading your Mom's blog for a couple of years now and have always thought what a beautiful girl you are…..and over the years I'm beginning to realize what a beautiful, loving soul you have as well. Happy day!

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  57. I'm a day late, but Happy Birthday Emma! I've lived in South Africa and volunteered at an orphanage there, and I can relate to Africa and the orphans just getting under your skin 🙂 Blessings as you follow your heart and your call!

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  64. Emma, Your heart is big, your demeanor is soft and sweet. But God has built inside of you a courage and a strength like noneother. You are a blessing and an inspiration to all of us. If there is any way I can help you achieve some things that may prepare you for Africa and your calling to Africa… let me know. I'll be praying about it too. Love you girlfriend you are a sweet blessing to me and I am so glad I get to know you. Love you sweetie! Happy Birthday! – jen

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  66. I want to be like Emma when I grow up. Even though I'm almost old enough to be her mom myself. I think of the things I've dreamed about since I was a little girl and wish I had pursued them as passionately then as Emma. Emma you are an inspiration to passionately pursue the call of God no matter your age, Thank you and I can't wait to come adopt a baby from your orphanage.

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  68. Happy Birthday Emma! I am always blessed by the things your mama writes about you. I LOVE your heart for the orphan and know you will continue to do wonderful things in His name!

    PS Did you get boxing gloves for your birthday? Hee,hee!

    Blessings,
    Julie

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  70. Happy Birthday Emma!
    God is going to use you in a mighty way- as i'm sure He already has.
    can't wait to hear more about your work in Africa- maybe i'll see you there someday!

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  71. Happy birthday Emma! Your sweet and loving heart gives God all the glory. You are a blessing to al who know you and for those of us who only know about you. Have a blessed day.

    Christy

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  72. Happy Birthday Emma! What a gift you have been to your family and to so many others. Can't wait to watch you serve our King through the years!

    Hope to see you in September!!!

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  73. Happy, Happy Birthday sweet Emma!!! I love your heart for Africa and orphans!! What a blessing your are to your family and to others. My kids and I read your blog and it encourages my kids to see other (older) kids who love Jesus. What a treasure you are to Him. I can't wait to see all the wonderful things that He has in store for you. Keep serving Him and He will honor all of those things that you treasure in your heart. His will is to be glorified, and sweet girl…You do just that!!!

    Have a wonderful day!!!

    Linny, you are so blessed!!

    Lots of love,
    jenn

    Reply

  74. Happy Birthday Emma! You are such an inspiration. Reading this post has made me think of my love of China. I also love children. I hope eventually I can work with orphans in China. Thanks for all you do, you are an amazing person.
    Abby

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  80. Happy 17th Birthday, sweet Emma! From just the brief moments we spent together in China a few months ago, I can attest that you are as every bit lovely as your mama brags on, and more! All of God's rich blessings upon you and all of your great aspirations!

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  81. Love you Em! You are an amazing young woman. Thanks for loving on my kids every Sunday – they have treasured their time with you. Happy Birthday!

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  83. Happy Birthday, Emma! I hope you had a fantastic time celebrating your special day. It is my prayer that the Lord fulfills the purpose and dreams He's placed in your heart at such a tender age. The works you are doing and will continue to do in Uganda will be great in His name!

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  84. Happy Birthday, Emma! Our Jesus truly delights in you! You are a treasure and a joy to Him, and, I know, to your family and friends too.

    My Lily also wants to "open a faith orphanage" (her words) some day. She's only nine, but believes God for wonderful things. She and I are heading to India in Sept.

    Blessings to you!
    Sarah

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  87. Happy Birthday Emma Joy! LOve your name- we have an Emma Joy, too!!

    We hope you had a wonderful day- God Bless You!! I love your heart that desires to serve the Lord!

    Reply

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