Finding Our Way Back

What if the waiting is part of how God brings us closer?

Love,

I hope you’re having a wonderful weekend! My mom found the journal she wrote, and it’s been so much fun to read. I’m realizing just how similar we are, and it’s honestly kind of hilarious.

My sister mentioned the other day that she ran into a mutual friend (actually the one who helped me get connected at the BIE during my internship). She said she can help us get the boys enrolled in the tribe once we have all their documents updated, which is such a blessing!

The Miami Nation offers a lot of wonderful services for tribal members. I still need to look into everything, but it sounds like there could be a lot of helpful resources. We’re using state healthcare for now, but my sister mentioned that some of the local reservations may offer services (including healthcare) to members of other tribes too. So getting them registered will be a really good step.

While I was looking into all the tribal stuff, it brought back memories of the Native American Cultural Center at Stanford and how supportive they were the whole time I was there. Before move-in day freshman year, I went on this trip with all the incoming Native students, and it was such a fun experience. By the time I moved into my dorm, I already had close friends and felt part of a real community. I loved going to the NACC to hang out, study, or just talk with the staff. Denni was always so kind and encouraging. And believe it or not, I even got to be the librarian there for a little while.

Yesterday my mom took the boys to a couple of local farms while I stayed home to catch up on a few things. I also got to spend some quality time with my mom’s cat. She’s a little skittish and tends to hide most of the time, but so sweet once she warms up. I was really happy to see she’s still part of the family, and it’s been nice getting the chance to bond and reconnect with her.

At one of the farms, the boys picked out the most beautiful flowers for me. It completely made my day! One of them didn’t quite survive the trip home though, because our youngest couldn’t resist picking off the petals.

I know there are moments it feels like we didn’t do everything right or missed a step somewhere along the way, but I truly believe even the delays and detours have purpose. God’s still in control, and He’s working even when we can’t see it. Everything will come together in His perfect timing, just as we’ve been praying and trusting.

I’m praying that God keeps you safe and gives you peace. My heart is also heavy for those who aren’t taking His warnings seriously, and it’s been making me feel really concerned and emotional about what could happen. Would you please pray and help spread that reminder to others?

Thank you for all your love and support through this. I’m so grateful for your kindness and everything you’ve done to help!

With love, Jeanie

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths.” — Proverbs 3:5-6