Wikipedia article defines Kairos and Chronos as follows:
The ancient Greeks had two words for time, chronos and kairos. While the former refers to chronological or sequential time, the latter signifies a time in between, a moment of undetermined period of time in which something special happens. What the special something is depends on who is using the word. While chronos is quantitative, kairos has a qualitative nature.
In the New Testament kairos means "the appointed time in the purpose of God", the time when God acts (e.g. Mark 1.15, the kairos is fulfilled). It differs from the more usual word for time which is chronos (kronos).
Yesterday I meet Joy at a match event held by the agency I am going through to process this adoption.
When I walked in the door, the first two people I saw were Joy and her recruiter right inside the doorway. I sorta froze not knowing what to say. Her recruiter told me to go ahead and sign in and both she and Joy said hello. Didn't seem like she recognized me though her recruiter said that she saw a picture of me in March. I wasn't bothered, I just knew that just as the event marked chronos time meeting kronos time, I knew that an opportunity would present it itself later in the day.
It did!
During the event, Joy was Ms. 'In Charge' being hostess and event coordinator at the same time. Though we first came into contact with each other when she ended up next to me during our first get acquainted game, and I mentioned to her that she wasn't supposed to have her cell phone out. She said her mom had just sent her a text. During the game I learned she was allergic to peanuts and loves the color black.
Three things made my joy complete in meeting her :-)
Later when we were in our rotation of small group games, she was helping her recruiter vs. participating and ended up walking around taking pictures. When she walked up next to me I said to her-" I heard you've been asking about me" and she looked puzzled. But when I said 'in your meeting' her response was priceless and I wished I could capture it on video. Not only did she cover her mouth from screaming, she jumped back and said- "its you!!!" She was so excited and said "they didn't tell me you were coming! I have never seen your picture, they won't tell me anything about you...." I told her I knew she wanted her cards and letters but she should be able to get them soon so not to worry.
[A little later she came over and asked me if I had other children. When I said "no" She commented that she doesn't like to be home alone. I didn't understand until later when she told me that her current foster mom is in school and that leaves her home alone a lot. I reminded her that I work in the school system so when she's off, so am I. She was very happy to hear that!]
Second, during lunch she came by and asked me if I had an iPhone cause my phone was laying down on the table. I told her no its an Evo and when I picked it up to show her- she was surprised again to see her picture on my phone wallpaper!
Last, when I was leaving and took off my name badge she took it and put it on her top!!! I almost cried (in addition to telling her that she couldn't wear that out in front of the other kids). It was clear that she knew that THIS time someone was there for her and that she was mine and I am hers!
I knew that I already LOVE her, but at that moment when our time, chronos and God's time, kairos met I realized how IN love with her I am!!!!! It was like seeing her live and in action was the complete manifestation of my saying 'Yes' to God about her in December. Not only did my MAPP classmate come over and say "that is a perfect match- you are definitely her mother, she's just like you!" So true, so true.
What happens now- I told her to not be frustrated or impatient and just wait for it all to come together because now it's just a matter of time :-)
Hopefully this week, I will get approval from her social worker & team, then we can begin visits, followed by placement in my home when school lets out in June :-) Adoption can be finalized 6 months later!
Sunday, April 17, 2011
Monday, March 28, 2011
Joyful Joyful Lord we Adore Thee!
Well I am overdue for an update and since I posted on my Facebook status that I have finally completed all things that have been required of me, I am trying very hard to curb my enthusiasm :-)
In the past 6 weeks I have truly had an emotional and mentally trying time but also a spiritual experience. I say that because I realize that it's the magnamity of the role and responsibility I'm pursuing that truly has me in awe that God would entrust me with someone else's child. . . .
I'm abt to be someone's Mommy & though it doesn't mean being pregnant it's still a time of preparation- like Queen Esther- placed in her position for such a time as this
http://www.focusonthefamily.com/parenting/adoptive_families/your_childs_adoption_life_story/gods_message_about_your_childs_life_story.aspx
As I prepare I find myself not only reading books but thinking abt the many aspects of what parenting a teenager will be like. Yes God placing me in a HS, my experiences in schools, with my nieces & mentees will definitely help- but she will also be my spiritual and physical responsibility. I am focused on being a parent, not just what I could 'get' out of this. The reality of the magnitude of God giving me the assignment of this young lady to raise according to His Word. . .
train up a child in the way that she should go so that when she is old she will not depart from it Proverbs 22:6
hits me like Him choosing Mary to be mother of Jesus- not a physical conception but spiritual. Makes me think how else could she look so much like me (?) LOL
She comes w so many things already established abt her character & identity etc & though we're not starting from infancy or early childhood- we are starting from our own new beginning. We are establishing our relationship w each other and we're preparing her for the future & hope God has for her. I'm just grateful for the oppty to be a chosen & willing vessel in her life
I'm also grateful that each of you are in my life to help however you can cause it does take a village to raise a child- no matter how old they are when they come to you.
Like a shirt I've seen online says
I'm in love with a child I haven't met yet
I'm in the process of adoption
I am subject to cry at any moment
Please bear with me until my approval comes
Curbing my enthusiasm is HARD but so worth it!
In the past 6 weeks I have truly had an emotional and mentally trying time but also a spiritual experience. I say that because I realize that it's the magnamity of the role and responsibility I'm pursuing that truly has me in awe that God would entrust me with someone else's child. . . .
I'm abt to be someone's Mommy & though it doesn't mean being pregnant it's still a time of preparation- like Queen Esther- placed in her position for such a time as this
http://www.focusonthefamily.com/parenting/adoptive_families/your_childs_adoption_life_story/gods_message_about_your_childs_life_story.aspx
As I prepare I find myself not only reading books but thinking abt the many aspects of what parenting a teenager will be like. Yes God placing me in a HS, my experiences in schools, with my nieces & mentees will definitely help- but she will also be my spiritual and physical responsibility. I am focused on being a parent, not just what I could 'get' out of this. The reality of the magnitude of God giving me the assignment of this young lady to raise according to His Word. . .
train up a child in the way that she should go so that when she is old she will not depart from it Proverbs 22:6
hits me like Him choosing Mary to be mother of Jesus- not a physical conception but spiritual. Makes me think how else could she look so much like me (?) LOL
She comes w so many things already established abt her character & identity etc & though we're not starting from infancy or early childhood- we are starting from our own new beginning. We are establishing our relationship w each other and we're preparing her for the future & hope God has for her. I'm just grateful for the oppty to be a chosen & willing vessel in her life
I'm also grateful that each of you are in my life to help however you can cause it does take a village to raise a child- no matter how old they are when they come to you.
Like a shirt I've seen online says
I'm in love with a child I haven't met yet
I'm in the process of adoption
I am subject to cry at any moment
Please bear with me until my approval comes
Curbing my enthusiasm is HARD but so worth it!
Saturday, February 12, 2011
Joy Unspeakable -Sharing The Love of God
Here we are - 50 days after finding Joy's pic online and ready to move forward to the next step. Gotta do more paperwork, training, and all of the things required of me on my to do list that I've been given by my social worker......(1/26)
It's now day 72 (10 weeks & 2 days later) so a few more weeks have passed since I started this post. The day after I started writing above I found out I was being offered a new job and life has been hectic for past two weeks. So here's an update
I have started MAPP adoption training- today was the 3rd of 5 Saturdays. I've done fingerprints, medical paperwork, and had first homestudy visit by my social worker. Still need to get stuff done for licensing my home such as fire inspection- fire extinguisher, carbon monoxide detector, locked medicine storage, finish evacuation plan, and corded landline phone. Once my preplacement assessment (PPA) is done her social worker will review it, come for her homestudy visit with the recruiter, decide if we're a match, and I can finally meet her. (See Steps to Adoption http://www.chsnc.org/adoption-families-interested-in-adoption.html)
I also received her adoption summary finally!!! Her birthday is coming up next week 2/17 and she will be 17. Learned a lot about her parents and family; personal characteristics; medical, psychological, educational and placement history. I knew that I was fully committed when I saw some things others would balk at but knew that though I may have stated in my preferences that certain things I would not be willing to accept- for her- I am willing to change and make an exception just for her.
But the most significant thing I learned from recruiter was that I could begin to write her personal letters and since I blog she couldn't have told me anything better :-) Can't share blog with her yet but will after we're matched and meet.
My first letter to Joy was to let her know the most important thing I felt needed to be shared- that I chose her and I want her to be in my life and me in her's. I told her the story of how I just 'happened to' go online to the agency site while talking to a friend, searched Meet Waiting Children, and once I saw her I just knew- she's the one. I want her in my life just as she is. I told her I would answer her questions through the recruiter and a few facts about me.
In church we've been discussing the agape love of God and the characteristics that are manifest in the lives of those of us who love God. Since we're known by our love (John 13:34-35) - we should be showing it one to another. Most of us are familiar with love that is shared between people that is either eros (romantic), phileos (friends) or storge (family). But's its agape - the unconditional, self sacrificing, and totally voluntary love of God that swells in my heart when I think of her. It makes my heart and mind connect to even begin to conceive the love God had for all of us (before, during, and after we learned of Him) that He gave His Son to reconcile us to Him in a love relationship- Incredible Grace. Regardless of how we respond to Him!!! We didn't deserve it but He loved us anyway and He won't stop loving us either even when we turn our backs on Him and reject His love for us.
I genuinely love this child from my heart in a way that I thought I would never feel towards another human being. Like God, my love is Godly, genuine, and generous so whether or not she receives and accepts it, it won't change my love for her. I don't expect this to be a bed of roses but Jesus on the cross wasn't easy either. He loves me and will help me carry it through the power of His Holy Spirit.
But for love- I will deny myself, pick up my cross, and follow Him. (Matthew 10:38, Matthew 16:24, Mark 8:34, Mark 10:21 Luke 9:23, Luke 14:25, 27)
It's now day 72 (10 weeks & 2 days later) so a few more weeks have passed since I started this post. The day after I started writing above I found out I was being offered a new job and life has been hectic for past two weeks. So here's an update
I have started MAPP adoption training- today was the 3rd of 5 Saturdays. I've done fingerprints, medical paperwork, and had first homestudy visit by my social worker. Still need to get stuff done for licensing my home such as fire inspection- fire extinguisher, carbon monoxide detector, locked medicine storage, finish evacuation plan, and corded landline phone. Once my preplacement assessment (PPA) is done her social worker will review it, come for her homestudy visit with the recruiter, decide if we're a match, and I can finally meet her. (See Steps to Adoption http://www.chsnc.org/adoption-families-interested-in-adoption.html)
I also received her adoption summary finally!!! Her birthday is coming up next week 2/17 and she will be 17. Learned a lot about her parents and family; personal characteristics; medical, psychological, educational and placement history. I knew that I was fully committed when I saw some things others would balk at but knew that though I may have stated in my preferences that certain things I would not be willing to accept- for her- I am willing to change and make an exception just for her.
But the most significant thing I learned from recruiter was that I could begin to write her personal letters and since I blog she couldn't have told me anything better :-) Can't share blog with her yet but will after we're matched and meet.
My first letter to Joy was to let her know the most important thing I felt needed to be shared- that I chose her and I want her to be in my life and me in her's. I told her the story of how I just 'happened to' go online to the agency site while talking to a friend, searched Meet Waiting Children, and once I saw her I just knew- she's the one. I want her in my life just as she is. I told her I would answer her questions through the recruiter and a few facts about me.
In church we've been discussing the agape love of God and the characteristics that are manifest in the lives of those of us who love God. Since we're known by our love (John 13:34-35) - we should be showing it one to another. Most of us are familiar with love that is shared between people that is either eros (romantic), phileos (friends) or storge (family). But's its agape - the unconditional, self sacrificing, and totally voluntary love of God that swells in my heart when I think of her. It makes my heart and mind connect to even begin to conceive the love God had for all of us (before, during, and after we learned of Him) that He gave His Son to reconcile us to Him in a love relationship- Incredible Grace. Regardless of how we respond to Him!!! We didn't deserve it but He loved us anyway and He won't stop loving us either even when we turn our backs on Him and reject His love for us.
I genuinely love this child from my heart in a way that I thought I would never feel towards another human being. Like God, my love is Godly, genuine, and generous so whether or not she receives and accepts it, it won't change my love for her. I don't expect this to be a bed of roses but Jesus on the cross wasn't easy either. He loves me and will help me carry it through the power of His Holy Spirit.
But for love- I will deny myself, pick up my cross, and follow Him. (Matthew 10:38, Matthew 16:24, Mark 8:34, Mark 10:21 Luke 9:23, Luke 14:25, 27)
Friday, January 7, 2011
The Path to Finding Joy
The path of least resistance means taking the easiest way.
Hmm. . . . . . I don't know if that can be used to describe the path to adoption. It's definitely full of twists and turns- not exactly a straight line. Getting to the end of the road is your goal but it's the steps you take getting there- whew!!! They can wear you out and make you want to stop dead in your tracks, take a seat on the side of the road, turn around and go back, or try another path altogether. But if you go with God, turning back is not an option. PRESS toward the mark!!!
I heard from my social worker for this process on Sunday, January 2, 2011 via email. She included a 30 page profile, reference form, and financial information. After I took a deep breath, I decided to go ahead and complete the profile and reference forms that day. I believe that writing with that level of focus and intensity allows me to express my truest feelings- not just what other people want to hear. Some of the questions were interesting in that they went back to my childhood, upbringing, attitude towards school and to the present as to what I believe about adoption, parents who lose their parental rights, and my views on parenting.
That was truly heart searching deep work. But when I finished and sent it back that day, I knew that I had given it my best- with room for growth of course. I knew that who I am and what I have to offer is good enough because God will fill in all the missing pieces.
That being true to myself paid off- the next two days doors opened for me to obtain that which I need most to meet the 'requirements' for adoption. Three opportunities came my way this week and each of them went well. I'm confident that the results will only take me closer to the goal of meeting Joy.
So the path to finding Joy requires obedience which starts with hearing, listening, and following through. In order for me to hear, I have to clear all distractions, be still, and trust that the Holy Spirit will go before me once I open myself to His leading.
I pray that this destiny filled path continues to be filled with hope, peace, love, and of course meets Joy :-)
Hmm. . . . . . I don't know if that can be used to describe the path to adoption. It's definitely full of twists and turns- not exactly a straight line. Getting to the end of the road is your goal but it's the steps you take getting there- whew!!! They can wear you out and make you want to stop dead in your tracks, take a seat on the side of the road, turn around and go back, or try another path altogether. But if you go with God, turning back is not an option. PRESS toward the mark!!!
I heard from my social worker for this process on Sunday, January 2, 2011 via email. She included a 30 page profile, reference form, and financial information. After I took a deep breath, I decided to go ahead and complete the profile and reference forms that day. I believe that writing with that level of focus and intensity allows me to express my truest feelings- not just what other people want to hear. Some of the questions were interesting in that they went back to my childhood, upbringing, attitude towards school and to the present as to what I believe about adoption, parents who lose their parental rights, and my views on parenting.
That was truly heart searching deep work. But when I finished and sent it back that day, I knew that I had given it my best- with room for growth of course. I knew that who I am and what I have to offer is good enough because God will fill in all the missing pieces.
That being true to myself paid off- the next two days doors opened for me to obtain that which I need most to meet the 'requirements' for adoption. Three opportunities came my way this week and each of them went well. I'm confident that the results will only take me closer to the goal of meeting Joy.
So the path to finding Joy requires obedience which starts with hearing, listening, and following through. In order for me to hear, I have to clear all distractions, be still, and trust that the Holy Spirit will go before me once I open myself to His leading.
I pray that this destiny filled path continues to be filled with hope, peace, love, and of course meets Joy :-)
Thursday, December 23, 2010
Ready to Meet Joy
Ok- I'm soooo ready to meet Joy!!! I have been thinking about what I will do to celebrate her arrival.
There's Gotcha Day- http://www.beliefnet.com/Love-Family/Parenting/2000/06/Gotcha-Day.aspx which is a beautiful and simple ceremony marking the arrival of her in what will then be our home. Definitely invites to my parents, sisters, nieces, other mothers and bff's in addition to the social workers and recruiter and those she wants to have there as well. Some people say that it's more appropriate for the day that adoption is finalized but I've been thinking about something else.
There's a possibility that we will meet by Spring Break- I'm so excited about that! I don't know if that will be for pre-placement visits or her coming to live here until adoption is finalized. I know that an interview with both of us is part of the homestudy- I just don't know when that will be- before, during, or after training. So I thought- we could do a yearly M2-Daughter weekend trip to commemorate- til Drea laughed at my idea and reminded me that when she's in college sihe will want to do spring break with her friends not her M2. Hmmm - 1st I never went anywhere for college spring break & 2nd I worked 16 yrs and barely went anywhere during those spring breaks either LOL But the good thing is that our spring breaks will only coincide the first year while she's a senior in HS but college is before K-12 so shouldn't be a problem :-)
Then I've been thinking about a gift. Probably a piece of jewelry engraved with something significant- like the name of this blog :-) Something that both of us that can have as a daily tangible reminder.
Of course we can take pictures but that's a given.
Or dinner and movies- definitely a given- more than likely a weekly event LOL
I just hope and pray that all goes well and that all things work out for the common good.
There's Gotcha Day- http://www.beliefnet.com/Love-Family/Parenting/2000/06/Gotcha-Day.aspx which is a beautiful and simple ceremony marking the arrival of her in what will then be our home. Definitely invites to my parents, sisters, nieces, other mothers and bff's in addition to the social workers and recruiter and those she wants to have there as well. Some people say that it's more appropriate for the day that adoption is finalized but I've been thinking about something else.
There's a possibility that we will meet by Spring Break- I'm so excited about that! I don't know if that will be for pre-placement visits or her coming to live here until adoption is finalized. I know that an interview with both of us is part of the homestudy- I just don't know when that will be- before, during, or after training. So I thought- we could do a yearly M2-Daughter weekend trip to commemorate- til Drea laughed at my idea and reminded me that when she's in college sihe will want to do spring break with her friends not her M2. Hmmm - 1st I never went anywhere for college spring break & 2nd I worked 16 yrs and barely went anywhere during those spring breaks either LOL But the good thing is that our spring breaks will only coincide the first year while she's a senior in HS but college is before K-12 so shouldn't be a problem :-)
Then I've been thinking about a gift. Probably a piece of jewelry engraved with something significant- like the name of this blog :-) Something that both of us that can have as a daily tangible reminder.
Of course we can take pictures but that's a given.
Or dinner and movies- definitely a given- more than likely a weekly event LOL
I just hope and pray that all goes well and that all things work out for the common good.
Sunday, December 19, 2010
Joy's New Identity
Yesterday I was doing research as to what are some of the legalities that take place after an adoption- what things will change. I learned two things that gave me another perspective on what adoption means not only legally but biblically from which the desire to adopt is seared into my heart.
When the adoption is completed, Joy will have a new birth certificate and a new last name.
I'm floored to think how this compares to our spiritual adoption by God. When we believe in Jesus for our salvation and accept Him as our Savior we are considered to be born again and that day marks our spiritual birth date. Not only do we now bear His name- Christian- but we are also adopted into the family of God. He promises to give us a new name written on a white stone in the New Jerusalem, when there will be a new heaven and new earth- the city of our God (Revelation 3). What that name is only He knows but I know that it is one I will be looking forward to hearing.
My heart truly began to beat faster when I realized that - my name will be on her birth certificate as her Mother. She will have a new last name- mine. I totally didn't expect that. I didn't expect her to call me Mommy since she had a relationship with her biological parents. I thought more like Tiff - I would be her M2- Mommy #2. She will become my Daughter - not born of the flesh but in my heart by His Spirit. It's the beginning of a new life, not physically but spiritually and relationally. Like Nicodemus, asking Jesus how can a man be born again since he can't enter back into his mother's womb? Legalistic thinking makes us believe that if things are not done a certain way that is acceptable by the law, then how can it be? Jesus said that if a man is not born again he can not enter the kingdom of God.
This journey into single motherhood means that I am not going the legalistic, expected route of marriage then children. Not that I don't want to be married- but my maternal instinct really doesn't have a timetable- something I have known forever. Neither does it mean that I don't want my children to have a father in their lives- I believe a male influence is priceless. I am a role model and a mother figure to so many others. I have had student mentees ever since my first year teaching- Steph, Saina, Lyndsey, Tiff, and One-sha. Each have been significant long term relationships that are still a part of my life. I have 6 godchildren, 3 nieces, and 1 brand new nephew. I take care of the most amazing 1 yr old who lights up my day everyday.
This then is a natural progression- I've been an "other/second" mother for 17 1/2 years- now I'm ready to be Joy's mother for the rest of her life. It's like she was planted in my heart back then and we are finally meeting. If her birthday is May 1994, then she would have been conceived Aug 1993- my first year teaching. WOW!
All I can say is that God is in this and I'm gonna step aside and watch Him unfold things before me.
When the adoption is completed, Joy will have a new birth certificate and a new last name.
I'm floored to think how this compares to our spiritual adoption by God. When we believe in Jesus for our salvation and accept Him as our Savior we are considered to be born again and that day marks our spiritual birth date. Not only do we now bear His name- Christian- but we are also adopted into the family of God. He promises to give us a new name written on a white stone in the New Jerusalem, when there will be a new heaven and new earth- the city of our God (Revelation 3). What that name is only He knows but I know that it is one I will be looking forward to hearing.
My heart truly began to beat faster when I realized that - my name will be on her birth certificate as her Mother. She will have a new last name- mine. I totally didn't expect that. I didn't expect her to call me Mommy since she had a relationship with her biological parents. I thought more like Tiff - I would be her M2- Mommy #2. She will become my Daughter - not born of the flesh but in my heart by His Spirit. It's the beginning of a new life, not physically but spiritually and relationally. Like Nicodemus, asking Jesus how can a man be born again since he can't enter back into his mother's womb? Legalistic thinking makes us believe that if things are not done a certain way that is acceptable by the law, then how can it be? Jesus said that if a man is not born again he can not enter the kingdom of God.
This journey into single motherhood means that I am not going the legalistic, expected route of marriage then children. Not that I don't want to be married- but my maternal instinct really doesn't have a timetable- something I have known forever. Neither does it mean that I don't want my children to have a father in their lives- I believe a male influence is priceless. I am a role model and a mother figure to so many others. I have had student mentees ever since my first year teaching- Steph, Saina, Lyndsey, Tiff, and One-sha. Each have been significant long term relationships that are still a part of my life. I have 6 godchildren, 3 nieces, and 1 brand new nephew. I take care of the most amazing 1 yr old who lights up my day everyday.
This then is a natural progression- I've been an "other/second" mother for 17 1/2 years- now I'm ready to be Joy's mother for the rest of her life. It's like she was planted in my heart back then and we are finally meeting. If her birthday is May 1994, then she would have been conceived Aug 1993- my first year teaching. WOW!
All I can say is that God is in this and I'm gonna step aside and watch Him unfold things before me.
Saturday, December 18, 2010
The Day I Found Joy & Knew It
12/3/10- I woke up at 7 p.m. from a nap & checked my missed calls. Mel had called and since we don't speak often (though we live no less than 30 minutes from each other- but busy- work family etc). We talked about a position she thought I would be interested in and I sent her my resume. I then asked her about her new job - little did I know that would be the beginning of this journey.
My mother has suggested it, so has my bff Nikki, but I've always said- how? why now? I'm single & if I wanted to do it alone I could have already done it etc etc - excuses excuses. I did the Guardian Ad Litem training in the beginning of the year and knew that I would welcome the oppty to work with children in the foster care system but hadn't given it much further thought.
But it's amazing how clarity will come when you least expect it and be a blinding light pointing you in the only direction you can go without stumbling to see in the dark. I went to the CHS website and did a search for black female. Joy was the first child to come up & I immediately knew- she's the one. I felt that Destiny had finally met Purpose and her name means Joy. My heart just swells at the realization that God has brought me full circle and we both will get a second chance to have the family we desire.I will be the mother God has for her and she will be the daughter God has for me.
Quick info- she's a teen, a junior in HS, an only child, and both of her parents are deceased. She wants to be a nurse to help others and would like a tarantula (LOL) She likes to read, go to bookstores, watch movies, go out to dinner, hang at the mall, be on the computer, and travel. Did I really just meet a mini-me? LOL
So the past two weeks have been a whirlwind since I began the process once I submitted the interest form after watching her video, had a phone interview with her recruiter 12/9, and mailed my application today. Her recruiter said that she would be sure to follow my application as a priority to be sure I get a SW in Charlotte asap and we could get me trained and ready for preplacement visits by Spring Break. She told Joy someone asked about her and she's excited. I'm excited too because if this is what this 'Charlotte experience' has been about- to be here for this child at this unlikely time in my life? Then it's totally worth it!!!!! Priceless I say- nothing can compare to the Joy set before me. I look forward to welcoming her to my life and home cause she already has a place in my heart.
So I wholeheartedly say 'YES!!!!!' to You Lord,Your will and Your way, denying myself, picking up my cross, and following You until this Destiny is fulfilled. Trusting and believing that You have already gone before me and made the pathway clear.
My mother has suggested it, so has my bff Nikki, but I've always said- how? why now? I'm single & if I wanted to do it alone I could have already done it etc etc - excuses excuses. I did the Guardian Ad Litem training in the beginning of the year and knew that I would welcome the oppty to work with children in the foster care system but hadn't given it much further thought.
But it's amazing how clarity will come when you least expect it and be a blinding light pointing you in the only direction you can go without stumbling to see in the dark. I went to the CHS website and did a search for black female. Joy was the first child to come up & I immediately knew- she's the one. I felt that Destiny had finally met Purpose and her name means Joy. My heart just swells at the realization that God has brought me full circle and we both will get a second chance to have the family we desire.I will be the mother God has for her and she will be the daughter God has for me.
Quick info- she's a teen, a junior in HS, an only child, and both of her parents are deceased. She wants to be a nurse to help others and would like a tarantula (LOL) She likes to read, go to bookstores, watch movies, go out to dinner, hang at the mall, be on the computer, and travel. Did I really just meet a mini-me? LOL
So the past two weeks have been a whirlwind since I began the process once I submitted the interest form after watching her video, had a phone interview with her recruiter 12/9, and mailed my application today. Her recruiter said that she would be sure to follow my application as a priority to be sure I get a SW in Charlotte asap and we could get me trained and ready for preplacement visits by Spring Break. She told Joy someone asked about her and she's excited. I'm excited too because if this is what this 'Charlotte experience' has been about- to be here for this child at this unlikely time in my life? Then it's totally worth it!!!!! Priceless I say- nothing can compare to the Joy set before me. I look forward to welcoming her to my life and home cause she already has a place in my heart.
So I wholeheartedly say 'YES!!!!!' to You Lord,Your will and Your way, denying myself, picking up my cross, and following You until this Destiny is fulfilled. Trusting and believing that You have already gone before me and made the pathway clear.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)