Hold on, it's a roller coaster ride of emotions :)

The journey continues ... Last week I got the call I knew was coming, but I was dreading. I was told Little One would be going home this week. She was suppose to be with her mom last weekend, but we requested having a "last weekend" with her. Her mom was kind enough to let her stay with us. We got up early Saturday and went to a DSS sponsored indoor Easter egg hunt and magic show. We followed that with lunch at the mall and seeing a movie (Rio in 3D). We went back to the mall for shopping, then home. Sunday we all went to church, then Little One hopped in the boat and fished all afternoon with Chris (that was what she wanted to do). During that time I tackled the task of packing ALL of her sweet little belongings. Oh how I cried and hurt inside. How could it be time for her to go? With each fold of each article of clothing I could picture her wearing that outfit and was flooded with memories and emotions. We ended the day gathered around a bonfire making smores. We all loved it. Monday afternoon I got another call, this one saying there was a paperwork issue and Little One would be staying with us another week. Since she is our first foster child I am learning by trial and error that nothing is as it seems. I am a type A personality...I am a list writing, plan to the last detail, always be prepared, pack everything you need, kind of girl :) The uncertainty of fostering has changed me and I am learning to loosen up.

One thing I have noticed throughout this post is the overuse of the word "I". "I" wouldn't be on this journey if it were not for the Lord's calling. He deserves all of the glory for enabling our family to do this amazing work of fostering. Webster's dictionary defines fostering this way: to give parental care to; nurture. To promote the growth or development of; encourage. (You know be a mom, a dad, a sister to a child in need :)

The Bible tells us in 1 Peter 4:9-11 to "Be hospitable to one another without complaint." As each one has received a special gift, employ it in serving one another as good stewards of the manifold grace of God. Whoever speaks, is to do so as one who is speaking the utterances of God; whoever serves is to do so as one who is serving by the strength which God supplies; so that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom belongs the glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen."

This is what I want to do ... I want to speak and serve my Lord; He alone deserves all the glory for His excellence. This is His plan and we are just being obedient to the call. Yes, fostering is like a roller coaster ride with many ups and downs, but it's worth it to see the joy on that Little Ones face when the ride is over. It's time for us to get in line for the next roller coaster, yes there will be ups and downs again, but the Lord will be right there with us. He has the track mapped out and He alone is in control. We are thankful for this journey. Prayerfully consider fostering, you will be the one blessed.

Go be blessing ...