So, what have the last nine months held? Well, obviously if you've been on Earth, you're aware there has been a pandemic going on, as well as riots over racial issues and political differences, but I'm not actually going to talk about those. Instead, I'll tell you what has happened for me personally. It's a lot!
First of all, in late February we had a call asking if we would mind if the two foster children we had living with us at that time were moved to another foster home that had just opened. I didn't have an objection to that, but did ask why. That's when I was told that there were 4 girls coming into care that it was felt we may want to take. The older two of these were our girls who had left in 2018! The younger two were their little sisters. Of course we said yes! That left us with our son, a foster daughter we already had living with us (the sibling set moved to another home), and the four girls. That's a lot of kids to quarantine with during a pandemic! But, we made it through! Eventually, I was able to start back to work and the girls all went to daycare.
The next huge bit of news is that I was offered and accepted a substantial promotion at work! It is in line with my degree and I love what I do. Now, I just do it in more than one building, across 4 counties! It's tiring, but very rewarding and I'm very happy to have the opportunity to work in my chosen field. In this time of many people being laid off from their jobs, for me to be able to not only continue doing what I love, but to receive a promotion to do so, is a wonderful blessing that I do not want to take for granted. I hope to continue serving my community long into the future!
Our news is not all happy, though. In July, our smallest foster daughter, whom we had had in care since she discharged from NICU at 2 weeks old, was moved to a relative placement. While we're happy she can now be with her older siblings, it doesn't take away the pain of missing her. Then, in September, after 6 months with us, our girls once again returned home. I am absolutely devestated, not because they left but because we are allowed no contact with them. I simply want to know they are doing well and being cared for and, unfortunately, these are things I have serious doubts about. Some days depression gets the best of me over this, but I'm trying to hold myself together for our son and my husband. I know there is always a time and a purpose to everything. There is no situation or instance in our life that isn't preordained to be the way it is, so I know that it will work out somehow. Our story isn't done yet. And I believe this to be so, no matter how a person feels about religion. Things just are to happen the way they're meant to happen.
In the meantime, we have some fun happening in our lives very soon! This weekend we are headed back to our happy place! While we know there are many restrictions in place, we are glad to follow those in order to once again experience our lovely Disney World. The smallest guy in my immediate life is pretty excited. To be honest, so is the larger guy in my life. And I'd be lying if I said I felt like anything other than a kid on Christmas! I'll try to be sure to post some pics from our trip, along with an update! Til then, I hope you have nothing but joy in your days!
