Hope outfitters.

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Life in the FC. Leave a Legacy

Life in the Foster Care or the FC as we have come to call it, is an interesting ride. You never know what will happen, but that can be exciting. Following God, that can be exciting!!

Just like any other mission field God may send a family into, The FC is no different. There are  trials, struggles, successes and failures. There are times of happiness and sorrow. But through everything God is there. 

FC is different that adoption in the sense that there is not always finality. The goal of FC is to reunite a child (ren) with their parents. If that can't happen then other options are sought. But reunification is the first and primary goal. Can this be hard, yes absolutely. But what should we do... not love a child, not care for a child just because it might hurt? How much might it help the child even for a moment. What kind of legacy do you want to leave? What do you want to teach your children?

Oh life

The little thing called life is keeping me busy. So we made time for fun!

That verse...

I keep thinking about the verse the Lord gave me when speaking about adoption. "Instead of your shame you shall have double honor; And instead of confusion they shall rejoice in their portion. Therefore in their land they shall possess double; Everlasting joy shall be theirs." Is 61:7

The last bit is my best. Everlasting joy shall be theirs.

thanks God.

I don't deserve it.

but thanks

 

This little notion however, taught me a lesson. I thought. right where it said, in their land they shall possess double, I honestly prayed for a year people. I know God gave me this verse and I knew I was to have a girl of Native decent, I just didn't know it was to be my cousin until later. But I thought the "double" aspect would be in the form of two boys and two girls. I have now grown to realize that is not the case. What if God meant double as in we had three kids, be ready for six?  Or what if I was just so fixated on that word double for not a literal meaning at all for me. I have all ready been finding that indeed Everlasting Joy Shall Be Mine, when being obedient to His word and what he has planned for my life. I enjoy following what he has in store for our family. Is everything always super awesome and roses? no. But can I always find JOY somewhere?? Yes. Especially because God gave me her.

 

On letting go...

I think in the coming future I will be make some changes in my life. Hubs and I have had many long talks about things and have come to some final conclusions. Still doing foster care... No worries! Just need to make a few other changes, new directions. 

Though as that door closes I have another door swinging wide open! Banging back and forth! My teaching career. I am between a bit of a rock and a hard place. Not officially hired, yet really expected to do what a hired teacher would do. If I complain too much then I am looked down upon, if I don't say anything then I am not being an advocate. I am only there half of the day. I can only do so much in that allotment of time. It is kind of a stinky position to be in. But I love teaching and I love middle school so I will suck it up and do what I have to do. I also have to look at it from a ministry perspective. I get the chance to be with these kids for one hour every day. I need to use it wisely. Make a good influence.

Mr. Homecoming

JD went to Homecoming. I will admit, when he came out of the dressing room while trying on clothes I felt a little emotional. I have no idea if this is normal or not. I have never parented a teenager or not. But just thinking about all that we have been through the past year and seeing him all done up and so handsome. Looking at him as he strutted in front of the mirror, a proud young man. One that has the confidence that grows every day. One that knows that he is loved, every day. I couldn't help it. I was slightly misty eyed.
JD took a sweet young lady to Homecoming with them. They are not "an item" so to speak. Just friends. She came over the weekend before for dinner. It must be overwhelming to come into our wild house haha. But she handled it well. She lives in a quiet apartment with just her parents. We live with 5 kids, and some chickens and ducks. I think she was amused.
JD had a wonderful night he said. He was even convinced he saw me at the picture taking area taking pictures, after mine and Hubby's speech about the bases. Again, I say to you. We have never parented a teenage, we were just teenagers once, so that is what we based our speech off of. That and good, solid morals. Don't use our speech to either judge us, or follow as parental guidelines haha!!! Buuuuttt here is what we told him:
JD we understand the temptations you might feel tonight to, make out with your wonderful lady friend, or whatever you want to call it. However, just know this. While we ex pect you to be a gentleman and walk her to the door, offer her your jacket. We do get that you may want to hold hands, give her a hug, or even a small kiss. Know that if attempt to round any more bases than that we will know. Don't worry about the how, we just will. Then Dad and I will show up, and make out right there. After. all, if that is what is fun to do. We don't want to miss out on all the fun... ***Please say this with much humor and sarcasm, as I sure did, then hubby made kissy face to me and JD did fake gagging and said, OK OK, I get it geeeeezzz you guys. GROOOOOSSSS!*** Like we should never kiss anymore. haha

Without further ado, here are his super cute pics