I knew I would be writing this post one day, but it feels like that day came too soon. We knew the reality of our situation, were told this was only temporary, and constantly reminded reunification was ALWAYS the goal. Still, knowing all that, we willingly chose this for our family. We chose to love, and love deeply, all the while knowing we would one day have to let go.
Now we face the hard truth that comes with being a foster family.
Now we face the hard truth that comes with being a foster family.
Yesterday, we found out that sweet "A" will be leaving our family and moving to Florida to be with her Grandparents. She is going to be with people who love and care for her deeply. I know her family is very excited and longs to welcome her home with open arms. We are as equally thrilled for "A" and her family, but it comes with a bittersweet reality for us. We are the ones who now have to prepare to say goodbye. I really don't like goodbyes, never have!
From the moment the Lord brought "A" into our home, we were smitten.
We welcomed her wholeheartedly into our crazy house and it wasn't long before she jumped right in and became part of the craziness.
Having been an only child, she seemed to enjoy having lots of "brothers and sisters" around to play with.
My kids, especially Riley, instantly bonded with her. Those two were inseparable most of the time!
He, by far, will miss her the most!
Her toothless grin, and sweet spirit won us over. We feel incredibly blessed to have had her in our home, if only for a short season.She will FOREVER have a place in our hearts.
We will continue to be on our knees for her, petitioning the Lord on her behalf.
And although it is really, really, really hard to say "goodbye", I rest in this truth...being confident of this, that he who began a good work, will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus---Philippians 1:6WE LOVE YOU SWEET GIRL!!!!!
XOXOXOXOXOXOXOXO
41 comments:
Oh Jenny, praying for you RIGHT NOW!
She has the sweetest little toothless smile! It must be so hard to let go of a child you've welcomed into your home and your heart...I pray for your family and for A...I hope she has a smooth transition and that you will be able to stay in touch with her. My Mom still gets together with foster kids she had 30 years ago.
Blessings!
That truly is bitter sweet Jenny. Oh how I will be praying for your sweet family and Precious"A". I believe you planted a seed in "A" and it will continue to grow!!
"A" is so blessed to have had you and your family in her life.
Sending thoughts and prayers your way as you say your goodbyes.
It touches my heart so knowing how you loved that little girl. That love will stay with her through her lifetime. Prayers will be with her as she starts her new journey and with you.
I just love reading about your family. God Bless You
I read this through many, many tears. We will be praying for all of you during this transition. We are going to really miss A, too!!! I am so thankful & praise the Lord that she got to be a part of your family & I love the Scripture you ended with! He does have a great plan for her life! Hugs to you all! Hope we will get to see her again before she leaves!
Ugh...if tears are rolling down my face I can't imagine what you are going through. I am so thankful that we all got to have a tiny little blip of time to know A and spend time with her...and now she will be forever etched in our hearts AND especially our prayers!! I am so impressed and thankful for a friend that is obedient to the Lord no matter how hard the cost is!!! Love you guys!!!
I too teared up reading this and what a blessing she has had being a part of your loving and caring family. I know she'll never forget your family as you will not forget her either. God used this time to help her be a part of a fun family and for her to grow in Him. Praying for a smooth transition and bless you Bruce's for being so open to the Lord's leading.
Thanks Jenny for sharing this journey with us. I am so inspired that maybe some day I too will have the courage to be a foster parent. Loves to Miss "A" and we'll pray for her transition to Florida. :D Good luck with all of it. You are such a great example to me!
She fit into your family so well that she even LOOKED like she was one of yours! I'm sure she was a blessing to you and obviously you were to her. Your lives are all forever touched by having been together. Even though it is hard to say good-bye, it was a wonderful thing for your children too. Prayers for that hard last hug and for the new days ahead!!
Hey Jenny,
I read faithfully, but rarely comment. You and your husband have truly inspired me by how you so readily welcomed Miss A into your hearts and home. Your love for her is so evident. It blessed me beyond measure that you treated her as your own, from making her sweet oufits just like you do for yours and going to have lunch with her at her school. I know you will miss each other and I am praying for you all during this time.
Blessings,
LeighAnne
Prayers for all!
Praying for your family and "A".. I can imagine how hard it will be (I lived with a hostfamily durind an exchange year, it was so hard to go) on everyone. I hope you guys will cherish this time forever. i always thought that it looked like Riley and A could have been twins. They both always have this precious smile for the camera! Praying that the kids will adjust quick and that A will be welcomed and loved in her family as much as she is in yours...
I just wrote a quote on my blog "The greatest and worst part about TIME is that it passes." I have a lump in my throat!
God Bless you and your family and good luck to A.
Saying goodbye is SO hard. But you have so many amazing memories and pictures! You have made an impact on this little girls live that I am sure will stay w/ her forever. I hope you will be a foster family again in the future b/c you seem like amazing parents!
I too read this post with many many tears. Please know that I am praying for your family during this time!
I have tears as I type this. I know you have given her a priceless gift that she will treasure and remember always. What a wonderful example of love and Christ your family has been to her. I am sure it will be so hard to say goodbye. I can't imagine. Blessings to you all through this transition! I will be praying!
Have you thought about making her a scrapbook to take with her? And giving her scriptures to hang onto? I know you will do something incredibly special for sweet "A"! Blessings!
Oh Jenny...my heart is aching for you right now. Miss "A" is precious and so is your family. May God meet you in the sadness as you all say "see you later," may it not be good-bye. And yes, hold on to the truths of God's Word, He is doing a work and will complete it, in HIs time and His way. I will be praying for you and your family.
Much love in Christ,
Stacy
Dear Jenny,
I write this with tears in my eyes. It has been a joy and delight to read your posts about Miss A. I will lift up your family in prayer during this bittersweet time. I have no doubt that our Lord has blessed and will continue to bless your family for the love and nurturing you provided to one of His precious children-taking her under your wing for this season of her life. The seeds you have planted will bear fruit. I pray for the Lord's comfort for you all. Yours in Christ, Donna
Oh man, this breaks my heart for y'all. I know that the Lord has done great things during y'alls time together. He does have an incredible plan for A! Praying for you all. Hugs, Faith
Oh Bless your hearts! They are truely made of gold! I know that you will miss that sweet girl!!! I will pray for her transition!! Bless her heart! I will miss seeing her face! I know it will be really hard to let you all go too!
this is my first time commenting, but heard about your blog this summer and your family has captured my heart. praying for a's transition for her and all of you!
Oh Jenny! I just burst into tears reading this! Will pray! What a blessing that she had that time with your family.
Hi Jenny! How I LOVE reading your blog and keeping up with the happenings of your SO sweet family. "A" was SO blessed to spend time with your family and feel the love that she did with all of you! What an incredible woman you are! Prayers are with you, your family, and with "A" as she starts over again!! Thank you for sharing with us! :)
My prayers are with you as my heart understands your joy and sorrow! If you must cry, allow your tears to be tears of joy and remember to always pray God's perfect will for A's life. Know that your family has been blessed beyond measure, as has A, that God placed you all together for a season! You are truly an inspiration Jen!
Be Blessed,
Amy
Found your blog awhile back but have never commented. My parents are foster parents and we have had to say goodbye before, and so I know how hard it is! It is wonderful that you have provided such a loving family for her for this short time, and know that she will always be impacted by you and your sweet family!
You are breaking my heart! She is so sweet looking, and I am sure she is even more wonderful in person. She was lucky to have you as you were lucky to have her!
Well, I just bawled my eyes out.
Steve says to me that this child's life will be touched for the better, for always, for having spent this time with you. I am to take comfort in that and I hope you do too.
She is a beautiful, sweet, amazing girl and you are even more so. I am praying for you all!
Oh...this post made me cry. I know the ultimate goal is to reunite and is best for the child. It just seems she is so happy in all the pictures. Hopefully she is not too young to remember her short life with you and the impact you made on her little life will be everlasting. Prayers to your family as you adjust to life without her sweet little face.
I'm in tears, praying for you guys.
Oh, it was difficult to get through this post, envisioning what you all are facing...I will be praying for an easy transition, for all parties involved.
Hi - I'm not sure how I came across your blog, but I've so enjoyed reading it over the past several months. You have a beautiful family and truly "walk the walk." I'm still in grad school and will be married in about 6 months, but you have definitely inspired my fiance and I to consider adoption and foster parenting. Thank you and good luck!
My eyes filled with tears as I read your post. I especially think of the children as they say goodbye to one another. I'll be praying for all of you.
I have loved reading about her sweet time with your family. You and your husband are such wonderful people to have welcomed her into your home, and I am sure she will always remember such a special time. I am praying for "A" and your family during the transition.
I can hardly read this post through the tears. I will be praying for your family, with a special focus on Riley. I hate good-byes too and can't imagine the one you're about to face. My stomach just hurts for you guys, but I also trust the Lord and know that He is always in control. Love you guys!
Sending lots of prayers for those involved.
You have done a wonderful job with A. The love you have shown her and the memories you have shared with her will last forever. You may be the role model she has for when she is raising her own family someday. I hope you can keep in contact with her over the years. You will be blessed for what you have done for this precious little girl! What can be more important in life than what you are doing. You are a shining example of true Christianity.
Saying goodbye to a precious foster child who you have loved deeply. Our family has been a foster family for about five years. It has changed the way my family opperates. Praying for your precious family and sweet "A" as she embarks on this new journey in her life
I will be praying for your precious family. She IS so sweet, and I pray that she will know God's presence throughout her days.
I am in awe of the choice you made to love despite the loss. It reminds me of a Savior I know.....
I can only imagine the amazing impact you and your family made on this child's life. I know she will miss you and you will miss her.
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