Kid Updates

Oh, the exciting life of being foster parents. It seems that things change every week with the kids, so I just wanted to get an update out there for everyone. Not much has changed for J other than he has started with overnight visits with his mom. It's difficult to watch as a system rolls along with little regard as to what is truly in the best interest of the child. But Miles & I do our best to advocate for him when we see that things are going awry. Unfortunately, his court appointed advocate has done a poor job at this, and we've learned that advocacy on behalf of the kids is one of our primary roles as foster parents. J is absolutely one of the most fun, cute and lovable little boys I've ever known. He's learning new things every day and has now also learned how to make us laugh with his antics.

Things with S are moving along in terms of the investigation that happens whenever kids are pulled out of their homes. Her drug test came up positive for meth, which is no surprise. She is going through withdrawals, which is so fun for us (that is sarcastic, by the way). We researched meth withdrawal in infants and it described her behavior to a tee. Down to the stiffness in her muscles. Her doctor also said that developmentally she reminds her of the orphans brought over here from other countries who have been left alone in their cribs. That just broke my heart. She had her first supervised visit with her parents yesterday but the social worker kept me anonymous because she doesn't trust the parents at this point. They are both known drug users and most likely deal as well. But she is making good gains and is slowly calming down from the effects of drugs in her system. We have been told to give it at least 6 weeks before it is totally out of her system. So for now we put up with the screaming fits and try and keep her environment as calm as possible.

New Addition

Yesterday we received a call from Social Services about a 6-month old baby girl. She was brought to our house late that afternoon, straight from being removed from her parents, who are chronic meth addicts. She is a beautiful girl, but has a lot of cards stacked against her already. We're still awaiting results of a drug test, but her 2-year old brother has tested positive. We don't know the long-term outcome with her, or even the short-term. At this point a family member can still come forward to claim her, and they still have to do a full investigation on her parents. But we feel very blessed to be able to help her right now.

Fall

I love this time of year in North Idaho. The leaves are changing into brilliant colors and falling rapidly from the trees. The weather has told cool and crisp, and our first snow looms on the horizon. The days are shorter. Living in a place with seasons is a constant reminder to me of the seasons in my own life. Whenever I am going through a difficult time, I am reminded that there is "a season for everything" as Ecclesiastes so eloquently puts it. Thankfully this has been a season of both growth and blessing for us. I am learning more about God's character every day as He continues to refine me to more closely display that character in this fallen world. He is refining me as a wife to Miles as I learn to be a better helpmate and godly partner to him. He is refining me through learning to surrender these children that come through our door. And He is refining me as I lead a group of H.S. girls on their own spiritual journeys. And through it all He remains faithful to me.