14.47

Tim and I agreed that anytime DHR called, we would do our best to help. We agreed that we would not let any "selfish" reason keep us from helping children who needed us. Of course if there was a child who would not work well with our current children, we would have to put our current children first and let someone else help the new child.

DHR called late one thursday night and asked us if we could take two babies. Just for one night. If we could take them for one night, they would work it out from there. So at 1 AM Tim and I went to the hospital to meet these babies who needed us. They were tired and dirty and beautiful. We were at the hospital with them until 4am. When we got home the smallest baby cried all night. Tim went to work the next day on no sleep, and I went through my day the same way. We didnt mind, but we were so tired. Neither of the children came with diapers or clothes, so I got the rest of Gracie Mae's clothes that were here for the little girl, and Lauren brought some of Jack's clothes and diapers for the little boy. The next day they found a foster home where those babies would be a perfect fit, so I took them to DHR to go home with this kind lady.

It was pretty much about 18 hours of exhaustion. We did it because we want to live more like Jesus did. We want to put others first, and ourselves last. And truth be told, there are not many foster parents who will go to the ER at 1AM just to keep babies for one night, so we knew we were needed.

About three weeks later we recieved a check from DHR for 14.47. It made me want to laugh. People who go through all of that do not do it for fourteen dollars, they do it out of love.

Two people have told me lately that they have looked into foster parenting after learning about our efforts, neither of them have decided to do it just yet.. but I am glad to know that other people have it on their hearts.

barefeet on the dashboard...

I have not blogged in forever. Summer has been busy, and I guess I just have not made time. I am making time tonight.

I was happy to see summer arrive this year, and like they all do.. it is flying by. We have had several days of training, and I am already feeling like where has summer gone? :) The youth group is so busy, and Tim is putting forth so much effort. Our attendance has been really good, and I can see God at work. He has answered many prayers for us, and I know He is faithful to see the Fort D Youth Group do amazing things.

My family is good. Daddy has had a couple of crazy medical issues.. I personally call him a medical mystery.. but he is good :) Mom started her new job, and seems very happy. God really heard her prayers. Bert interns in the fall. He makes me proud. Tim is continuing to be my house over-achiever keeping the pool clean, yard kept up, and pulling his share of the kid responsibility for sure. Tiffany has her first job, and she loves it. We continue to adjust to one another, and I love her very much. Chris has progressed so much, he blows everyone out of the water. His speech, and behavior are amazing and I am proud that God let me have a role in his life. He will go home sooner than later probably, and I will miss him. And pray for us, loss is hard regardless of the situation. I tell Tim all the time though that I know God has this big plan for us. Despite discouragements, dispite people's negative attitudes, despite long days and short nights, there is nothing in this world I would trade for good I know I have done and has been done for me through being these children's "middle mom".

My faith continues to be strengthened, and I become more in love daily with the life that God has blessed me with.

Love to you all :)