Happy Birthday week, baby girl. Not really a baby anymore though, you’re 6 years old now – practically a lady! I want you to know that no matter where you are, and no matter what you’re doing, Mama and Baba are thinking of you today (every day) and praying for you. 6 Prayers for my girl on her 6th Birthday.
- I pray that you are always brave. In the videos we’ve seen, you are happy, joyful and you don’t seem scared of us or scared of being adopted. You are so brave and I couldn’t be more proud. You have some different times ahead. You’ll be leaving the only home you’ve ever known, leaving the friends you’ve made, leaving the caretakers who’ve helped you grow, leaving your language, leaving your food, your culture and your everything – wow, you’re literally the bravest person I know. And I pray that braveness sticks with you for the rest of your life. That you’ll see this as a grand new adventure and when tough times are upon you in the future, that you just stay who you already are – one brave little lady.
- I pray you have peace that surpasses all understanding. I want nothing more than to know you go to sleep at night and that the Lord surrounds you with Peace. That your sweet little heart feels calm and secure in your future ahead. I pray that if worry or fear tries to edge it’s way into your life that peace just floods your soul and washes over you with each and every step of every day.
- I pray you know you are loved and are open to receiving love from us. You don’t know it yet, but girl, a LOT of people love you something fierce. You’ve got a Nana and Pop Pop; a Yeah Yeah and Honey; and a Nai Nai – all grandparents who love you to the moon and back. You’ve got lots of Aunties, some Uncles and the cutest little cousins and girl, do you have friends. I think you’ve got more friends than I do already and they haven’t even met you yet! So many people love you, and I hope you feel every golden, drop of that love throughout the years to come.
- I pray for joy, joy and more joy! I don’t know what orphanage life is like for you – but I can’t wait to show you the joys of growing up a Miller. Your Baba is a prince among men and if I’ve learned anything about him in the 13 years we’ve been a couple it’s that he will do literally anything to make sure you’re provided for and that this life you lead is full of joy!
- I pray that you always know we are proud of your heritage and that you’re Chinese. I pray you never feel too different or that you wish you were something other than what you are – which is a lovely little Chinese lady. You’ve got a culture with a rich history and I pray that your Baba and I do it justice in teaching it to you as best we can. We want you to keep learning your language, along with ours. We want you to eat the longevity noodles and peach shaped buns, light the lanterns, learn to make the moon cakes and receive allllllllll the red envelopes your heart desires. You are a lovely (and very loved) little Chinese lady – don’t ever forget it!
- I saved the biggest prayer for last. I pray that you let God take you where he wants to take you throughout your life. That you let him break you, if you need it and that he’s in control. I hope when you’re old enough that I can share with you how I let him break me – but it took years of work, a pandemic and a quarantine before I really even understood what was happening. I pray you have a heart that is open to whatever God has in store for you and that you see it sooner than I did! I’ve felt God tugging at me to regain control of my life for some time now and it’s only been in the last month when I’ve hit my knees asking “WHY?” that I found some answers. God is in control, not me. I’m leaning in to that. Letting it take me and break open an area that has felt so hard for so long – and guess what? It feels freeing when you let go and let God. Whatever comes next, he’s in control and I’m okay with that. I pray that you and God are best buddies. That he guides your every step and when things get hard in life that you let him carry you instead of trying to walk yourself.
Okay, maybe one more prayer – just because we can. I pray that your 6th year of life is your best so far. I pray you meet your forever family – and soon. I pray you spend MORE time with your new family than not. I pray you get loads of hugs from your new parents. I pray you spend more nights WITH us, than without us in your 6th year. Happy Birthday, Indie. I love you more than words and hope that you feel it across the ocean today.
~Love,
Mama