Wednesday, June 30, 2010

We would like you to meet...

Some of you are aware that our family is a license foster care family. We decided that in 2008, while we were pursuing our domestic adoption for Sophie, we should also go ahead and get our license to become a foster family as well. At that time, we weren't sure how the Lord was going to grow our family. We wanted to open up as many avenues as possible and then just see where the Lord directed. Well, most of you know our story...we JUST finished our training for foster care when received the call from our private agency about our Sophie. We also found out during that time that we were pregnant with Hudson! Needless to say, we decided to put the whole foster care thing on hold! Well, about six months ago the Lord started tugging at our hearts. We felt the desire to finish the process in order to get our foster care license. We had already done the 30 plus hours of training, so all we had left to do was complete a home study. Well, our license came around Christmas time of last year, and since then we have been waiting for a foster child. Our family is young and busy so waiting was really fine with us. We waited, trusting that if the Lord desired to bring us a foster child He would do it and His timing would be perfect. We were warned by our social worker that our wait may be long simply because we had requested only one child. Most children that come to DSS are sibling groups. It is VERY rare that only one child would come into their custody. We had also requested the child be in the 3-7 year old range. We knew that because of the ages of our kiddo's we couldn't take on another baby at this time.

Well, last week we received a call from our social worker concerning a precious five year old little girl.

Saturday evening our family was introduced to "A"! As of right now, her stay with us in indefinite. We are just so excited to have her here--for however long that me be. The kids have welcomed her wholeheartedly and are thrilled to have another play mate.

"A" seems to be adjusting well too. I am just praying that we can offer her a safe place to be and bring comfort and peace to her little heart.

We are looking forward to a fun summer and hope to make some special memories with little "A"!!



30 comments:

Resisting Perfection said...

Tears came to my eyes reading this! How awesome that she was placed in a home with such loving, caring, Christian people who want to help her the best they can. Bless her sweet heart, she is adorable.

Devin said...

Oh, Jenny--that is amazing and she is so beautiful! She actually looks like she fits right in with the rest of your crew :). God is so amazing, He always knows what is good for us--so glad He brought this sweet little one to you!

Blessings, friend!

Mandy said...

What a blessing your sweet family will be to this little girl!

Susan said...

What a sweet little smile! She couldn't have been put with a sweeter family than yours. Enjoy the time with her and I'm sure that her memories of this time will stay with her forever! Hope the nights get better for her!

Jessica K. said...

She couldnt have gotten a better fosterfamily! Praying that her nights will become better and that she adjustes well! She is darling!!

Jessica said...

How wonderful! She is just beautiful! You are truly a special special person, and a blessing to all the little ones who join your home.

Laura said...

Jenny, I am so excited for you and little Miss A. You guys are such a blessing! My aunt and uncle were foster parents for the majority of my childhood and I have seen what a blessing families that love the Lord can be in a child's life who probably didn't have anyone in their home that could share with them the love of Jesus. I will be praying for you and your family during this time.
And I also want to add that she and Riley look like they are biological siblings in that picture. :-)

Courtney said...

You guys are such an amazing family. She looks so happy and can only imagine the comfort she is feeling in your home. Congratulations.

"salembrookie" said...

Jenny! This story just made me cry with happiness! How wonderful! I'll be praying for her transition.

Shosh said...

wow. what youre doing for this girl is incredible.

Annice said...

This has touched me in so many ways. She is so blessed to have you and your family right now and I know she will be a blessing to you as well. Daniel and I decided in the last year that we would begin the foster process once Amelia starts school, but this has made me want to get moving even sooner. I would love to talk to you about the process of getting approved sometime. We will pray for her transition.

Kelly said...

That is just amazing! I'm so inspired by how your family is making a difference in precious children's lives! Praying for a restful night!

Annie said...

Aww, she is so cute!!!! I know that God have great plans for "A" and your family, remember God is good and do things with one purpose on mind.

Can wait to see new pictures of all the kids having fun.

Melissa said...

She even has a similar smile to Riley :) Your family is amazing, and this little girl is blessed to have you in her life. I know everyone will be changed for the better. Enjoy your summer with all your 'babies.' :)

Lexie Loo, Lily, Liam & Dylan Too said...

You have such a big heart, Jenny! She is so cute...sending prayers her way!

Bridget said...

You are a beautiful family.

Allison said...

Oh my goodness! She looks like she fits right in with your family and actually looks like you all!!! What an awesome story and love how God is using you all!

Chelsea said...

I am amazed by your huge heart! May God bless your growing family!

Carol said...

Hi Jenny!
I have been a "blog lurker" for a while... I don't think I have ever posted. But, I had to comment today because fostercare (and adoption) are sooo dear to my heart. My parents were foster parents from the time I was in 1st grade until I was a senior in high school. We fostered 18 children over that time, some for as short as a few days, others for years and my youngest brother was adopted from foster care.

I can honestly say that out of all the amazing things my parents taught me and did for me, fostering has had the most positive impact on my life as an adult. It taught me from such an early age to be thankful and gracious. It instilled in me a servant's heart.

I cannot begin to explain the gift that you are not only giving to the foster children you help, but how much your life and your children's lives will be forever impacted for the better.

There will be hard days, especially when you have to say good bye. But, you will be blessed beyond what you could ever imagine.

Thanks for serving!

p.s. I am also a "Carolina Girl"...

Michelle said...

What a sweet little girl! You will be such a blessing to her and she to you. God bless you for taking up His call to open your home to foster kids. You are so uniquely equipped to provide love, care, a fun and safe home to kids. I will keep you all in prayer-

Wendy said...

Congratulations!!!!! I'm very excited for you and, most importantly, for HER! You're all so blessed!!!

Wendy said...

Congratulations!!!!! I'm very excited for you and, most importantly, for HER! You're all so blessed!!!

bella said...

What a beautiful girl! She will be profoundly effected being in your loving home. We have dear friends who were foster parents and adopted 5 of them. They also wound up having 6 biological children. I have always thought they were doing "God's Work". You are a shining example of what Christianity is all about. Bless you!

Faith said...

How exciting!!!! She is absolutely precious and I know that you all are going to be such a blessing to each other. Praying for your sweet family!

Love Being A Nonny said...

She is precious as is your entire family. God bless you all!

A Love Worth Waiting For.... said...

You and your family are just simply amazing!! I always enjoy reading your blog and you have been such a huge encouragement to me! "A" is adorable and I know that she is in good hands right now with your family! Praying for you and for your family!!

Terri said...

I will keep you all in prayer. Your family is just amazing. I pray to have a mother's heart like you have. Blessings, my friend!!!

Mary Ann said...

Wow! You guys are so amazing! Now you have caught up to me! 5 kids are kinda hard....We want to foster to adopt soooo badly but because we live in SC and already have 5 kids we were turned down! I am soooo deeply saddened by this. I feel there is another child out there for us, and one day soon hope to adopt again! I am sooo proud of you! She is beautiful!

Paige said...

I have tears reading this post. You have such an amazing family. I can only imagine how blessed that this little girl feels. I will continue to remember all of you in my prayers as you go through this journey!

Melissa said...

Hi! I'm a lurker...I don't think I've ever posted, but maybe I have....I can't remember.

Anywho, I have to say that "A" looks right at home! You are a wonderful family and I love reading your blog and thinking of my own future family. I just want you to know what great examples you are to me and many others. May God bless you for the blessing you are to His children!