Fostering Update

A brief recap and some thoughts . . .

We started the training and approval process in January and were licensed in July. JJ was placed in our home about 10 days after we were licensed. His next court date is the end of January so we will get an update then, but the social worker does not expect anything to change at that point. On Monday she told us to expect him to be here for "a while"--whatever that means.

There are lots and lots of unknowns in foster parenting. It really doesn't bother us. It drives some of our extended family crazy. They ask a lot of questions to which I just say "I don't know." ;)

When we first began fostering the Gent and I accepted that there would be a lot we would not know. We made a decision to trust in the Lord's plan for our life, the lives of the children we care for, and the lives of their families. He's got the whole world in His hands, remember? He doesn't need us fretting over all the possibilities, we trust that He is truly working all things for our good. And that we will not understand the big picture on this side of heaven.

Since July we have also cared for three babies. Such treasures!

Nikki, the newborn girl we got from the hospital, is with her aunt, uncle, and their young children. It seemed doubtful that she would return to her parents' custody and she will likely be with her extended family permanently. If kids can't go home to their birth parents, having an extended family member who is willing to raise them is the next best thing. We were very happy that Nikki had relatives willing to bring another child into their family. We loved caring for her during the first ten days of her life. She remains the easiest newborn we have ever been around.

Baby C, the newborn boy we got from the hospital, is with the foster family who is also caring for his big sister. His social worker gave his mom 50-50 odds of getting him back--Baby C's mom is on the right track now but she's slid off of it several times. We pray that this time she will remain stable and will be able to parent her children.

Baby A is a five month old girl we had the privilege of caring for last week. She was the happiest, giggliest little girl and a delight to have around. Annie and JJ adored her. She is now being cared for by her aunt while the judge sorts out some custody issues. Baby A has lots and lots of family who love her and the disagreement is over who should be raising her. We are confident this little one will end up just where God wants her to be.

Foster parenting has certainly stretched us. Having multiple children under age two has made us more efficient at everything we do. We've had great support from our family, especially Honey, who does lots of babysitting.

Questions?