Number 3

David and his big brother count as Number 1 & 2 and Z is Number 3! Z joined our foster family when she was 13 months old. It was the fall and David's case seemed to be moving quickly toward reunification. We had recently moved from our one bedroom apartment to a two bedroom condo. When social services asked us if we wanted to increase the number of children we could foster, we talked it over and decided to stay at one.

Lee was out of town when we got the call. We weren't on the list, but someone had mentioned our names and so they called us. Lee gave me permission to make the decision and thought I was crazy when I said 'yes.' Well, actually I didn't really say yes right away. I told them that we would be more than happy to welcome this little girl if they could not find another family. In my mind, I thought that another family might be prepared and waiting. Apparently not, and I was informed that our address was given to the on call worker in case they needed us that evening.

As a foster parent, there are so many emotions that you experience as you actively wait. I remember feeling a mixture of nervousness, excitement, concern...I prayed that God would help me comfort this little one if she were to join our family. I thought over a variety of scenarios and asked myself questions to make sure I was prepared- where would she sleep? what should I ask her family? how will David react to her? how will she react to us? etc. etc. Thankfully, she was just two month younger than David and so I wasn't too worried about knowing the basics.

The next day we received another call from social services- we were not needed because a family member stepped up. I was thankful she could stay with family and prayed she would be safe.

That afternoon David had a visit with his mom and brother. We were all waiting outside for the social worker when I was informed that someone was on their way with Z to bring her to me at that moment. What?? Talk about timing. I was prepared earlier that day, but certainly not at that moment. If I had known, I would have already installed her car seat, made sure to have something for her to eat, diapers to change her. You know, all of the important things a 13 month old needs.

I remember my heart pounding with adrenalin and then I saw her....sleeping so peacefully in the car. I was so thankful that she was sleeping and I wondered about how scared she was going to be when she woke up to a stranger (me). She continued sleeping in my car and when she woke up, she was certainly confused, but there was no screaming or crying. She simply reached out for anyone who would hold her.

I drove home with two toddlers that night. This was the first time I saw how God was using David. Z took such comfort in seeing how calm and happy he was. Even so, she was scared in an unfamiliar place and woke up multiple times in the night. I had her in a pack 'n play next to my bed so that I could be there right away to hold her. I remember feeling so thankful that she could fall asleep in my arms while I was sitting down rather than standing! I don't think I will ever forget how she felt when she was sleeping in my arms...

This was the beginning of our life and journey with little Z. You have probably already guessed that she is the one visiting us this weekend. We can't wait to see her and are probably all equally excited. There is so much more to share and I do plan to continue her story sometime soon:).

Good night!