One Year Home

Dec 28th 2013, we stepped off the plane with our son Miles.  I cannot express on paper the journey that we have been through with Miles this year.  It has not been just Miles journey, it has been a journey for the whole family.  All I do know after a year is that God is faithful, God is sovereign, and God is with us!  Never have I felt the Lord's presence as I have felt it this year with Miles.  We are flying past all these milestones as we are deep in the middle of life. I can't even get a clear reflection of this year because of all the changes that have happened and that are happening! Within just a few weeks we zoomed past Miles gotcha day, Miles first Christmas home, the first year of Miles being home, and Saturday he turns 5.

  My brain cannot even slow down long enough to reflect on this first year and all the milestones we have reached.  I have wanted to write this deep and moving blog post about Miles and how he has changed our family in the last year.  Everytime I try and write, I just get swallowed up with emotion and feel so humbled that God would allow us to be on this journey.  I love this child more than I could ever have imagined. He brings so much joy to our home and has completely changed who we all are as a family. I have seen my older children grow this year I ways that cannot be taught. I have seen them be completely selfless as they show love to their brother. I have seen Miles teach them about differences and to be proud of it. I watch as all the kids just naturally play together, learning from each other, teaching each other what family is all about

. This year has not been without its challenges and difficulties. Some days I am so over my head and am lacking in the experience and expertise that I need. I am definitely learning that I cannot do this in my own power. It is only one day, one moment, one decision at a time, seeking Gods guidance and wisdom as I hope to somehow point my children to a God that has all the answers. He knows all of my children inside and out. He created them and wants what is best for them.  As I think back about out first year home with Miles, as precious as it has been to us, I am kind of glad we are one year in. He has developed such a closeness and comfort with all of us. He is fine to stay with family as long as his siblings are with him. He snuggles up to his Baba to take a nap and looks as if he has been doing it his whole life. He likes his Mama's cooking and has developed some favorites. Home is familiar , language is familiar, church is familiar. It was a long road a lot of work on my sweet boys part to finally get to "familiar".  It is so nice to watch him be comfortable, confident, and happy in his surrondings.  

One year has not come easy, we have all worked hard to get to this place and we still have still have so much work to do. So thankful that we are all in this together.  Happy one year home, Miles. I love you and am so blessed to be your Mama.