Double the hugs, double the tears, double the giggles, double the fears. Double the laundry and the dishes, double the milestones and goodnight wishes.
Monday, June 3, 2013
From 2 children to 4... literally overnight
We have taken in 2 foster children, they are sisters - ages 2 and 3.
I have been a member of a group through our church called Reaching Orphans and Children at Risk. Last summer a request for someone to help a grandma who was caring for two toddlers came out. I waited to respond, and when I did, I asked if anyone volunteered to help. When they said no, I took that as my cue.
We have been helping grandma (who cared for the girls most of the time) out since, occasionally taking the girls for the day and some overnights. Since then, both parents have been unable to care for the girls. There is no other family or friends of the family that want the girls. Grandma has been caring for them but is older in age and is worn out, and overwhelmed. We kept thinking and praying on what to do if they went into Foster Care.
That time has come and we offered to take them into our home. We are considered Non Related Extended Family Members (NREFM). This means we are approved to be just these girls' foster parents because we knew them before they were taken in by CPS (We are not licensed foster parents that take in any/all kids)
To answer FAQ's:
1. Are you crazy?
Yes, I am but that is nothing new.
2. Isn't it going to be hard for you to take in 2 toddlers, on top of caring for your children and everything else you do?
Yes, very hard. We are scared and we are nervous, not denying that. But this is where faith comes in, Now, we will have to lean on God much like he wishes everyone would do. I cannot do this on my own without God. Prayers will be more frequent for sure. They already are.
And we plan on asking you all for help :)
I also watch 19 Kids and Counting. If they can handle 19 shouldn't I be able to handle 4??
3. What happens after you have them?
There is no for sure answer. The case is open until the end of October, but will likely be extended a few more months. At that point, there is a small chance they will go back with Mom, but we will always try to prepare for that fact as best as possible. If they become adoptable, and things are going well with all of us in our family then we would adopt them.
4. Aren't you worried about it affecting your boys?
Yes, but it is also a chance for them to learn more about faith, love, caring, sharing, and the importance of taking care of those who need it most.
5. Why do this?
When I had two boys, I had a gut feeling there was a reason I did not have a girl. Ahh, sneaky God I thought he might be up to something. And that was before we became regular church goers. What if this is our purpose but we passed it up because our house wasn't quite big enough, or we didn't want to give up the settled patterns we are in?
The thought of changing someone's life for the better, or two lives in this case, would be worth it.
So with all that said, we ask for your prayers, well wishes, and we will probably be asking for your help in other ways (you know that saying it takes a village??)
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