Information Overload

Well friends, even though I feel like my brain might be at capacity, we still have a class tonight and then class all day Saturday to learn more stuff!  Don't get me wrong.  All the info is welcomed, valuable, and helpful... there's just so much of it.

Believe it or not, though, after Saturday we are finished with the training classes!  Again, don't get me wrong.  This does not mean will we have kids next week or anything.  We still have several things to do, including our homestudy.

Since I have been learning so much and loving it, and as an attempt to get a couple of things out of my head, I thought I might share some insights we have learned.  Some of the classes we have attended have been about how to parent children from difficult places.  It kind of takes "traditional" parenting and turns it on it's ear.

Also, I (probably a little selfishly) want people to understand what it is we will be doing in our home.  I'm not seeking approval, but it might help prevent some awkward conversations when we don't do things the way you think we should.  Please don't hear that with a tone of rudeness.  That is not my intent at all!  I have just come to understand that being a foster parent is not what most people (including me until about a week ago) think it is.

So really, other people explain these things better than me.  One of the resources we have been told about is a YouTube video series by Christine Moers.  I'm a big fan.  She is a foster mom and speaks from personal experiences.  She's very real and honest... and funny!  I'm willing to bet you can even benefit if you are a "normal" parent. (Is there such a thing?!)  Here's one video, but there are several if you are interested.  (You know how to YouTube)

Also, the amazing Liz sent this blog post to me recently from a guy we both respect from our Pine Cove days and I love the way he talks about foster parenting changing you.  Feel free to read that as well.

As this journey has progressed, I find myself hearing and seeing things through a new lens- a mom lens.  It's still new, scary, and exciting for me to be developing this "mom brain" sans pregnancy, but it's really happening.  There are a couple of sweet things my heart has latched on to in the last couple of days that I want my kids to know, but they are also lessons I desperately need to remember and truly long for others to believe.

The first is Daniel 10:19.

“Don’t be afraid,” he said, “for you are very precious to God. Peace! Be encouraged! Be strong!”

The second is Loved by JJ Heller.  She's a new find and I like her!

Thanks for letting me get that off my chest.

Glad you were curious enough to read.