Back at it

Unofficially, our home has been closed since C left back in February.  At first it was intentional, to regroup and figure out if our family is equipped for this particular good work.
After a while though it was less intentional and more comfortable.  We were back to our team of 3 -- full of ups and downs, but something we understand.

Finally Jason and I decided that we owed it to each other, Charlie and all of the time and energy put into the licensing process to give it all one more try.

Interestingly enough, within a couple of days of deciding we needed to let Bair know that we are "open" -- but before we actually got around to doing so -- we received a call for a long term placement.  It was for twin brothers, six years old.  This will sound harsh, but it was an easy "no."  We are committed to our decision not to put Charlie in a position of being the odd man out in his own family.

Within a few days we received another call for long term placement.  This time for one boy, but 14 years old.  They thought that after our wonderful experience with T during the flood last year, we might be a good fit.  This was another easy "no".  Following the power struggles and emotional upheaval of having two boys the same age, we recommitted ourselves to our initial requirement that any child be younger than Charlie -- for his safety and for the sake of peace.

Then about a week ago we received a call for an 11 day respite for another 6 year old boy.  Jason and I had decided we would be open to various ages for respite, so I was open to it, and it turns out it's Z, the little boy who stayed with us just three days after T left -- our second respite ever.

It's honestly been so long and we've had so many 5-6 year old boys, that my memories of that weekend are limited to the first evening when he arrived and a general positive feeling that it all went well.

Feeling like this is God's way of either easing us back into respite or possibly showing us that our season of foster care is coming to an end, we agreed.

Charlie and I will pick up Z tomorrow evening after piano and we will all dive back in.  I would like to say that I am excited, and I am looking forward to seeing Z again and how he's grown, but I'm really nervous.  Rather than painting our last placement in a rosy glow, time has served to emphasize the unrest and struggle -- to the degree that I have almost forgotten the joy of our earlier respites.

I know that we are equipped for this good work.  I believe we are doing the right thing.  I hope that we will all have the right attitude to bless Z and accept the blessings he will bring.

All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching,

rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness,

so that the servant of God may be 

thoroughly equipped

for every good work.

(II Timothy 3:16-17)

All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness,