I started keeping this blog for a few reasons. First of all, I wanted to have a record of my thoughts and experiences through this journey. Second, I wanted to share updates and news with family and friends who are walking this road with us. Third, I wanted to be vulnerable about this journey in hopes that it might encourage or speak to others traveling down this road or considering it. Adoption is not for the weak of heart. It is HARD. But with God all things are possible. Philippians 4:13. I wanted to take a minute today to ensure that you can see clearly how mighty God has been throughout our entire journey, despite my honest and raw emotions about the struggles and heartache in the process. I never want God to be the background story. Adoption and orphans have been dear to our hearts for a long time and our journey has led us down roads we never thought we would travel. I am so grateful that God choose us for this path. We are like every other family in 2021, 2020 was not what we wanted or expected. And while our reasons might be different, we, along with others, struggled with fear and anxiety. I can honestly say that our adoption process prepared us to handle 2020 because we had a lot of practice giving things to God and allowing Him to take control. We truly suffered little stress throughout the year because we were in the practice of going to God. I would like to say that’s always the case, but the reality is (for most of us) we live in a convenient world with everything easily at our finger tips and it’s easy to go anywhere and everywhere, but to God to solve our problems. We, as a family, intentionally pull away from the things of this world when we can because it allows us better focus on God. Sure it makes us a little weird, but we are okay with that-this is not our home. What I have found in our wait is that the harder it was and the more intense the stress, the more desperate I became, and it was in this depth of stress and lack of control that I would reach out to God. When I did that a peace would overcome me and I knew I could press on, I could take hold of that for which Jesus took hold of me. Daily I struggle to be more like Him and less like me. I can only do that when I press into Him. It was in these times of dealing with the pressure that I became an overcomer. I could face the next moment/hour/day because I KNEW that God was in me. I KNEW my strength was His. I KNEW my power and courage were His. He is in me and I needed to let Him shine through me to show myself, my children, and those around me how great He is. His strength won the day, not mine. I long more than anything in this process that I have grown nearer to Him and that others can clearly see that I am carrying Jesus, that I might become Jesus to those around me, those struggling in the role of mom or the desire to be in that role. Both journeys are hard and I can’t imagine facing either without Christ. Jesus never promised that he would take our problems from us, but He does promise to take us through them. Psalm 23:4 tells us, “Though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; for you are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me” God is in the valleys of this life. Our world is so shiny and loud that sometimes we can’t see Him until we are in those dark valleys of life. I have learned to love the moments when it is just He and I in the darkness, It’s when I feel the safest in this world. I am thankful for my valleys and the lessons they have taught me, the ways they have grown me, and how they have shaped me to be more like Him. After time in the valley, whatever may lead me (or you) there, I can give thanks and share with others that there is a place we can find refuge and healing. We find it in the shelter of His wings. I can declare that He is my refuge, my place of safety; He is my God and I trust Him! Those who have read my other posts know I stumble-often, but this journey has helped me to do even that at the feet of my Lord. He allows me to question and falter when I am in His shadow, His grace is sufficient. We keep moving forward. Both in life and in our adoption process. And God NEVER falters, NEVER fails, NEVER quits. God is faithful! I pray that whether you are in a valley or on a mountain top today, that you know this faithfulness of God. I wanted to celebrate it in this post. I wanted to ensure that is shines through all the struggle, hurt, and fear of this process and this life. A sound mind-what a place of peace. I will take hold of the power that God has given me through His son Jesus Christ and strive daily to walk boldly where He leads me.
So for an actual update: We are waiting on our I800 approval. We hope it will come any day. Truly it should not be much longer. That is a great step forward. It will mean that the U.S. acknowledges the boys are our family. Once it arrives we will file for our Article 5, the letter that comes from the U.S. embassy in Kenya to Burundi stating the U.S. government approved us and that the court process can begin in Burundi. After the court in Burundi finalizes the adoption we will receive a court decree and we can make arrangements to travel. There are a few additional steps sprinkled into all of that, but that is the jest of it. We ask you to join us in prayer that God will continue to move our paperwork in His perfect timing. Continue to pray that God is preparing the boys for us and us for them. Mostly that God is preparing the boys hearts to welcome Him. Pray for the health and safety of the boys and their care givers.
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AuthorMy name is Deidra Miller. I have been married to my wonderful husband, Dusty, for 17 years. We have two biological children and our family is growing again. We prayed for 2,786 days and God answered our prayers. More days (almost 4 years) have been added as we wait for God's perfect plan for our family. We can't wait to meet our beautiful twin boys! Archives
October 2022
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