Why Not You?

Every time we've fostered I'm constantly running in to people who have fostered also, people who find it amazing that anyone would take on such a "task," or people who have thought about doing it but haven't. Why not? Fostering can be hard but ANYONE can do it. Let "amazing" come to your home. There is a fear of the unknown each and every time you accept a child in your home, but aren't those similar feelings when you're pregnant? You pray that they come healthy and that their personality will mesh with the family. That you'll love them and get along well. 

The question I get the most is "But isn't it hard when they have to leave?" Like it's the worse thing that could happen. I think loving them that much would actually help you serve them better. Less like babysitting and more like another member of the family. Sure I'll miss several of the cute things my boys would say or do but in a way I'm allowing just enough time for the family to come back together. I'm simply offering a safe haven until theirs is ready again.  

Life throws a lot of curve balls at you; I mean it hasn't gone the way I had planned or hoped at first. When we agreed to foster I asked the Lord to help me to know when a child was to be mine. I asked that I wouldn't get attached or feel angry when a child was to go home. He has blessed me with my request and has also allowed me to see the importance of families, and that our willingness to repent is a show of love. Love to Him and love to family. 

Manny and Rayden were permitted to return with family today. Now that they're gone I look back and wonder what all the fuss was about. I'm grateful not to have to tend 3 small boys so close in age, but selfishly I'm also kinda sad that it didn't work out in favor of our own family. We're set on reunification but this is also our means of growing our forever family. These two, like with Braylon, just never felt like they were mine unlike the feelings I got with Asher, but I learn much with each one. I'm so grateful they have a loving aunt that is loyal and dependable. She made "handing" them back ok. 

Good bye Manny boy and Ray Ray. Maybe we'll meet again, until then I'll be praying the best for you.