Everyone is asleep and the house is so quiet. What a great time to focus on 2009. This past year has been such a pivitol year in our family. Beau and I have been tested in many ways, but each time, we still seem to find each other. We have grown stronger in our faith, our marriage, and in our parenting skills. We have had the opportunity to foster 3 children whom we have grown to love. Ambury, whom we have had for 18 months now and was our first foster child, is going to be a Bennett. Beau and I have chosen to rename him Oliver Reid. I never could have imagined previously that we would grow our family in this way....through the foster care program. Ollie and Will are so bonded and it amazes me that although they are not biologically related, they are brothers in every since of the word.
We also had the opportunity to foster a 3 year old little girl named Marlanna. She tested every parenting skill we had. I often feel that we could have done more for her. After 4 months with our family, she returned to her father. I still worry about her and pray for the best.
Just two days after Marlanna left our home, little Carter, 2 months old, joined us. We instantly fell in love with him (especially Beau). He is the sweetest, mild tempered baby I have every been around. It has been a total joy to care for him.
Each child has come to is with a difficult and messy past. It is hard sometimes to believe some of their family history. But with my gift of mercy and Beau's gift of teaching and leadership, we feel empowered through Christ to take care of these children. It has given us a deeper appreciation for our own situations.
But, through all the trials of fostering, Christ has put in our hearts a true joy and love for these children. I often find myself overwhelmed and questioning how we can continue to be a part of this program, but each day I am renewed. God renews me. With God, all things are possible. Thank you Lord.
