I know there are many things in life we have to wait for. Knowing it happens and actually living it aren't the same though, you know?
I completed the cultural online class. I retook the class that expired and then I was told they would meet on a Monday (in late November) to assign home study writers with families waiting to foster. A week after that meeting, I hadn't heard anything, so I emailed to follow up. No response.
I emailed a week after that to see if my parents needed to light a fire on their process, since they will be my primary respite care providers (aka: babysitters). No response.
In the middle of December, I emailed to see if there was anything else I needed to do and heard back immediately that my home study wouldn't be until after the first of the year (I had figured that since we're just a few days from Christmas) and that actually the EARLIEST I would be assigned a home study writer would be the end of January.
So...waiting.
I'm trying not to waste this time. I don't want to waste my life waiting for something to happen (even if that something is a little girl that I'm looking forward to loving).
Then, I remembered my plan. Well, kinda God's plan. One of those plans that I made and am pretty sure God gave His stamp of approval to. (Anybody else ever do that? Anybody?) I had decided, before I moved, that I would give myself a full school year to learn a new job before taking a little one in. That makes sense, right? The first couple months were rough, then I started to feel comfortable. Around the first week or so of November, I remember thinking "I've got this down. I could go ahead and start fostering as soon as I finish the process." Then the Friday before Thanksgiving break, I had a nasty parent conference. Nastiest of my career. One that made me question remaining in education. And, I realized God was getting my attention. It really is wise to wait a full school year. I really don't need to be arrogant and think I've got this all figured out. I really do have things to learn.
So, I'm not in a rush. When I have a little girl, I will treasure my time with her. When He provides one for me to love, I will do my best to love her. His calendar. His timing; not mine. Yes, Lord, I'm still listening. You're still getting my attention through Acts 2. (Paradigm Friends, can I get an "Amen?"
