Some glimpses of age 15

I tell you, this girl has it all going on! She's smart, sexy, super fit and strong, beautiful, and at least from my perspective she appears confident in herself! Last night was her soccer banquet where she was recognized for her participation in the LHS JV soccer program. She totally rocked her little black dress! It was fun to see her recognized for all her hard work!

 

Also, since we have located Lily's biological mom, we have sent a yearly Christmas basket.  This week, we received updated photographs of Lily's birth family.  Unfortunately, because so many families need to receive baskets, we only received photographs, but not updates.

Great Growth Opportunties

Lily has been very fortunate this year to be a part of the Career and Technology Center, Criminal Justice Program. Sure she learns many important things from English class and Social Studies class, but a lot of real-life learning is taking place in the Criminal Justice Program for sure. Not only are they training her for a future in some type of law enforcement/criminal justice, but they are teaching her life skills of leadership development and public speaking just to name a few. Yesterday, Lily competed against 22 of her classmates in a simulated dispatch call and she placed 6 out of 22, earning her the opportunity today to compete at the next level. Regardless of how she performs today, we are so proud and excited about the opportunities she is receiving to stretch herself!

Meeting the boy

Since the beginning of the school year, there has been a young man in Lily's classes who has taken an interest in her.  They have enjoyed time at homecoming together and met up at a football game.  I am sure they talk and Snapchat each other all the time as well. She had been asking about possibly going out on a "date" with him so after some contemplation we decided that we wanted to meet this young man first and so we planned a family date last night.  Got to give the young man credit, he did well meeting his interest's parents.  We had a fun time going to eat dinner and going to Spinner's pinball arcade (vintage pinball machines and arcade games like Atari, Sega, PS4, etc.  As well as old consoles such as Pacman, Pong, and Frogger, just to name a few.  Then before we took him home we enjoyed an ice cream at Dairy Queen.  A fun night was had by all.

First Homecoming

Lily and her good friend Dorothy from their AWANNA and CCM days, went to homecoming together.  It was the first homecoming for both girls.  Dorothy because she is a freshman and Lily because there was no homecoming last year due to COVID and fully virtual learning.

Both girls looked lovely in their chosen dresses.  I couldn't get over how strong, sexy, and beautiful Lily looked.  She totally rocked her dress!  At the homecoming dance, Lily reported running into her soccer friends and being asked to dance by a boy who is in two of her classes named Raymond.  I think both girls had a really good time!  I am so glad they went together!

Dorothy also got Lily to go to her first homecoming game the evening before too!  Lily is gently easing into all the fun activities of a true high school student!

Lily and Dorothy

Lily rocking the strong, sexy, sophisticated, and beautiful look

 

A September to remember-My Quince

On September 24, 2021, not only did we celebrate your 13th Forever Family Day, but also we had the joy of celebrating your Quinceñara.

 I hope it was everything you imagined and dreamed of. As your mother, I couldn't be more full of pride, joy, and happiness. I don't know how much you will remember, but the service Ms. Susan officiated was amazing. I've included the transcript of the service for your future reference. 

 Good evening! 

 On behalf of the Gjerde family, I would like to welcome you all tonight as we celebrate their beloved daughter and sister, Lily. My name is Rev. Susan Mulholland, and I and my husband have had the pleasure of knowing the Gjerdes for almost 20 years as church members, fellow musicians, and good friends. I am honored that I have been asked to be with you tonight on this very special occasion in Lily’s life. Our service tonight (and the party that will follow!) takes the form of a Quinceañera. For those of you who are unfamiliar with the Quinceañera tradition, it is a big step in the life of a young woman. It is a “coming-of-age” ceremony. A celebration of Lily turning 15, signaling her transition from a young girl to becoming a woman. An additional, unique fact is that tonight—September 24—marks 13 years ago that Lily, or Lilian Rosmery Gjerde, as Olav and Kim’s legal daughter, literally took her first “baby steps” on US soil at the Baltimore/Washington Airport! The Quinceañera ceremony is also deeply spiritual. It is a time for Lily to take responsibility for her own faith. As a young woman, Lily will no longer rely solely on the faith of her parent. She will be expected to shape, grow, and take ownership of her own faith. So tonight, Lily will have the opportunity to make a public commitment in front of God and you—her friends and family, to live a life of faithfulness to her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.  

Please join me in prayer. Creator God, we gather here tonight to celebrate this amazing young woman, Lily Gjerde, whom you have fashioned and made. The Bible tells us that even before she was born, she was YOUR daughter, for you knit her together in her mother’s womb. We rejoice that by knowing you, Lily will never lack a Father who understands every detail of her being, loves her deeply, and accepts her unconditionally. Lord, you have commanded us to love one another with a love like yours. We pray that you will anoint Lily with your grace, so that, as she grows in you, she will be able to demonstrate this love to a world so desperately in need of it. Lord Jesus, we ask you tonight, as Lily makes the transition from girl to woman, that you will take priority in her life. That she will commit herself to loving as you loved, and serving as you served, all the days of her life. And now, Lord, we lift Lily and this very special occasion to you in joy! Amen. 

 MESSAGE: Loved From the Beginning Lily Gjerde, you are easy to love! Did you know that? Take your parents, Olav and Kim Gjerde. At first, we all thought your mom and dad were a little bit crazy! They kept talking about a photograph of a “tiny baby girl lying on a pink fleece ‘Hello Kitty’ blanket and dressed like she was ‘ready for a Norwegian snowstorm!’” And, based only on that photograph, they started flying back and forth to Guatemala 15 years ago, because they had fallen in love with you! And our church held a fund-raiser for you that we called Lilypalooza. It was also a way for us to learn more about you. That evening, I sat with Ms. Ippy, as she crafted my own pair of personalized “Lily” earrings, which I am wearing tonight in your honor. It was at that event when you stole my heart—even before I met you! But Lily, there is someone in your life who didn’t have to see a photograph of you or learn more about you before he loved you. And that someone is God. He not only created you, he loved you from the beginning and blessed you with so many wonderful attributes. For example: In the book of Proverbs 15:13 we read, “A happy heart makes the face cheerful…” In her book, your mom describes your earliest reactions to everyday surroundings: how you “…howl[ed] with laughter, squeal[ed] with delight, and savor[ed] the very sweetness of life.” Evidently, your joyful personality, still visible today, charmed those who met you, even when you were only two years old! And Colossians 3:12 says, “Therefore, as God’s chosen people…clothe yourselves with compassion and kindness… I can personally attest to the fact that, even as a child, you were kind and compassionate. In bright Crayola colors, you would draw pictures on lined tablet paper, fold them up and give them to random people who had been a special part of your life on a particular day. In my Bible, there is one of these carefully folded pieces of paper. You drew me a brown, stick house with a red front door, surrounded by multi-colored flowers, and a bright, yellow sun above. But the part I will always cherish most are the words you wrote: “Ms. Susan, I thank God for you.” Tonight, Lily, we celebrate your transition into womanhood, and God wants you to recognize what this means. 1 Corinthians 13:11 teaches this: “When we are children, we talk like children, we think like children and we reason like children. But when we become adults, we need to put aside the talk, the thinking, and the reasoning of childhood.” Lily, tonight you are on the threshold of adulthood. You have grown into an intelligent and caring young woman. This year, as only a high school sophomore at Linganore High School, you have distinguished yourself by being accepted into a special program that focuses on homeland security and criminal justice. That is an adult choice, Lily. One that—were you to pursue a career in that area, would allow you to use your experience of multiple cultures and languages in ways that could help many other people. Lily, you are sweet but strong. You are a defensive guard for your HS soccer team, and I understand you are pretty good at it! This strong, spirit will allow you to strike out on your own and be successful, as long as you also maintain a humble heart. In I Peter 5: 5, we read, “…clothe yourself with humility…because God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble.” Proverbs 17:17 reminds us that “A true friend loves at all times.” Emery, Dorothy, Madison, and Taylor—all friends you have known for years—are, I believe, here tonight. You have shared many life experiences with these friends: classes at school, team sports, sleepovers, conversations of all sorts, and perhaps some secrets?! 😉 Never take these good friends for granted, for giving and receiving true friendship become more and more precious as the years go by. So, Lily, we celebrate tonight the fact that you have taken the gifts that God has given you from the beginning, and have grown in grace. Lily, this is an exciting time in your life – a time when you can still dream, as you learn and grow. But you are also on the threshold of adulthood, and—as an adult—you will face difficulties, trials temptations. You may find, at times, that you need to stand up for something you believe in, even when others don’t agree with you. You will be expected to take responsibility for your own beliefs, your own decisions, and your own actions. But fortunately, Lily, our loving God does not want you to face difficulties by yourself; he clearly speaks of where to turn for advice, counsel, and support. Proverbs 3:5-6 tells us: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.” Lily, my prayer, as you continue to walk this wonderful journey from childhood to full womanhood, is that you will allow God to travel with you. Trust him, and God will guide you. Ask him, and God will keep you on a straight path. Pay attention, and God will show you the right choices to make. Lean on him daily, and you will never be alone. Continue to nurture the attributes God has given you – joy, compassion, strength, kindness, loyalty to friends, love of family, and wholehearted commitment to your faith. For with these things, Lily, God can use you to change the world. Amen.   

GIFTS At this time, Lily, your family and friends have prepared some gifts for you. Each gift has a symbolic meaning that represents your commitment to God. As I introduce each person or couple, please come forward. I will offer a short reading, and then, you may present your gift to Lily. 

 • BIBLE: I would like to introduce Debbie and Glenn Gravatt, affectionately known as Abuelita and Hombre Sin Nombre! Glenn officiated at Olav and Kim’s wedding 21 years ago, and the Gravatt's have been loving supporters of the Gjerde household ever since. Psalm 119:105 proclaims: “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” Lily, this Bible is a reminder to keep God’s Word as a central part of your life. 

 • TIARA: Evie VanderMeer and her late husband Pastor Mark Vandermeer, following God's lead, came to Frederick, Maryland in 1990 to plant a church called Monocacy Valley Church. Evie and her family, as well as the close-knit church community God created through their ministry, have been some of the biggest supporters and encouragers of the Gjerde family. Evie will present Lily with a tiara. Isaiah 62:3 tells Lily that “[she] will be a crown of splendor in the Lord’s hand…” Therefore, the Tiara symbolizes that you are a “princess” before God. It is also a reminder of the greater crown that Christ will place on your head one day in Heaven. 

 • EAR BUDS: Yolanda Rodriguez Yos has been a treasured member of the Gjerde family since she was their housekeeper in Guatemala! She had the opportunity to come to the United States 10 years ago and is now a registered nurse. Deuteronomy 30:20 instructs us to “…love the Lord your God, listen to his voice, and hold fast to him.” These earbuds are a reminder to always listen for the voice of God as you walk through life. 

 • WATCH: Elaine Goebel and Emily Rodgers have been Kim’s close friends and fellow travelers for many years. Elaine—also known as “Tia Elaine,“ was so excited to meet baby Lily that she traveled to Guatemala twice to do so! Emily has been a faithful and encouraging prayer warrior for Lily and the entire Gjerde family since “ day one.“ A familiar verse from Ecclesiastes reminds us: “There is a time for everything and a season for every activity under heaven.” The Watch represents being aware of time and the events in your life, Lily. It is a reminder that life is short and that you need to make the most of every second. 

 • CROSS RING: Colleen Cagle, or “Tia Colleen,” and her entire family—Jeff, Abigail, and Elizabeth, have all faithfully championed Lily’s adoption since the beginning. They will present Lily with a cross-ring. Lily, the cross on this ring symbolizes your faith in Jesus Christ as your Savior. The ring itself represents God’s infinite, never-ending circle of love for you. Please pray with me...

FINAL PRAYER Lord, we ask you now, as Lily moves from childhood to adulthood that you watch over her. Bless her. Guide her steps. Help her in the decisions ahead that will determine the direction and destination of her life. Give her the strength to make the right choices, even when it’s hard. Give her the courage to stand for what’s right, even if she is the only one standing. Give her the faith to trust in your Word, even when trials and temptations come her way. We also pray that you would help us, her friends and family, to guide Lily. To look out for her. To love her. To walk with her as she strengthens her faith for a life of commitment to you. So now, Lord, it is in the name of Jesus, and for his will and work to be done in Lily’s life that we lift her to you 

 This beautiful ceremony was followed by a prayer led by Pop-Pop and a delicious dinner with your friends! After the meal, Ashton and Julia gave you the "last doll", a doll I had picked up in Guatemala over 13 years ago! Then Daddy attempted to put on your new high-heeled shoes. It was funny to watch him struggle with them! I guess he could have used some practice. Then you and your daddy danced to Stephen Curtis Chapman's Dance with Cinderella. Brother Stian helped Daddy and you learn how to dance. I could watch the video of the two of you dancing over and over again!!!! Such a special treasure! Then you and your friends enjoyed some dancing time!!!! Toward the end, you lit 15 candles in recognition of 15 very special people in your life. I was filled with such pride as I watched you speak with so much love and emotion about so many people who are important to you. There was not a dry eye in the house. Lily, it was such a beautiful night and I hope it is a memory you will treasure forever!

Dancing with Daddy

Lighting 15 candles

Special cookies

Beautiful and delicious cake by Alejandra Taylor

REAL Highschool (Not Virtual) and JV Soccer

Last week Lily started her first week of real high school. It's been a whirlwind, school supplies, Career and Technology Uniform, JV soccer practice, etc. She even let me walk her to the bus stop on the first day with the doggos. Except for waking up early, she seems to like it.

In other news, Lily did make the JV soccer team. I am so proud of her. She has worked so hard. She was even able to run the mile in 8:06 minutes! Impressive. Last weekend we went to see one of her dear friends Taylor who had moved away. The girls picked up right where they left off! So cute!

Schools out for summer!!!!!

Hooray, we survived the pandemic school year!  I don't know her official grades yet, but I know she pulled it together in both Spanish and photography at the last minute.  Nothing like making a mama's heart race!

Also as of June 23rd Lily is officially vaccinated against Covid!!!!  Yipee!!!  So good to feel like we can begin to get our lives back again!

We recently got back her quinceañara pictures.  They turned out beautiful!  I am getting so excited for her magical evening!

Lily finished another great soccer season with her favorite coach, Coach Chad, and got to play in the finals for the co-ed team.  They came in 2nd place.  She also made the 2006 travel soccer team.  

Lily and Coach Chad

Lastly one of the perks of having a summer job is having extra spending money!  Lily got her first debit card!  I think she is enjoying the freedom that earning money brings!  We are so proud of her!  She even had to perform her first save 4 days into the job!  A little boy who couldn't swim jumped into the pool without his floaties while his mom wasn't looking!

Busy May

May has been a very busy and eventful month for Lily.  First, we are so proud of her.  In late April she scored her first job with High Sierra Pools.  She will be working as a lifeguard in the Lake Linganore Community.  To qualify she had to pass an intensive 3-part class that included first aid, CPR, water safety, and water rescue.  So proud of her.  She had her first day yesterday.  It was a balmy 52 degrees...brrr....needless to say no one came to the pool!

This month we also had her quinceañera photo shoot.  She looked absolutely stunning and I can't wait to see the final product.  She did give us a good scare though....during the photo shoot she said she was beginning to feel a little dizzy and light headed.  I ran to get her some food (since she had only eaten half a bagel the entire day) and my friend Diana the photographer went to get her a chair and before either of us could get to her she fainted.  The whole rest of the day I was worried.  But she was good sport about it, she didn't' seem too shook up thankfully.

Poor thing fainted

Also exciting for Lily was she got scouted for playing travel soccer for Alliance.  After a game, a coach from a travel Alliance team came up to her and asked her if she would ever consider playing travel.  Needless to say she was ecstatic.  She loves soccer and will be trying out for the travel soccer team this week!

I think Lily is a little burnt out with virtual learning.  She is definitely slumping.  Hoping she can pull it together for the end of the marking period.

More awesomeness

This girl is stellar!

Once again she was nominated by her 2nd semester math teacher Ms. Weiss for Student of the Month!  This girl is rocking high school!  So proud 

Last weekend for the first time she stayed home alone overnight.  I don't think my parents ever had my sister and I stay overnight alone ever, nor do I think we would have been agreeable to that. 

She also just completed her first year of JV soccer at the high school level!  The coach was super impressed with her improvement! Their team was undefeated!  GO LANCERS!

Whirlwind days

The end of March and early April have always been a whirlwind of days, between Passover, Easter, and both kids' birthdays it's non-stop.  This year has been no different.

Last weekend we celebrated another "Zoom" Passover with family all across the country.  Hoping that it will be the last "Zoom" Passover we have to do for many years to come.

 On Friday we went for Liiy's dress fitting!  She looked so beautiful!

Dress fitting

On Saturday we celebrated Lily's 15th birthday.  I took her and one of her besties and her mom to a tea room in Sykesville.  It was absolutely lovely.  I made Lily wear a tiara and sash that said Mis Quince Años.  An enjoyable time was had by all.  Also up until I took this picture I had never seen the resemblance between Lily and her birth mom.  I'd always thought she must favor her father.  But in this image, I can see her birth mom shining through!  The eyes!

 

 

Today was Easter and we celebrated with an Easter basket scavenger hunt and Easter egg hunt, with our good friends the Rinkes family.

 

You are never too old to find eggs

A rare picture of them both together and smiling

With the Rinkes family

We also recently got an updated report and photographs from Lily's biological family.

English:

Report for: Kimberly Gjerde

Visit to: Lilian Bernardina Yac López

I read the letter to Lili and she answered:

“Dear family,

I hope each one of you feels healthy, bear in mind it makes me happy to know about you, we traveled to support people from Alta Verapaz, Tucurú. They were affected people from the hurricanes and we helped at an evangelical church.”

“Our church´s name is: “Mision Evangelica Pentecostes Pacto Eterno”. COVID-19 sounds like a tragic thing for everyone but no one in the family has passed away.”

“It’s better if Lily receives lessons online to protect herself from the virus. It gives me joy that Lily is a great student and feel proud of her because we are illiterates. Sorry, but the only idea I was able to catch was that Lily wants to become a public defender. I think it´s an amazing idea and justice should be more involved in our daily activities at our jobs, with friends and the family relationship.”

“Lily, God bless you for turning 15 in April, hopefully, the people who love you will be present for that moment. Choose the best dress for you, and I wish you to feel happy that day. I hope you can share with me pictures from your 15th-year-old celebration.”

“How do we pray for someone? We kneel down without having eaten anything before the pray and we do it with respect.

About the other baby I gave in adoption, to be honest, I don’t remember anything. The only thing I remember is that he is a boy.”

“Susana wakes up at 9:00 a.m. every day, has breakfast, accompanies us to the church, and during the afternoon we pray. She gets involved in her parent´s activities and she is emotionally stable.”

“It’s so nice to hear that Lily got excited to get our pictures on Christmas. The same thing happened to me during the first contact with Fide. The first reaction for me was to find a feeling I didn’t know a person could experience.”

“I started to process the information step by step. It´s exciting to receive news from you and the pictures are even cooler, thanks.”

Lily said: “Lily, bear in mind that you look beautiful and tall in those pictures. I thank God for allowing you to celebrate your 15th-year-old celebration, God bless you! You will be present in my prayers and hope that the people who will be surrounding you for the celebration are the ones you love. I love you and wish you the best at this stage of your life.”

“You are saying bye to your childhood and the life as a teenager will start developing. Please, be happy and very disciplined in your academic life to overcome any kind of obstacle in the way. Life is difficult when the best years are gone and the intellect stays the same. For example: “At my age, I’m just happy with what I have and that won´t change. The reason is that I am conscious that to regret is a toxic feeling.”

“I always carry you in my heart.”

Gjerde family:

“Thanks for staying in touch, it excites me a lot to know the girl will become 15 years old; time flies. The supplies for us are an amazing support in our family diet. I Feel extremely grateful to each one of you who makes possible the girl´s celebration. If at a certain point the girl has an inappropriate or negative attitude toward you, please, forgive her. Discipline her taking off little privileges if it´s necessary but I can understand she is a calm girl.”

“I wish success to each one of you in your daily activities.”

 Spanish:  

Kimberly Gjerde

Lilian Bernardina Yac López

Le leí la carta a Lili y contesta.

Querida familia, esperamos que estén bien de salud, nosotros somos felices saber de Ustedes, fuimos apoyar a las familias afectadas por los huracanes en Alta Verapaz y a la vez estuvimos en una Iglesia Evangélica de Tucurú, Alta Verapaz.

Nuestra Iglesia se llama: Misión Evangélica Pente Costes Pacto Eterno.

Sobre el Covid 19 es muy triste pero en la familia nadie ha padecido.

Es mejor que Lily reciba clases en línea para protegerse del virus por supuesto a su Padre principalmente.

Me alegra saber que Lily es una buena estudiante que orgullosa me siento porque en la familia somos analfabetos.

Disculpas solo capto que Lily se quiere dedicar a la Justicia y pienso que es bueno y todos debemos practicar la justicias desde nuestras familias, con los vecinos y con nosotros mismos.

Lily, que Dios te bendiga por tus 15 años en Abril, que te acompañen las personas quienes te aprecian y familia. Escoge el vestido que te guste mas y que seas feliz ese día y encomiéndate a Dios ante todo. Ojalá me puedas compartir fotos de tus 15 años.

¿Cómo rezamos por alguien? Oramos en familia de rodillas y en ayunas.

Del niño que di en adopción no recuerdo nada, ni nombre, ni fecha de nacimiento sólo sé que fue varón y nada más.

Susana se levanta a la 9:00 a.m. todos los días, desayuna, nos acompaña a la Iglesia hacer limpieza y por la tarde vamos a orar y al servicio de culto.

Participa en las actividades de sus Padres.

Que bonito escuchar que Lily se emocionó al ver nuestras fotos en Navidad, lo mismo me pasó a mí, en la búsqueda fue una impresión grande y mis sentimientos encontrados (felicidad y lágrimas) experimenté ese sentimiento y

poco a poco procesé la información en mi cabeza, ahora es emocionante recibir noticias de Ustedes y fotos.

Lily MB dice: Lily te amo veo tus fotos estás hermosa y grande, gracias a Dios que cumplirás tus XV Primaveras, felicidades y que Dios te bendiga.

Estarás en mis oraciones y la gente que te acompañe en tu día especial que sean muy especiales y que te sientas cómoda y feliz.

Te amo y te deseo lo mejor en la nueva etapa de tu vida, te despides de tu niñez y empezaras a vivir la vida de joven, sé feliz y dedícate a las actividades sanas para empezar a trazar tu futuro como adulta. La vida es difícil cuando de joven no se hacen bien las cosas y después hay que conformarse con lo que se tiene y el arrepentimiento ya no sirve porque es dañino para la salud. Te tengo en mi corazón.

Familia Gjerde

Gracias por la comunicación y me emociona saber que la niña cumple 15 años éste año, el tiempo se va rápido.

Los víveres para nosotros es una gran bendición nos cubre la necesidad de nuestros sagrados alimentos.

Gracias por cumplir su misión de XV años con Lily, sé que es un gran trabajo; Perdonen Ustedes cuando la niña tenga una inconformidad o les haya hecho sentir mal por sus palabras, acciones o movimientos de no me parece.

Bendiciones en su familia, hogar y para cada uno de Ustedes.