Thursday, August 29, 2013

2 Years Later

It's been so long since I wrote a post I actually forgot the name of my blog! I hope this things still works!

I can't actually promise I'm really going to start blogging again, but I wanted to update you all on where we are in the foster process. We have been holding off for a number of reasons but one by one those reasons are disappearing. The "baby" even sleeps though the night now! I am rested! The girls are the sweetest people to have ever walked the planet and our days pass with joy, tranquility and harmony. Truly, I feel almost guilty for how we dance our way through our days. So--enough of that, huh?!?

As I skimmed over my previous posts (all 5 of them!) I saw I posted some of our reasons for wanting to foster adopt. I thought I'd talk about one specifically related to our kiddos. If you just want the update jump to the last paragraph.

As I have been planning, dreaming, thinking and planning some more for this school year one of the things I keep coming back to is what I want to be the priorities for my children's education. And there is what I've decided: 1. A real, vibrant love for and joy in God. 2. A loving heart that is compassionate for the suffering, weak and neglected coupled with experiences that make them know that they can do something about it. 3. Strong, life-shaping habits that make their priorities and biblical character natural. 4. I think it would be good if they learned to read, and maybe do their times tables sometime before they  graduate (kidding! Good thing you guys know me!). I can do academics anytime, but this is my one chance to work on their character (I realize it's the Holy Spirit that works on their hearts! I'm leaving #1 to Him, with many prayers!). I really, really want them to know that they can be world changers. That loving a sibling is serving Jesus. How to love, trust, get hurt, heal, and keep on trusting and loving. Of course, these things can be taught without foster care but I'm really, really excited to serve Jesus along side my little girls. They have so, so much love to give (the other day when I was talking to them about it, Ella said, "let's get 2 babies, Mom. Yeah, 2 would be good." Ha! Maybe when she's willing to take a night shift!). [#3 has a lot to do with my homeschooling philosophy. It is not totally random, I promise. Maybe some day I'll get to blogging about that!].

This summer we had a chance to take our support system (of people near and far, Facebook support totally counts!) for a little test drive, and let me tell you, you all are top of the line! :) Our church, family and friends were so good to us. From a mama who can't even accept help to the car with my groceries, it was so very good for me to humbly need people, and even better to know you all were there. And even more than that, my heart rests in the love and wisdom of our kind Father. He has never failed us, in fact, has only drawn closer in the hard times. I am so confident He will continue to uphold our whole little family!

So, we are feeling ready and excited to jump in again. I mentioned on facebook that I bought another crib. I'm cleaning it up and we will be setting it up in the baby room soon. No date for when we will open our home has been set but I'm hoping that we will be ready soon! No promises, but maybe even before October!?! Ahh! So exciting! Thanks for reading, loving, praying and encouraging us!