She’s Here!

Note: I’m not sure I should list names here outside the family, so I’ll omit and substitute and stuff until I find out about that.

Our first foster daughter arrived today. (I’ll call her “Beverly” here). She is just a little younger than Leia’s age, and so sweet and adorable. It all happened so quickly … within 2 hours of the call she was here! She settled right in, and the kids all played with her for an hour or so.

Then it was time for the CPS worker to go. Beverly realized he was her ride home, if she was going home, and it was very tough for about 20 minutes or so. She wanted to get back to her siblings and parents, and it was heartbreaking to insist she stay. “K” (our agency’s social worker) was wonderful and very helpful during this time, and helped Beverly make it through the really tense moment.

After a short while the kids were all back to playing together and had a great time. I’m so proud of my kids. We had talked and talked about how we would be having a new guest in our home soon, a new friend for them for a while, and it was an indescribablejoy to see how they all took to each other and welcomed Beverly with open arms and hearts.

We don’t know much at all about what Beverly’s home situation was. We do know she was essentially taking on the role of mothering hertwo younger siblings. We can really see this; Luke was coming down the stairs earlier fussing about something and she jumped right into that role for him, trying to console him and find out what he needed. Yet, she also seems to be very appreciative and welcoming of our helping her with her needs so I think she will just slowly adjust to not having to take on the “mom” role.

She’s very active, likes active play and yet has good manners, too. We know there will be more tough times … maybe even tonight … but our overall feeling is that Beverly is an answer to prayer and we’re thrilled she’ll be staying with us for a while and get to be there for her for all the little things that come up between now and when she gets to go back home.

Well I’m exhausted … time to head off to bed. But I just had to share the beginning of this wonderful adventure. Please pray for us that God will give little Beverly all the love, comfort, peace and fun times through us that she needs.

More to come!