Training Weekend #2

Luke and I are officially done with our PRIDE training through the CALL.  It was a LONG two weekends to say the least.  Most of the information wasn't new to us, it was just overwhelming to sit for that long of a period. 

Yesterday, they had a panel come in to talk about their experiences with fostering.  Since Luke and I are an adopt only family, we didn't learn very much.  It was nice to hear their experiences and learn some new tricks, however we'd love to hear from an adopt only family.

 Since starting this training, we've felt like there is a black mark against us for being "adopt" only.  Being a Christian, I know the Lord calls us to do many things in life.  Some people may agree with some things- and other things- they may not.  That's just how it goes.  However, during this whole process we've gotten the feeling that many feel Jesus only calls people to foster.  We understand the need for fostering, we just aren't cut out for that.  I know many kids come through state foster care in a day- hence the need for foster families, but at some point a parent's rights are terminated- hence the need for an adoptive family. So, we feel the Lord calling us to be an adoptive family to a sibling group.  We'd love to have two kids, but isn't it just like the Lord to blow our socks of with 4?!?!  Who knows what's ahead.  We are willing and waiting. 

From here on out, there is a lot of paperwork still to be done.  This process could take anywhere from 1-2 years.  We just don't know. 

We do however feel Satan attacking at every turn.  He's always there to give us doubt, make us question why we're even going through all the trouble, why not just have our own bio kids,  and even causing others to say hurtful things to us.  Even when we tell people we are going through the adoption process, a part of me notices, in some- the look of pity.  They think, "oh, they can't have kids..."  Well, we just don't know about that.  We haven't been trying, and frankly don't want to right now.  There are a ton of kids out there already who need loving homes- so why not give them a chance? 


So, we're ready and waiting to see what kind of wild journey the Lord has for us.  I'm just hoping I don't get whip lash!

Training

Yesterday we had our first day of training.  It started at 9 and we were out by 6.  To say it was a LONG day would be an understatement.  We both were so sore from sitting all day!!!  My attention span turned off around 3.  You can only take so much information!  We watched videos about foster training- some were very dated!  In fact, one reminded me of an insurance commercial and the other one reminded me of my drama days back at SCA. 

We were there with 2 other couples that were very sweet.  I felt sorry for them, as they seemed very overwhelmed by all the information.  I guess Luke and I were more prepared.  My friend works at DHS, we've had friends go through this process before, and have heard many stories- the good and the bad.  Plus, adoption runs in my family, so I know somewhat the process. 

The two men leading the training were very nice and experienced in this field.  We go back again today for another day of training and then we have one more weekend full.  I am so thankful for our friends and family that support us.  This training is LONG, and my joints and back have a hard time sitting for that long.  If I had any advice to give to family or friends that have someone going through this- it would be to offer unconditional support.  Don't give your opinions if they are going to be negative in any way.  We just don't need them.  However, if you have positive feedback to share- we love to hear it and really appreciate it. 

We know this is God's will for our lives.  So, we just have to persevere through it all.  I can't wait to see what He has in store for us! 

Adoption Process is Started

Last night, Luke and I attended our first CALL meeting.  It was a lot of information to absorb in several hours.  We got our red packet folder which contains a lot of paperwork.  One long form described several child characteristics.  You had to choose if it would be acceptable, willing to discuss, or unacceptable for each topic.  That was so hard to do.  We felt like anything would be willing to discuss regarding a circumstance.  However, we did choose to put unacceptable on a few items.  To me, that felt like putting an F on a report card.  At the end of that form, we had to sign under- Prospective Mother or Prospective Father.  When I saw those words late last night, it really hit me.  We're really doing this.  We are laying it all out there, being vulnerable to total strangers, and doing this thing.  I wish I could have Grandma and PaPa to talk too.  I'm sure there wasn't this kind of paperwork back then when they adopted Mom.  I would love to have known how they felt, what they thought, and of course I know the blessing they got in the end.

I pray for our unknown children.  We don't know how long this process will take, what we will go through, or what is beyond the paperwork.  However, we know that the Lord is in control.  He has this all worked out, and it will only be to and for His Glory.  I just can't wait to see how He blows our socks off!

Lily at Wye Mountain

Today, Christylee and I took Lily out to Wye Mountain.  It was a very quick photo shoot as it was FREEZING and so windy!  I was able to get a lot of good pictures of her.  We started the day with a Hardee's breakfast, and ended it with Starbucks.  Can't beat that! 

Kingston at Wye Mountain

 What Kingston does when he "smiles"

Mom and I took Kingston this morning to Wye Mountain.  We had a blast.  I love the pics I was able to get of him.  Mom got him a car at the craft show and he won't hardly put it down.  Enjoy!

Releasing the Bunnies

 The bunnies in the Edge waiting to be released

 Feeding the older one- and yes, I have tears on my cheeks!

 The middle one- the runt was too ready to go for a picture

Saturday morning, Luke and I got up around 6:30 and immediately went to release the bunnies.  We took them to the designated place I had picked out.  To say they were ready to go, was an understatement.  The little runt barely ate.  I tried feeding the other two before we released them- they ate just a little bit.  Luke and I found an overturned log which would provide good shelter for them.  We put them inside and left lots of grass and alfalfa inside the log.  Then we turned around and went to the car.  To say that was hard for me, would be an understatement.  I bawled my eyes out.  I could no longer protect them and they were on their own.  I know I did my best, but I'll always wonder if I could have done more for them.  Releasing something you've fed 3 times a day for 2 weeks is extremely hard.  I just pray that they are safe and happy.  Raising baby bunnies is not something I want to do again anytime soon.  I still get teary eyed thinking about it! 

Baby Bunnies

Monday morning, I was in the laundry room folding clothes.  The dogs were barking- which is nothing out of the normal for our house and our neighbors.  Then, I noticed Samson's bark had changed.  I went outside expecting to find nothing- only I found a real surprise!  Madison had a baby bunny in her mouth!  I hollered for Luke to come and help.  He was getting ready and ran out in his underwear to see what the deal was.  I discovered another bunny about to make a bad decision and enter Samson's pen.  I rescued both of them while Luke brought me a box.  I had no idea how to raise baby wild bunnies.  I've raised my fair share of birds- but never bunnies.

Madison was due for her shots, so I loaded her up and the bunnies and went to Dr. Mike's.  He told me the best thing was for me to find the Momma.  Well, I can't just go out in the woods and holler for the Momma.  So, instead he gave me kitten powdered formula.  He told me to feed it through a syringe and wished me the best.  He said, "Well, they sure know which house to go to!"  When we got home, Madison found another one in the rosemary bush!! 

So I've had these precious little things since Monday.  I'm feeding them 3x a day.  Just yesterday (Wednesday) all 3 of them showed interest in eating.  This afternoon (Thursday), the biggest one jumped from the shoe box I put him in.  I have to separate them as I feed them- so I know whose eaten and who hasn't.  They all look alike....only 2 are smaller and 1 is fairly older.

I'm sure hoping they make it.  Looks like about another 3 weeks according to Dr. Mike on when I can release them.  That will sure be hard, but they are meant to be in the wild.  For now, they'll hang out in my old guinea pig cage with their towels, leaves, and alfalfa.