It has been a little bit since I have posted anything... Lots has been going on in the nest!
Some good things, some not so good things.
The fostering journey has definitely had its ups and downs. We are going through challenges of the legal system...and are also soon faced with the sadness (and the joy!) of reuniting a family that has successfully completed the requirements to get their child back. It really is a double-edged sword. You celebrate that a parent has faced many challenges and has returned victorious. You mourn the loss of what might have been.
I am not here to tell you that foster care is all sunshine and roses....it's NOT!
In fact, there are many, many days when we do not feel like continuing on this path.
The other day, our caseworker came to do a home inspection and to fill out our license renewal paperwork. To be quite honest, there were a couple days leading up to that when I contemplated calling her and telling her that we would not be renewing.
But, I thought better of it.
I am confident that God has called us to the ministry of foster care just as I am confident that he is calling many of you to the same work. You see, I believe that God has a role for all people to play in the ministry of foster care. Sure, not everyone may be cut out to bring a child (or several children) into their home. But, there is always something that you can do to assist those caring for these children day in and day out. I really appreciate that some of our friends have seen the opportunity to jump in and help us better care for these children.
Some things that people have done for us that have been very helpful are:
Bringing meals over.
Helping with laundry and general housework.
Babysitting and/or doing respite care.
Taking mama (me) out for a "girls day".
I challenge you to find a foster family in your area and do
something kind and helpful for them!
It may help give them the boost they need to continue on this difficult journey!
In foster care there is:
Heartbreak.
A roller-coaster of emotions.
Challenges....of the court system, the biological parents, the caseworkers, etc.
BUT, there are:
First steps being taken.
First words being spoken.
Grabbing mommy's hand while we walk.
Asking to "pay" (pray) before we eat.
Sitting at the piano singing praises to Jesus.
It's in these moments where you completely forget about the
roller coaster....and stop and smell the roses!
The memories...the precious memories that NOBODY can take away from you!
Some good things, some not so good things.
The fostering journey has definitely had its ups and downs. We are going through challenges of the legal system...and are also soon faced with the sadness (and the joy!) of reuniting a family that has successfully completed the requirements to get their child back. It really is a double-edged sword. You celebrate that a parent has faced many challenges and has returned victorious. You mourn the loss of what might have been.
I am not here to tell you that foster care is all sunshine and roses....it's NOT!
In fact, there are many, many days when we do not feel like continuing on this path.
The other day, our caseworker came to do a home inspection and to fill out our license renewal paperwork. To be quite honest, there were a couple days leading up to that when I contemplated calling her and telling her that we would not be renewing.
But, I thought better of it.
I am confident that God has called us to the ministry of foster care just as I am confident that he is calling many of you to the same work. You see, I believe that God has a role for all people to play in the ministry of foster care. Sure, not everyone may be cut out to bring a child (or several children) into their home. But, there is always something that you can do to assist those caring for these children day in and day out. I really appreciate that some of our friends have seen the opportunity to jump in and help us better care for these children.
Some things that people have done for us that have been very helpful are:
Bringing meals over.
Helping with laundry and general housework.
Babysitting and/or doing respite care.
Taking mama (me) out for a "girls day".
I challenge you to find a foster family in your area and do
something kind and helpful for them!
It may help give them the boost they need to continue on this difficult journey!
In foster care there is:
Heartbreak.
A roller-coaster of emotions.
Challenges....of the court system, the biological parents, the caseworkers, etc.
BUT, there are:
First steps being taken.
First words being spoken.
Grabbing mommy's hand while we walk.
Asking to "pay" (pray) before we eat.
Sitting at the piano singing praises to Jesus.
It's in these moments where you completely forget about the
roller coaster....and stop and smell the roses!
The memories...the precious memories that NOBODY can take away from you!