One night last week, we received a very late call for an immediate need. This young child was understandably distraught when they got to our house. It was amazing how quickly he warmed up to our home and stole our hearts. The next morning, he was picked back up and placed over the weekend with his older brother. I missed him immediately. I missed him every day and thought of him and prayed for him. Monday, we were asked to keep him and his brother as an official placement!
Rush and I are now the foster parents of two boys, ages 5 and 7. We've had them nearly a week and it's been a whirlwind! Getting one to school, setting the other up in daycare. We spent two hours with them at Target on Tuesday trying to get the things they need. We're learning what foods they like (and don't!), their favorite colors, their favorite characters, how they play, how they sleep, what makes them laugh.
This weekend, we had planned to visit our families and so it was an out-of-town trip with the boys! They got to see the musical I directed with 80+ 3rd and 4th graders, met the four nephews plus our niece, and we all went swimming! I'm writing this from my mom's house on Sunday morning, as we decided to skip church. As well as things are going, some things are still hard. We chose not to navigate church on our first Sunday with them on Mother's Day, even knowing how supportive that church family would be.
I've gotten very used to saying the words, "I don't know." I don't know how long they will be with us. I don't know exactly why they are here. I don't know how or why or when things will change or stay the same. I tell them I wish I did. I hope things are changing for the better for those who need it. The goal for these children is for them to return to their family who they dearly miss and that is all what I want for them. They've taken up permanent residence in my heart as they occupy temporary residence in our home.
