We have been spending a lot of time with Moe's Daddy, F, for the sake of Moe and... well we really enjoy him and feel that God has BIG plans for this young man. We want to reach out to him!
I have sat and talked to him on more than one occasion just getting heart level with him and telling him what CPS is expecting of him and what we BELIEVE he can do. He has not failed us yet! God is moving in his life and he doesn't even have a clue what God is capable of, OR what HE wants to do in his life!
I have invited F to our small church group (Life Group, LG :)) that meets on Sunday nights several times in passing and to church service on Sun mornings also for that matter. He said that he would be interested but have just left it at that. I don't want to push when someone's not ready. I figure God will give me the high sign on when to gently lead.
The other day a couple hours before Life Group (church group) began I sent him a text message ( I am SO thankful he finally has a cell!). I asked him if he wanted to come to LG with us and that we were leaving the boys home with a sitter. He said he would love to go with us! YES!
We picked him up and took him. Our group was fairly small for some reason but that is Great. I figure that God know's what HE's doing better than I. So we got into our groove... first we started off by hanging out and visiting with friends. I introduce him to everyone and it goes WELL! Everyone is commenting on how much he and Moe look identical! He has a smile that could move mountains!
We get into our discussion... "How do you see God as a refuge in your life?" (We are doing a lesson on Psalm 16:11) in general, over the next several weeks in church so that is what we discuss in our LG. Just a way to connect deeper with the message and with others involved in the discussion from Sunday mornings. Our group is mainly focused on Young families. We do however have a few families there with older children/teens so we are kind of all out there. All different walks of life! I LOVE THE DIVERSITY! It makes me so much more open to reaching out to EVERYONE!
So we get into discussion and it is mind blowing just listening to testimonies and hearing the different ways that God is sought as a refuge from one season/walk of life to the next! F just sat there quiet, soaking it all in. I shared a place of refuge for me and as was talking I made eye contact with him a couple times and he was shaking his head like he could grasp what I was saying. He was so sincere in listening you could SEE GOD speaking to him!
Later after we left we took him home and sat in the car talking with him. He was in the front seat with J and he thanked us several times for taking/inviting him that he really enjoyed himself. He said he wanted to share more in the group discussion but was still nervous and was a bit shy. We just told him that was NORMAL and that in time he would be sharing his life testimonies as well if that was what he felt he wanted to do. He said he definitely wants to come back and that he could relate to several situations that the others were speaking of. GO GOD! He also wants to come to church with us now! AMEN?!?! He is so hungry and God is MORE THAN ENOUGH!
On the court side of things. Today was his review hearing and the mother is wanting to fight for custody. NOT good... not that I think she has a chance to get him at this point BUT it is frustrating none the less! I told F not to worry about it and that I felt that it would all continue to go as planned. IN ONE month he will be returning to his father!
We really want to be a support system for him and watch Moe for free for him but we are concerned about Moe and his well being. I have seen/heard several instances where it is said that the foster family stays removed from the child for at LEAST two months to help the child adjust to home life better. BUT a dear sweet friend of mine brought it to my attention that when he was 5 months old he was taken from us for appx 3.5 mos. And that if we did the 2 month "removal" that it would still be the same to him when he sees us again. Like he would think that he is coming back "home" to live with us. I think it could be detrimental to him and his adjustment with his father.
Any feedback?
I want what is best for Moe and for F... I want to help F while he is still adjusting and getting on his feet But will this be more harmful than helpful? We pray daily for the answers and believe that God will lead us in the best decision! F was really looking forward to us being able to help him with childcare. At this point I am so adamant about him not having to go through that that I would pay a daycare facility to take him on just until he is stable and can see us. It kills me to think that I will not be seeing him or his sweet face for several months following his leaving. It was hard the first time but now... he has been here for so long!
*** To be continued***
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Hello world!
3 weeks ago
2 comments:
I think it would be good for Moe to see that you and his daddy have a good relationship. Almost like an extended family. Think of how it would effect Moe to be completely ripped from your family. Maybe his dad could bring him over for play dates. Kids are resilient. He'd do great with you as a daycare provider!
First, I just have to say that you never fail to inspire me! You are so awesome in your testimony every day and your ability to reach people. You rock Bri! :)
Alright, on the childcare, to be honest, I don't think Moe will remember that he left and was brought back at 5 months. That's really young and I don't think he will make the connection of the amount of time that lapsed (of it being 2 months). Time at that age doesn't really exist. It's just light and dark...feeding/play/poop. :) I think that he would be fine if you did your plan of a removal and then daycare with you.
Erica
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