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.
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.
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
Just beautiful! So worth it! Exciting!
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