First Placement...

Last Friday we had a really weird day. 

In the morning I got a call from a worker that I don't know asking if we'd take placement for a sibling group of 3 kiddos - all older than my boys.  It was easy to say no to because of their age and the unknowns of them. 

That worker talked with their therapist and called me back with more "info" - I still said no.  

These calls are easy to say no to and just commit to lifting these situations up in extra prayer. 

Then an hour later we got ANOTHER call.  Different set of sibs - 3 of them - the age ranges fit better.  

The need for homes that can take bigger groups of kids is obvious.  The agency (and families) are desperate to keep the kids together.  

While they're not supposed to call us for such things - they did out of urgency.  We paused - and prayed!  Nick and I both felt the overwhelming feeling of our ability to help in this need.  All the pieces seemed to fit, including them waiting to move them to us until after our retreat. 

So, in another week and a half - we're adding 3 kiddos to the mix.  

Check back for updates - and please pray for us and them in the meantime!!

If you pour yourself out for the hungry and satisfy the needs of afflicted souls, then your light will rise in darkness, and your night will be like noonday.   Isaiah 58:10

Respite #1

Last weekend we did our first Foster Care Respite.

Respite connects licensed Foster Care Homes (like ours) with other Foster Care families that may need a break.  You can't leave your foster children with a regular babysitter, or even with family members, unless they are fully cleared by the state and your agency.  Even then, usually you can't leave them overnight.  Respite is a much needed break, rest, rejuvenation. 

The family we were connected with has 3 FC kiddos right now, 2 different placements.  We took all 3 for the weekend.  Our home was filled and it felt so good.  Easy.  Busy.  Fun.  Perfect. 

I know we were truly blessed by all those praying for us because the weekend went so smoothly.  Henry and Owen were awesome with the other kids, and the kids responded well to our home and family.  Yes, there were a few minor kid type things as kids will have.  Yes, getting a meal on the table for everyone to eat while it's still warm was challenging.  But doable.

The whole weekend was doable.

And then we gave them back to their FC family.  We offered to take them again sometime.  We offered our prayers for each child and their families. 

The sadness of them leaving is lingering with me ...

Oh man, I'm going to feel this way after every single child we help leaves our home, aren't I?  I'm so in trouble with all these emotions.  But I'll do it again.  And again.  As long as we're called into this hot mess of helping children.

¹⁰ Feed the hungry,
    and help those in trouble.
Then your light will shine out from the darkness,
    and the darkness around you will be as bright as noon.

Isaiah 58:10