Two months ago we officially became certified foster parents.We were told by many people to "hold on for the ride because you'll probably get a call soon after being approved." November turned into December, December turned into January, and still no call. Many people at church and Bible study would say, "have you heard anything yet??" And I'd always have to respond with "not a word!" Finally, after the first of the year I decided to email the caseworker at our agency just to be sure we hadn't forgotten some form (there are so many!) or done something to slow down the process. She assured me that this was sometimes 'normal,' and not to worry. Throughout the two months I really didn't worry (which is totally unlike me), I just kept wondering when God would bring that special child into our lives. I clung to the promise that His timing is perfect, and I waited.
January 16 at 10:45 a.m. I was sitting in my small group at CBS (Community Bible Study) when I heard my phone vibrating. I looked down and didn't recognize the number, so since we were almost done with small group I thought I'd just wait and see if the person left a message. The thought briefly crossed my mind that this might be "the" call, but I pretty quickly dismissed it. 5 minutes later I checked my message and it was our caseworker, Leisa. She said, "Laura, I need you to call me back immediately. Thanks, bye." And that's when I knew there must be a child waiting. I tried calling her back but couldn't reach her, so I text her. About 2 minutes later Daniel called me and said, "Laura, there's a 5-month old girl who needs a home." I quickly said, "Did you tell her yes?" And he responded with, "Well, of course!" And that was the beginning of the whirlwind that has been our lives the past week.
We first got the call at 10:45, and baby girl was at our house by 1:30. Whew! Throughout training we were told it would be quick and unexpected - they weren't joking! With pregnancy you have 9 months...in foster care you have a matter of minutes to make your decision and then a few hours to baby proof your house. I was really proud of Daniel and myself, though, because throughout Thursday afternoon we were both very calm and worked well as a team.
So how has the past week been for the Bramlett's? Chaotic, full of grace, overwhelming at times, fun, surreal, crazy, beautiful and just as it should be. Daniel and I had a few moments of quiet a couple of nights ago before we both passed out, and we talked about how even in the craziest moments of the past week, we both knew this was right. This is exactly what God wants for our family at this time. There have been SO many confirmations, but one of those is the interaction Riley and Ella have with baby girl. When I first told them they might be getting a sister in a few hours, they were ecstatic! It was not a for sure thing when I mentioned it to them because CPS had to approve our file, but Riley kept saying, "We have to get her Mama! I know I'm getting a sister!" And then when she arrived they were like two kids in the candy store. Riley kept saying how cute she was, and Ella just kept pointing and saying, "baby! baby!" As Daniel mentioned in his sermon this past Sunday, they never once asked where she was from, what her background was, why she was at our house, etc. They simply accepted her as their new sister. Because that's what she is.
Several people have mentioned to me that they didn't think they could ever foster because what happens if you get attached to the child and then they leave. "I just don't think my heart could take it." The honest truth is I'm not so sure my heart's going to be able to take it. BUT let's look at this from baby girl's perspective. Did she want to be removed from her home and everything she was familiar with? Did anyone ask her if she wanted to go to another town and move in with a random family that has two small, excited, overly-dramatic children? No! The choice was made for her. I have a choice. I could choose to keep her at a distance, very coldly feed her, change diapers and make sure she's safe. OR
I could love her unconditionally as I do my own children, call her my daughter, and allow her to penetrate the depths of my heart - knowing there's a very real possibility her last name won't be changed to Bramlett.
As a follower in Christ, I really don't have a choice. I must do the latter. I have a new daughter, and I will love her as my own for as long as the Lord allows me to. If/when the day comes and she leaves our home for another, I will continue to love her and pray for God's grace, protection and mercy on her life. I believe with my whole heart that He will use the time we have with her to plant truth into her precious, little heart. And I'm really not nervous about if/when we have to let her go. I trust my God with my heart, and I trust that He's sovereign. If/when that time comes, His grace will be enough. And really, how selfish of me to say, "I'm not going to love you fully, baby girl because it may end up hurting in the end." Isn't that what love's all about?! Taking a risk and trusting that even if it does hurt at some point, it was worth it?
So, a week into our first placement I find myself thankful. Sleep-deprived, but thankful. The Lord shows me in multiple ways throughout the day that He is all over this and that He is being glorified and will continue to be throughout this process. And that's really what it's all about anyway...obeying my Father and always looking for ways to bring Him glory.
January 16 at 10:45 a.m. I was sitting in my small group at CBS (Community Bible Study) when I heard my phone vibrating. I looked down and didn't recognize the number, so since we were almost done with small group I thought I'd just wait and see if the person left a message. The thought briefly crossed my mind that this might be "the" call, but I pretty quickly dismissed it. 5 minutes later I checked my message and it was our caseworker, Leisa. She said, "Laura, I need you to call me back immediately. Thanks, bye." And that's when I knew there must be a child waiting. I tried calling her back but couldn't reach her, so I text her. About 2 minutes later Daniel called me and said, "Laura, there's a 5-month old girl who needs a home." I quickly said, "Did you tell her yes?" And he responded with, "Well, of course!" And that was the beginning of the whirlwind that has been our lives the past week.
We first got the call at 10:45, and baby girl was at our house by 1:30. Whew! Throughout training we were told it would be quick and unexpected - they weren't joking! With pregnancy you have 9 months...in foster care you have a matter of minutes to make your decision and then a few hours to baby proof your house. I was really proud of Daniel and myself, though, because throughout Thursday afternoon we were both very calm and worked well as a team.
So how has the past week been for the Bramlett's? Chaotic, full of grace, overwhelming at times, fun, surreal, crazy, beautiful and just as it should be. Daniel and I had a few moments of quiet a couple of nights ago before we both passed out, and we talked about how even in the craziest moments of the past week, we both knew this was right. This is exactly what God wants for our family at this time. There have been SO many confirmations, but one of those is the interaction Riley and Ella have with baby girl. When I first told them they might be getting a sister in a few hours, they were ecstatic! It was not a for sure thing when I mentioned it to them because CPS had to approve our file, but Riley kept saying, "We have to get her Mama! I know I'm getting a sister!" And then when she arrived they were like two kids in the candy store. Riley kept saying how cute she was, and Ella just kept pointing and saying, "baby! baby!" As Daniel mentioned in his sermon this past Sunday, they never once asked where she was from, what her background was, why she was at our house, etc. They simply accepted her as their new sister. Because that's what she is.
Several people have mentioned to me that they didn't think they could ever foster because what happens if you get attached to the child and then they leave. "I just don't think my heart could take it." The honest truth is I'm not so sure my heart's going to be able to take it. BUT let's look at this from baby girl's perspective. Did she want to be removed from her home and everything she was familiar with? Did anyone ask her if she wanted to go to another town and move in with a random family that has two small, excited, overly-dramatic children? No! The choice was made for her. I have a choice. I could choose to keep her at a distance, very coldly feed her, change diapers and make sure she's safe. OR
I could love her unconditionally as I do my own children, call her my daughter, and allow her to penetrate the depths of my heart - knowing there's a very real possibility her last name won't be changed to Bramlett.
As a follower in Christ, I really don't have a choice. I must do the latter. I have a new daughter, and I will love her as my own for as long as the Lord allows me to. If/when the day comes and she leaves our home for another, I will continue to love her and pray for God's grace, protection and mercy on her life. I believe with my whole heart that He will use the time we have with her to plant truth into her precious, little heart. And I'm really not nervous about if/when we have to let her go. I trust my God with my heart, and I trust that He's sovereign. If/when that time comes, His grace will be enough. And really, how selfish of me to say, "I'm not going to love you fully, baby girl because it may end up hurting in the end." Isn't that what love's all about?! Taking a risk and trusting that even if it does hurt at some point, it was worth it?
So, a week into our first placement I find myself thankful. Sleep-deprived, but thankful. The Lord shows me in multiple ways throughout the day that He is all over this and that He is being glorified and will continue to be throughout this process. And that's really what it's all about anyway...obeying my Father and always looking for ways to bring Him glory.
What a precious gift you have in "baby girl" and what a precious gift you are going to be to her life. I'll be praying for God to continue to bless all of you in this loving relationship as long as He wills it to last.
ReplyDeleteThanks so much for sharing, Laura. This is touches my heart so much. I was just looking through pics from my time in the States in 2012 (weird now not to say "last year") and I came across the pea pictures! :) And a sweet picture of us together. Sure miss you guys!
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