Some of you might be wondering what is going on with the two kids we've been trying to get into our family. I think I'm finally in an emotionally good place to be able to let everyone know that it won't be happening. We have been working and fighting so hard to get them, but the State of Washington just wasn't as efficient as we needed them to be in getting all of our info down to Utah in the timeframe needed. People just weren't doing their jobs like they should, and even though I spent HOURS on the phone trying to help our paperwork get from office to office, our interstate agreement just never made it into place.
The kids are with a foster/adoptive family in Utah and are doing very well. It looks as if both kids will be adopted, and all we can hope for now is that the adoptive parents will want to stay in contact with us so someday Sam can have a relationship with his biological siblings. It has been unbelievably hard for me to accept. From the time these kids were born, I have felt like they belonged in our family. To not be able to get them just because some papers didn't get sent is heartbreaking.
I have shed many tears and spent a lot of time in prayer, and I finally feel like everything is going to be okay. I know that Heavenly Father loves those two and has a plan for them, and even though I was convinced that His plan involved me, I know He will take care of them. I also know that He has a plan for my family and that He will send more children to us, some temporarily and some for eternity. We have decided to jump right back into foster care. Our family has a lot of love to give and we have been so blessed as we help take care of children in need. Garreth and I are very passionate about "our cause!" (How funny that it was so fore-shadowed - we actually met in a college big brother/big sister volunteer program, although Garreth thinks that's a little cheesy and tells people that we met in a bar...)
We are excited to see what the future holds for us. We have already been getting calls about possible placements, so it shouldn't be long before five kids are running around the place. (Yikes!) In fact, we were all set to take a 3 month old boy this week, but some family stepped forward at the last minute. We'll keep everyone posted on any exciting changes in the Ratchford house!
5 comments:
Wow, I was wondering but figured you would tell when you were ready. I feel so bad, but I am glad you are coming to some kind of peace. I think about fostering just about every day. Jason thinks it will destroy me. I don't care........but we'll see.
So frustrating, but you have an amazing perspective on it! You guys are such a special family and I know that any child that comes into your home is a blessed one. We love you guys!
I am so sorry things didn't work out. I can't even imagine how frustrating that must have been. But you are right, things happen for a reason. I think the world of you guys for fostering. You are the perfect family for it.
The disappointment of shattered expectations is so hard to handle sometimes, but I love the way that you're dealing with it, jumping right back into things, moving forward. I don't know if I've said this before, but I admire you and Garreth so much for the doing what you do. It's so not something I would be good at so I am in total awe! Can't wait to see the new children that come your way. They will be very lucky kids!
So sorry to hear about your heartache and frustration! We definitely sympathize! We are just getting ready to start (or should I say re-start) the certification process in Illinois. It is frustrating that even though we are completely certified in TX and adopted Lilly there we have to go through the same thing all over again here.
Oh well - they are worth it 100 times over! Hang in there!!
Post a Comment