And the Answer Is...

They are staying for a while longer!

With so many problems still yet to address, God has allowed the Dewey boys to continue to stay in our home.  I am very encouraged in thinking that I can stand in the gap for these precious boys and get them the help that they so desperately need.

Who knew that all those countless hours of sitting in early intervention time, hours and hours of speech and occupational therapy for the twins was indeed preparing not just the children, but me for the ministry that was ahead.  What an awesome God we serve!

I am finding myself getting excited... they get to stay for Easter (they don't even know the true meaning of Easter!), camping trips, and so much more.  Such things I want to share with them - planting seeds of faith and family... I pray that all He would have us do and share will be fulfilled.  We love you, Lord and seek only to do Your will.

Keeping My Eyes (and heart) on His Calling...

In my quiet time with Him, I frequently tell God what I feel I can't do.  I don't know why I feel the need to keep telling Him.  He knows my shortcomings quite well - and loves me and calls me despite them.  He is growing me so much - I can't even begin to express.

Having these extra little ones here (especially on my souped-up work schedule right now) has been a tough adjustment on the family.  Down time (and I barely had any before) is down to nothing.  Private time anywhere in the house is non-existent.  Our kids are adjusting as well - sometimes embracing and sometimes feeling frustrated with their new adjusted roles in the family unit.   YET - there is something so right with the whole thing.  Being in line with our calling from Him is just so "right".  No other way I can put it.  Jesus never told us this was going to be easy - just that He would be there - giving us strength and encouragement all the way.

I pray for our hearts often - that He would allow us to find the balance between falling in love with our fosters and guarding our hearts for when they are reunited with their family.  Such a difficult line to walk. 

Thank you, Lord for helping us reach Your children!

Welcome to the Newest Crew!

Welcome to our new visitors, Michael and Jacob!  

Although they almost came last week (these are the brothers that were kept at the temporary foster...) we are thrilled to welcome you into the family as long as God will have you here.  We are praying for your family unit to be restored, and more importantly, that He sends someone in their path to open their hearts to Jesus.  We love to serve a God of restoration!

The Ministry of the Ping Pong Ball

I truly never thought much of all the craziness that goes on in order to place a child.  I knew that they have to find homes for these children, but oh! what those DYFS workers go through!

In the past week we received many referrals... one was a set of 3 boys (we had to turn away b/c we don't have 3 big kid beds for boys), a severely traumatized boy who would have put our own children in jeopardy, 2 boys for temporary placement (the worker decided to keep them in their emergency placement), and today we received a call for a 1 year old girl and her 4 year old brother (they ended up in a different placement before we received the message).  So- all week has been YEAH! awwww..... YEAH!  awwww..... YEAH!  awwwwww..... and such is the life and ministry of a ping pong ball.

Either way, Lord Jesus, we are here for Your using!  Help us to use wisdom and discernment as you send us your hurting children.

Fleeting Time

*sigh*
Our first precious visitor was with us way too short of a time!
We sadly released Zyara to DYFS after her mom convinced a cousin to take custody of her.  For the mom, this means that the system can't force her to seek help to rehabilitate.  For us, this means our little whirlwind was a very fast moving burst of sunshine.

Lord, please give us the strength to see the ministry through!  Hold my heart together, dear Father... as I seek to do Your will and care for your lost and hurting children.