Our family welcomed two precious foster children into our home from April - July. During this time I took a break from blogging as our family adjusted to a change of pace and maintained the kids' privacy. As a family we experienced triumphs and setbacks, joy and sorrow, passion and heartbreak, and everything in between.
God really spoke to my heart during this difficult season as my "pinterest-perfect" train was derailed...you know, the one that has a clean house, fun activities planned for the kids, healthy meals on the table, and a thriving marriage. I am an achiever, planner, and an organizer at my core. I like to always be in control and know what is coming next. Foster care stretched me and challenged me in ways I never thought possible. I learned that your "success" as a foster parent is not measured by your capacity to keep everything in order; it's determined by your ability to trust that even in the chaos Jesus is in control!
We had the amazing privilege to teach these sweet kids about Jesus, read the Bible to them, sing songs to them about God's love, and pray over them each day. One even prayed to receive Christ and Frank got to baptize him in a private service at our church. They may not remember all the people who brought us meals, clothes, toys or helped us with childcare, housework, and lifted them up to our Heavenly Father...But I know they will never forget what it felt like to be loved on, cared for, and covered in prayer by the Church body. We are deeply grateful for each of you who were the hands and feet of Jesus to our family during this time! It was humbling to be on the receiving end of so much ministry knowing there is no way we could ever repay you for your kindness...but isn't that what the Gospel is all about?!
I can't say that foster care is for everyone...or that we are devoting the rest of our lives to this...or that all kids will do well with foster siblings...or that it is easy...or that I even have enough experience to say anything definitive on this topic! But I can say this: We are super impressed with how our kids responded. We are so proud of them and more in love with them than ever. We love how our whole family pulled together to serve as a team.
Y'all, this parenting thing is hard and holy work. It tears us apart and puts us together again. I am not even close to being a perfect parent...but I can point my children the the only One who is! He is our good good Father : )
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