Well, we finally got the call we had been waiting for on Dec. 29th. It wasn't the best day to get a foster placement (chest x-ray for Benjamin for possible pneumonia), but it was a "long shot" for us to be picked so I said OK to throw our name in the mix. Well, God doesn't know the term "long shot" and we had about 3 hours to get ready to welcome two brothers into our home. The next month would be a long one filled with sleepless nights and argumentative days. Benjamin and the big brother were too close in age and just didn't mix well. This added stress made me question our decision to foster. The comfortable days with just our two kids were looking so good.
We did survive the tough times and were blessed with times of multiplied fun and laughter. We were blessed by the help of friends (we have the best friends and family ever!!) and strangers and now that they are gone, I can look back and see what God wanted to teach us in this refining fire experience.
I think we all learned a different lesson, but I am sure that one reason God placed these boys in our home was for the following....
We made it a point to read a Bible story every night before bed. The older brother was old enough to let us know he had not been to church nor had he heard any part of the Bible. While we were reading one night, he asked me "Who is God?" and that is when I realized that this placement was not about me. It was about God and being able to share who He is with some children who had never heard of Him.
We were blessed to be able to show them God's love for one month. Our prayer is that the seeds planted in their hearts will take root.
"So shall My word be that goes out from my mouth; it shall not return to me empty, but it shall accomplish that which I purpose, and shall succeed in the thing for which I sent it." Is. 55:11
