Waiting

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?"