Our Instant Family

We have been doing foster care now for 4 years. We have had over 20 children in our home, with 6 of them more long term. We have often thought about the potential option to adopt one of these children, but it had never come up. All of the children returned to their biological parents or relatives. In March I received a call from an Anoka social worker requesting us to do respite care for an Olmsted county child. He had been living with grandma for a year in Anoka county, and she was in need of a respite break. I agreed, and we set up an appointment to meet the child and grandma. They came to our house for an hour or so. Lindsay was here to spend the weekend with us. This was the day after we had heard we were not pregnant, and the day before we found out that the lab was wrong. Wow! I just realized the significance of this date. Little did I know that at the time I was grieving the loss of not being pregnant the Lord had a much, much bigger plan. He not only had given me life through pregnancy, but my little boy had just walked through the door. Anyways, the meeting went well. Grandma had told us about her grandson's journey into her home, and how she almost gave him up for adoption before. She said she didn't feel right about the family for several reasons.

Upon the first date of respite Grandma was nervous. She wasn't sure how he would do with us, and if we were up for it. However, she realized on this day that we were Christains. She then said, "Oh, now I can relax, because I know he is in a good Christian home." She ended up sleeping in until 10 am the next morning because of the peace that was upon her. He trived in our home, and I this is where I first thought that maybe she would ask us to adopt him.

Over the next few weeks Grandma and I talked and she began to ask many questions that no other relative had asked us before. Such as... "How long have you been married? and Who is the softee?" I kept preparing Jason. I think she may be trying to tell me something. HOwever, I didn't want to offer to adopt him and offend her in the process. So I prayed about it, and waited for God's timing.

Last week Grandma called me and was particularily upset with the huge task of motherhood at 57. I comforted her tears, and listened to her concerns. She told me that she was going to postpone the adoption. She also said that the county suggested placing him back in foster care and allowing her to just be Grandma. She did not think this was a good idea. I thought,"ok Lord, this must be my door". I then told her that Jason and I would be willing to adopt him, and allow her to remain in his life as well. She burst into more tears and said, " I was praying that the Lord would place this on your heart." Without coming to a firm decision we ended the conversation. However, by the next day she called me and told me that she felt at peace, and that God had brought this all together. She made plans to tell the social worker, and I made plans to dive in deep with the Lord and with Jason. Jason and I stayed up late discussing our fears and excitement. Within days the Lord placed peace and gratitude in our hearts, and allowed us to begin celebrating with sheer joy.

Last Friday Grandma told the social worker about our plans. The Lord's favor shined again. The social worker was thrilled. She wanted to move quickly to transition our little boy into our home over the next 6 weeks ( I was anticipating months). We will meet with her next week to set up the plans.

This weekend our parents will be introduced to our little boy. The anticipation of Friday is almost unbearable. I can't wait to introduce him to our family. I especially can't wait to hold him in my arms for the first time and know that he is my son. NOt just a boy who will stay for awhile and leave again. He will be our forever child, and we will be his forever home.

(As soon as I know it is legal to post his name I will)