Blessings and Raindrops

seeking joy in the midst of the ordinary

where we are.

We’re still waiting to hear news from DGM. As of now, the exit permit suspension is still in effect for up to 12 months. That’s all we know. 
That leaves us waiting and praying. 
{Not unlike the past two years of this journey}. 
So much of the international adoption process is completely out of our control – I think that’s why God is able to be so clearly in the forefront of our stories as adoptive families. We have to trust. We have to surrender control. We have to fix our eyes upon Jesus and stand firm in our faith even when everything else is unclear. 
The other night, I woke up around 3am and felt a gentle nudge in my heart to focus on the good. To focus on His faithfulness in this journey. That’s what I’m choosing to do today. 
I’m choosing to be thankful that our I-600 was approved and our case is en route to the Embassy in Kinshasa for our investigation to begin. 
I’m choosing to be thankful for the next stage of this process to begin, even if I do not have any timelines to plan for or holidays to envision as a family of five. 
Slowly, steadily, surely, the time approaches when the vision will be fulfilled. If it seems slow, wait patiently, for it will surely take place. It will not be delayed. {Habakkuk 2:3}
I’m choosing to remember how God has provided every penny for this adoption – most of the time in the exact amount, at the exact time we needed it. 
I’m choosing to remember all of the encouraging cards, emails, text messages and voicemails from friends near and far. Words of hope when I needed them the most.
I’m choosing to remember the keeper of the storehouse of snow who chose to shower me in white flurries last May just to remind me how big He is and how dearly my S is loved. 
Or the rainbows He has placed in the sky when I simply needed to lift my eyes. 
I’m choosing to remember the verse He directed me to and affirmed moments later as Beth Moore read the exact verse from the stage where she spoke.
There is wonderful joy ahead, even though it is necessary for you to endure many trials for a while. 
{1 Peter 1:6}
I’m choosing to remember the One who called us to this path. He is faithful and good. S is His beloved daughter. We will continue to wait for her to be in our arms. We will continue to pray and hope. 
And, just because. A few more beach photos I had to share…because you can’t tell me that a little girl with curly hair and big, brown eyes and a smile that lights up the room wouldn’t fit just perfectly with this crazy crew. 🙂

The joy of the LORD is your strength. 
{Nehemiah 8:10}

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