life

Been a long time since I blogged... A few of you have asked about it and requested an update via blog and not facebook. It's true, there is much you can't say on facebook, not all 300+ friends on facebook want to hear the ends and outs of the infertility, adoption, ministry/job issues we deal with. So, for all of you who are wondering what life is like in the McMillion household, I'll provide a more detailed update. There are lots of new pics on facebook and most of you are on facebook, so go check them out.

Ministry: in the past few months James and I have been asking God to show us where He is and what He wants us to do/be here in Wapella. He has made it abundantly clear that this is where He has planted us and where He wants us to be. He is here; He is working; He is faithful. We are so incredibly blessed to be in this town and with these people. There are many opportunities for ministry here. I'm working on developing a friendship of sorts with one of our neighbors who doesn't really care much about church. This is something I have not really ever tried before, so I pray for grace and courage to make sure I am Jesus to her. James is having a great time on the Fire Department. He loves hanging out with the guys and building relationships with them. He's doing some extra FF training at Richland CC and will take an EMT course this summer. He's also decided to switch back to the MDIV from the MA so Greek is in his future next year. Hebrew is almost done. I have finished my MA and it is already framed and on the wall. I'll graduate officially on May 16. May 18 we'll fly out to NH for a week to visit Jo and Dave. I'm still subbing, watching Skye, and working at being James Secretary. Most of the time these three jobs are great and fit together nicely.

Adoption: Our homestudy is finally done. We have sent everything to an agency in Florida who works with Christian Church families. We are waiting for a financial agreement statement from them so we can pay them and they can start showing our profile. Illini has our profile, as does the Crisis Pregnancy Center, and a lawyer in Champaign. We have a nursery all ready to go and are simply waiting on a match. It's been about a year since we started this process. We are ready to move foward!

Infertility: I don't know what is happening in my body. I go for a check-up tomorrow. I'm afraid the endometriosis is back with a vengeance and is attacking my only ovary. I'll spare you the details. After the last surgery Dr. Nord said I'd eventually need a hysterectomy. We thought we'd be able to put that off a few years, but I'm afraid that we won't be able to. If what I think is happening is actually happening, it may be just around the corner. The suggestion of IVF has been brought back to the table for discussion. This may be our last chance. There are so many factors that play into the discussion... ethical, theological, financial, emotional, physical... I was prepared and OK with an answer from God of "Not now, maybe not ever" but I wasn't prepared for such a firm and final "No." We have prayed for guidance, the ability to hear His voice, and the grace to live with whatever should happen knowing that we have trusted in Him. We have once again said no to IVF and yes to adoption and we have complete peace about that decision; we know God will honor it. We will trust in our Savior and follow His lead.

In spite of all the messiness of life we look ahead to the future and press on, knowing that there is a prize at the end of this journey and that this journey here on earth is only the beginning.