I saw one of those cutesy posts by an "Insta" friend the other day that said "Find Joy in the Journey". After scrolling right on by the first time I saw it, I went back to reread it and think about how applicable it is to me today.
We are a foster family and my husband and I both know beyond a shadow of a doubt that it is exactly what we have been called to do........ Saying that though does not mean that this is always an easy life to live. We started our fostering journey over 3.5 years ago, received our precious daughter 2.5 years ago and finalized her adoption in April. Since then we have fostered several respite cases but have not had another call for a long-term placement that would work for our home.......until last week. Last week we received a call for an almost 2 year old boy with some special needs (both medical and behavioral) as well as his 3 year old sister. We already have an 11, 10, 7 and 2 year old in our home so we knew this would be a big change but still felt as though this was a placement we could say "yes" to.
It will be a week tomorrow since the new little man has joined our home (his sister will be joining us next week) Some days I feel a bit like a cat wrangler and others as if I am in training as a ring-master of a 6 ring circus! There are behaviors that we keep having to remind ourselves to look beyond in order to see the hurting child behind them. We are fully immersed in hospitals, medications, sleepless nights, diapers and tantrums. We have a (so far) very involved birth mom which is a new experience for us and a whole slew of nurses, doctors, case workers, and early intervention specialists for us to coordinate with.....
We are committed to finding joy in this journey that is less than easy. In his little face I see hope and redemption for his story and that of his family. His smile is absolutely golden---although he makes you work for it.
**hanging out with my lil bits and watching the rain**
