Enjoy the ride

As I reflect over the last 5 1/2 years of fostering, I realize how busy I have been. Some days, I really just want to go sit down and read a good book, or sit outside on the swing and enjoy the beautiful surroundings.( I don't have a swing anymore, so I guess that doesn't matter anyway)

When we were commanded to be "anxiously engaged in a good cause" I think I took that very literally.
For instance tomorrow my day will probably start about 5:30 am when Mr J and Abi decide to get up with the roosters. I will try and convince them it is still night time and they need to go back to sleep, but I don't think they will buy it since it is getting light by then. WE will do breakfast and feed the baby and get everyone ready so we can be at Piano by 8:45 then go back to pick them up and drop off Tyler and Kayla to get Kyle to the Dentist by 10. We have to hope the dentist is on time because we have to be back in time for occupational therapy for Mr J and Serra by 11:45. WE will make lunch some time in there get a grouchy Abi down for a nap along with the baby. We will finish with that at about 2 just in time to Rush Tyler off to his rehearsal that starts at 2. Then take Mr J and Kayla to the dentist at 3.
Yes, the same one we were at this morning, although I choose not to take 7 kids to the dentist at the same time so we split it up.
Hopefully we will be home by 5. Maybe it will be pizza for dinner.
Kyle then has to be to scouts by 6:30 and Tyler has to be picked up by 8. We will squeeze in a few baths, and when is it NAP TIME??? Oh I forgot Kyle has to be picked up from scouts.

I hope this doesn't scare anyone away from this wonderful adventure. Your schedule could be entirely different.
WE just happen to have 7 kids at home . Even though they each only have a few things, a few times 7 is ALOT!!! We have some very bright and talented kids and it is important to allow them to pursue their dreams and passions . It allows them to learn a good work ethic, commitment and time management.

It is also important for the children we take in, to do everything in our power to help them normalize and stabilize form the trauma they have experienced. Usually it is temporary as they progress. So we just try to hang on and enjoy the ride. sometimes you just get them stabilized in time to move on, and then you start over with the next ones.

It is probably one of the most difficult things we have done, but also the most rewarding.
These are precious little spirits that Heavenly Father needs someone to help where he can't.