Good morning to all of you, and good night almost for us. It is 10:30 pm, we are about to go to bed, however we wanted to leave you with a last post before the end of our day. Please look over to the right of the blog if you haven't already noticed it we have added a song icon for (If you want me to, by Ginny Owens) please push the play icon and then come back and read the rest of this post...Braiden's name means "THROUGH THE VALLEY" Valerie and I definently have been through the valley and now back to the TOP of the mountain again. At times it was so hard to see that light at the end of the gloomy tunnel, but with GOD'S help, loving family and christian friends, we have been blessed with a gift we never thought that we would see. Braiden Roman Anders has turned all of our past sorrow into un-darkening light. He lights up our days, and will from here on. Often in the past we questioned God's plan and how we could be delt so much pain, and sorrow, but now HIS UNFAILING LOVE, and GRACE has been shown to us again, in the biggest way possible. I cannot explain the love that you have for a child, biological or adopted, there is no difference. The moment you see them they bring a smile to your face, and melt your heart. We serve a GREAT and MIGHTY GOD!!! He has a plan for us all. Though we may have to walk through a tough valley to get there, in the end when "GOD" guides you though with his hand, you to will see it has all been worth it, and you would do it all over again. "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me" (PHIL 4:13) Looking back there is no possible way that we could have ever received this much joy without the help and strength of God. Though it took a tremendous amount of pain, the joy now outweighs the pain 10 to 1. We felt this song put a finishing touch on our journey to meet our son. Braiden, while not a typical biblical name, you now can see why it holds so dear to us. God brought us through the valley right to him, and He truly was worth the wait!!! We will be meeting with Braiden 2 times tomorrow before we will have to leave and wait for our court date. We will post lots of pictures tomorrow!!!
8 comments:
josh and val,
I love you and so happy the end of this incredibly tough spiritual journey is in sight.
Matthew
Josh & Valerie
We consider it a joy and a privilege to have traveled with you on this journey. We will continue to pray for you as you visit with Braiden and return home.
Joe & Sarah
P.S. I hope you don't mind but I(Sarah) shared your blogspot with several people at church. I was just too excited to keep it inside!
Josh & Valerie,
Your testimony is not unlike one of the most profound stories in the Lord's gospel with us. He came to a world, not like his own, He courted us, He draw us near. He loved us, He accepted us. He has adopted us, and will give us His name. He had to return to his own country (for awhile). It was probably hard for Him to do, to wait for the planned reunion with His bride. But what glory when He returns for us! The wait will be worth it all! Thanks for sharing this love story with us.
We Love you, Cliff & Sheryl
Josh & Valerie,
Even though you are so far away right now, I feel so connected. Thanks so much for sharing this wonderful experience with us.
My heart just swells with happiness
for the three of you. Your faces just radiate your happiness
like the day you got married.
Much love to all
Aunt Kim
Hi Guys, It looks like you have been having fun in the snow...so have we (we are at the Lodge and miss you!) It is just so amazing how God answeres our prayers even better than we can imagine! And that is the case here! Valerie I miss you and can't wait to catch up and here all about your little boy Braiden!! Thanks for sharing all the pictures we are enjoying being a part of this leg of the journey with you through this blog site.
Love and God Bless,
Meredith
WOW, what a tear jerker!!!! A truly heart felt letter; that was beautiful. God is great God and faithful to those who love and seek him. I know these last several years have been tough for the two of you with all the questions, whys, but you continued your faith and trustin God. God had Braiden Roman in mind for you to be his loving parents.
He is so blessed to be chosen for you to love and nurture; along with all of your extended family!!! We hope and pray for a shorter waiting period to go back to get him, so that he can come home and start his new life with you!
Love You,
Dad & Mom
Josh and Valerie,
We are so excited for you two! It was so neat to be able to see pictures of you in Russia visiting Braiden. We will be praying for your safe trip home and for the rest of this adoption process to go smoothly. We can't wait to meet him in person!
Love,
Shawna & Will
You reminded me of something. In Psalms 23 David talks about the valley. More specifically he talks about walking through the valley. I know that if I were in the valley, walking would be the last thing I would want to do. I would want to get through that part of my life as quickly as possible. Some times the toughest moments in life are only to prepare us for the greatest gifts, and blessings that God can give. To echo Joe and Sarah, it has been a honor and blessing to walk with you through the past 6 months. God bless you all and we are praying for you without ceaseing.
Brant and Meredith
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