We're Off to See the Wizard!

So life in our household the last few months has been somewhat overwhelming.  My boss passed away just before February, B was called out of the blue during this time and offered a job, and we became foster parents.  To say it has been stressful may be the understatement of the year.  

First of all, my boss was an amazing man.  I love my job, and he was a big part of why.  Our department is filled with absolutely wonderful people, and he was kind and supportive to us all.  He had a real impact on the students in the community.  His loss will be felt for some time.

One night B received a call about an opportunity.  It was a great opportunity.... in Austin, TX.  My boss was in the hospital on life support and all I could say was that it sounded great, but honestly I couldn't even think about it for a few days.  While I didn't want to think about moving, I did begin to pray.  God has blessed us so much, so I put our future in His hands.  Notice I don't say gladly, ha!  We love our home, our church, our friends.. so it was hard to fathom leaving it all behind.  However, over the next few weeks, it became apparent that it was His plan for us to leave.  So the planning began.  I would like to take just a moment to acknowledge how incredibly proud I am of my husband. 

Right about the same time, we were finally approved to provide foster care.  We had been working toward this for months and it seemed so strange that God would have us move so soon after "getting there."  But, we were led to do this so I must believe that, for whatever length of time we are here, it is for a greater purpose than I can imagine.  I know that after just a little over a month already, he has opened my eyes and blessed me more than I ever expected.  I realize not everyone is called to foster.  Heck, some days I'm convinced I was wrong about myself.  But, in the moments I am about to give up, something always happens.  EVERY time I get low God sends a person, an email, a message, and I feel renewed.  Energy and confidence restored... ready to take on the next day.  While I don't fully understand what the plan is.. I am confident that we will take on the long, daunting process again in Texas so that we can continue to foster.  Oh, and in case you didn't know I suck at being patient.

Here we are.. uncertain of A LOT!  Where we will live, when we will leave, when our house will sell, what I shall do when we are there, what the fostering process is like there, the list goes on... and on..  So we will pray, and I ask for your prayers.  It is scarey, exciting, sad, and exhilarating.  My heart is full and breaking at the same time.

"I am leaving you with a gift-peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don't be troubled or afraid."   John 14:27

Our Journey Begins..

God's timing is perfect.  It's hard to remember that during the waiting process.  After having some hiccups and our "final approval" being postponed by a few days we were finally notified that we were "Open"!  Ten minutes later we had a call for a placement.  There was only one problem, she was a couple hours away and they had to figure out how to get her to us.  ONLY.. B was in the same city.. two hours away and was happy to pick her up.  God's timing is perfect.

So, I won't lie.  The first week was a huge adjustment for us all.  I can't imagine what goes through a child's mind during this time, it breaks my heart to even think about it.  Our kiddos were teetering between excitement, sorrow, and a little fear.  It's confusing having a new person in the mix and not knowing how to act or what to say can be just as stressful on little ones.  I guess I hadn't really thought about that aspect.  You try and prepare as best you can, but really there is nothing that can truly prepare you for a specific child and situation.  God has a way of equipping you as you go.  You just have to keep your faith in Him.  So that is what we have done.  Our family has grown from 4 to 5 for now and our lives are so much richer because of it.  Already I dread goodbyes, even on days where I'm exhausted both mentally and physically.  In two weeks this little girl has worked her way into all of our hearts.  I just pray that we can be whatever she needs us to be in this season of her little life. 

Some of my favorite moments over the last couple of weeks:

1.  We dressed up for our youth ministry night.. 50's style and B pulled his hair back.. Little bit says:  "You're hair is ridiculous"  You really have to hear it pronounced to fully appreciate it.

2.  The nightly request for "You are my Sunshine"

3.  Hearing Connor try and sooth a sad little girl and explain why Abby just wants to go to sleep.

4.  Walking around the neighborhood with our "Scooter Gang"