In my previous post I mentioned that we are going to more classes & trainings as a part of our foster-to-adopt program. On Tuesday morning, we both attend a First Aid training class; it was a video-driven presentation created by the American Heart Association. The videos included many "real-life" situations of people getting in accidents or having problems and bystanders/co-workers calmly saying, "I am trained in First Aid... may I help you?" and helping them in appropriate ways. The most commonly used lines seemed to be, "You! Go call 9-1-1." and "You! Go get me the first aid kit!"
We took the class was so we could get our certification cards and be one step closer to being parents. Anyway, we THOUGHT that was the reason.
On Tuesday afternoon, David was visiting with a former student of his at the college. When this student took his class several years ago, he was a healthy, able-bodied guy. Now, he is wheelchair-bound. David spent a few moments visiting him and learned about the injury that created this new reality. It was a very rainy day, and after speaking with the student for several minutes, David continued on to another task while the student appeared to be waiting for a ride, or for the weather to let up. After he walked away, it occurred to David that the student might need an umbrella or an escort through the rain, so he headed back toward where the student had been to offer one or both... and he was already gone. It had been such a short time since their talk, David was sure he couldn't have gone far. He looked out the glass doors & didn't see the student, so he hoisted his jacket over his head and stepped out into the rain to look around the corner and see if he'd gone another direction.
David was surprised to see that the student was lying on the ground, having fallen out of his wheelchair. David hurried over to help him, and another student (a young lady) also came over to help. David found another guy to help him lift the student back into his wheelchair while the young woman stayed with the fallen student. The student insisted that he was fine and that there was no need to call 9-1-1, so David pushed the wheelchair and escorted the young man to the student center. Evidently, the student had been on his way there and had dropped his backpack in the rain. While leaning over to retrive it, he fell out of the chair and was unable to get back up, until David and the others arrived to help.
Today is Wednesday. TODAY David was buying his lunch in the student center and on his way to check-out he heard a man say "I need help!" David went over and found that one of his female colleagues had fainted and was unresponsive for a few moments. Others were wondering aloud if they should call 9-1-1, and David spotted one of his students and told her to call 9-1-1, which she did. He also helped support the woman as she sat on the floor, and someone brought a cold cloth to put on her head. The groggy colleague was accompanied by her husband (who had initially called out for help), and he mentioned that his wife had given blood for the first time just a few minutes before; that was probably a contributing factor to her passing out like that. David remembered feeling woozy when he had given blood in the past; someone brought some orange juice for the lady to drink, and David helped her off the floor and into a chair. He also called the colleague's boss to let her know what had happened. He waited with the couple until the paramedics arrived; they recommended that she go home to rest, so David sat with her while her husband got their vehicle, then he helped walk her to the car. He mentioned to them that he'd just attended a first aid class the day before... David told me at home that he felt like he was in one of the AHA videos. He eventually DID get to eat his cold lunch.
We thought the reason we took the first aid class was so we could get our certification cards and get one step closer to being parents. God knew that people would need David's help this week, and that he needed some preparation to help them. HE knew the real reason we got trained this week.
He knows the reason for everything in our lives. He really does.
He is so incredibly faithful. We can only stand amazed and humbled.
Feb 13, 2013
Feb 12, 2013
The journey continues
February 2013. We have been on our adoption journey for over three years now. And we are still a family of two.
Since the advent of 2013, we have moved in another new direction, placed a new "line in the water", to use a fishing analogy. We still have an "active file" with Covenant Care Services, our original agency in Macon, and we've completed requirements for two of the adoption programs with Lutheran Services of Georgia; now we are working on requirements for a third program: foster-to-adopt.
After a veritable merry-go-round of caseworkers at LSG, we are now working with Nancy. She has been wonderful to work with so far (none of our other 4 caseworkers were bad, really), and she is helping us go down the checklist of things to buy and classes to take and trainings to receive so we might be acceptable as "foster parents" to the state DFCS division. Our prayer is still that we would (1) prepare for parenthood as God would have us do and (2) know our children when we see them.
Be my help, Lord. Help me put aside the aggravation and resentment I feel about having to jump through SOOO many hoops: signing forms that are almost exactly the same as forms we signed last year and the year before, taking more classes, reading more requirements, answering more questions, complying with additional safety checklists... Help me to appreciate how the agencies are striving to protect the children in the foster care and keep them from being hurt AGAIN by a family, when they have already been hurt in their experience with their family of origin. Help me LEARN from the classes & training session & books & articles & conversations I encounter. Help me pray for my children, even though I know almost nothing about them. Let me be satisfied in knowing that YOU know my children: You know where they live, who they love, what they need, who they can be in You... You know what it will take for me to be their Mama. You will protect them, You will bring us together in your time. My journey is hard, but if you see fit to bring children into our family by bringing them out of foster care, their journey is certainly harder.
Thank You, Lord, for friends & family who continue to pray for us. Thank You that we are not alone. Thank You that we have been able to meet the requirements so far. Thank You for providing the resources we have needed. Thank You for knowing my heart and understanding my pain and fortifying my hope. Thank You for being faithful. Thank You for this journey, even though it is hard. Thank You for being OUR FATHER.
After a veritable merry-go-round of caseworkers at LSG, we are now working with Nancy. She has been wonderful to work with so far (none of our other 4 caseworkers were bad, really), and she is helping us go down the checklist of things to buy and classes to take and trainings to receive so we might be acceptable as "foster parents" to the state DFCS division. Our prayer is still that we would (1) prepare for parenthood as God would have us do and (2) know our children when we see them.
Be my help, Lord. Help me put aside the aggravation and resentment I feel about having to jump through SOOO many hoops: signing forms that are almost exactly the same as forms we signed last year and the year before, taking more classes, reading more requirements, answering more questions, complying with additional safety checklists... Help me to appreciate how the agencies are striving to protect the children in the foster care and keep them from being hurt AGAIN by a family, when they have already been hurt in their experience with their family of origin. Help me LEARN from the classes & training session & books & articles & conversations I encounter. Help me pray for my children, even though I know almost nothing about them. Let me be satisfied in knowing that YOU know my children: You know where they live, who they love, what they need, who they can be in You... You know what it will take for me to be their Mama. You will protect them, You will bring us together in your time. My journey is hard, but if you see fit to bring children into our family by bringing them out of foster care, their journey is certainly harder.
Thank You, Lord, for friends & family who continue to pray for us. Thank You that we are not alone. Thank You that we have been able to meet the requirements so far. Thank You for providing the resources we have needed. Thank You for knowing my heart and understanding my pain and fortifying my hope. Thank You for being faithful. Thank You for this journey, even though it is hard. Thank You for being OUR FATHER.
Sep 19, 2012
Bloggy Update
It's hard to believe I've postponed posting on this blog for [gasp] 6 months. Time flies!
Well, as I posted in January, we've been working on a home study with Lutheran Services of Georgia; we are participating in their Domestic Infant adoption program and the Heritage program, which matches adoptive parents with children who are currently in state foster care. We don't know which program might be the vehicle for our entering the world of parenthood, but we're trying to remain open to whatever God has. It's also possible that we could be selected by a birthmother through Covenant Care Services, as our file is still open with them.
We have had one caseworker through the entire course of our journey with CCS, so it has been surprising and a bit confusing that our experience with LSG has involved 4 different caseworkers so far... yes, I said 4... but the home study has been finished, and worker #3 told us that worker #2 had written a very good home study narrative, though I have not been able to get a copy of it myself and see her handiwork. #3 had to resign from the agency just recently due to health concerns, so we're staying in contact with an Atlanta caseworker, #4, while the program manager tries to hire a local caseworker. When God is through with this story, it's sure to be a good one, but in the meantime, the waiting is hard.
This week, I have been missing my kids, whoever they are. I try to pray for them, but sometimes I feel like I've already said it all... I know God still wants to hear it, though, and He wants me to stay close to Him. I am also re-reading Secret Thoughts of an Adoptive Mother since it has been a few years since I read that one. I actually read it in the nursery... is that silly?
At church, I've been working through a Bible study book called Divine Design, which is about Biblical womanhood. Last week, we were reading about Adam & Eve in the garden, and the fact that God allowed them to have all of the trees in the garden except one. The question was posed to me, is there something in life on which God has posted a "Keep Off" sign, or said, "You can't have that,"? It asked me to comment on my reaction to this indication. As more time passes, I become more accepting of the reality that I will not "have" pregnancy & childbirth. Yet, I still believe that God will not withhold the opportunity to be a parent and to nurture children in my family & household. I must continue to reaffirm my faith in my Lord & Savior! He is good!!!
Lord, let me remain yielded to Your will and help me be content with Your good plans and Your timing (Jer 29:11). Continue to give me a heart for the children you have for me, children of another woman's body who will become children of my home and of my heart. Thank you for the testimony of families around me who have become parents through the miracle of adoption; I know that you have not forgotten me (Is 44:21) and that you are faithful to complete the works you begin (Phil 1:6).
Well, as I posted in January, we've been working on a home study with Lutheran Services of Georgia; we are participating in their Domestic Infant adoption program and the Heritage program, which matches adoptive parents with children who are currently in state foster care. We don't know which program might be the vehicle for our entering the world of parenthood, but we're trying to remain open to whatever God has. It's also possible that we could be selected by a birthmother through Covenant Care Services, as our file is still open with them.
We have had one caseworker through the entire course of our journey with CCS, so it has been surprising and a bit confusing that our experience with LSG has involved 4 different caseworkers so far... yes, I said 4... but the home study has been finished, and worker #3 told us that worker #2 had written a very good home study narrative, though I have not been able to get a copy of it myself and see her handiwork. #3 had to resign from the agency just recently due to health concerns, so we're staying in contact with an Atlanta caseworker, #4, while the program manager tries to hire a local caseworker. When God is through with this story, it's sure to be a good one, but in the meantime, the waiting is hard.
This week, I have been missing my kids, whoever they are. I try to pray for them, but sometimes I feel like I've already said it all... I know God still wants to hear it, though, and He wants me to stay close to Him. I am also re-reading Secret Thoughts of an Adoptive Mother since it has been a few years since I read that one. I actually read it in the nursery... is that silly?
At church, I've been working through a Bible study book called Divine Design, which is about Biblical womanhood. Last week, we were reading about Adam & Eve in the garden, and the fact that God allowed them to have all of the trees in the garden except one. The question was posed to me, is there something in life on which God has posted a "Keep Off" sign, or said, "You can't have that,"? It asked me to comment on my reaction to this indication. As more time passes, I become more accepting of the reality that I will not "have" pregnancy & childbirth. Yet, I still believe that God will not withhold the opportunity to be a parent and to nurture children in my family & household. I must continue to reaffirm my faith in my Lord & Savior! He is good!!!
Lord, let me remain yielded to Your will and help me be content with Your good plans and Your timing (Jer 29:11). Continue to give me a heart for the children you have for me, children of another woman's body who will become children of my home and of my heart. Thank you for the testimony of families around me who have become parents through the miracle of adoption; I know that you have not forgotten me (Is 44:21) and that you are faithful to complete the works you begin (Phil 1:6).
Mar 24, 2012
Piano Recital success!
My studio piano recital for 2012 was on March 17 - St Patrick's Day!! It was a busy day for me because of the recital, but I was very mindful of St Pats because it was a holiday my Irish grandmother always loved. I wanted to have green programs... but that didn't work out, so my white programs each wore a green shamrock sticker. I wanted to have a new green blouse... but I couldn't find one I like that was mostly green, so I got one that sported summery flowers and green leaves. I wanted to have peppermint patties for the families to eat at the reception... and I got them! :-)
The recital was a lot of fun, even though it was hard work for David & me. I chose a two-week turnaround between piano festival (an adjudicated event for my students out-of-town) and recital for the sake of the students; I wanted them to be able to perform their festival pieces for their families while they are already sounding good, but 2 weeks is fast for me to get certificates printed, programs typed & printed, and trophy nameplates engraved. It's worth it, though. I don't have any pictures to share... but 21 out of my 26 students were there, and many smiling photographs were taken by their proud parents & grandparents. I understand that one student's dad was out of town, so they used a mobile phone and he was able to watch his son perform via "Facetime". Cool!
For 8 of the students, this was their FIRST recital with me, and they seemed to enjoy themselves very much, even though one student was on crutches, another froze up with stage fright and forgot her piece, and I skipped over another student in the program... and the audience had to catch my mistake! I hope the day will stay in their memories as a positive experience-- playing on a BEAUTIFUL, shiny grand piano, hearing the applause of 100 audience members (that's a LOT for a kid!!), enjoying tasty punch & snacks, getting a certificate and/or a trophy, having their picture taken at the piano (AFTER the recital--not while performing!!) and I hope they will continue making music all their lives, and that doing so will bring them joy.
Thank You, God, for the gift of music, and thank You for enabling me to share it with your children.
The recital was a lot of fun, even though it was hard work for David & me. I chose a two-week turnaround between piano festival (an adjudicated event for my students out-of-town) and recital for the sake of the students; I wanted them to be able to perform their festival pieces for their families while they are already sounding good, but 2 weeks is fast for me to get certificates printed, programs typed & printed, and trophy nameplates engraved. It's worth it, though. I don't have any pictures to share... but 21 out of my 26 students were there, and many smiling photographs were taken by their proud parents & grandparents. I understand that one student's dad was out of town, so they used a mobile phone and he was able to watch his son perform via "Facetime". Cool!
For 8 of the students, this was their FIRST recital with me, and they seemed to enjoy themselves very much, even though one student was on crutches, another froze up with stage fright and forgot her piece, and I skipped over another student in the program... and the audience had to catch my mistake! I hope the day will stay in their memories as a positive experience-- playing on a BEAUTIFUL, shiny grand piano, hearing the applause of 100 audience members (that's a LOT for a kid!!), enjoying tasty punch & snacks, getting a certificate and/or a trophy, having their picture taken at the piano (AFTER the recital--not while performing!!) and I hope they will continue making music all their lives, and that doing so will bring them joy.
Thank You, God, for the gift of music, and thank You for enabling me to share it with your children.
Jan 31, 2012
A New Adoption Direction
So, it's been 22 months since we finished our home study interviews and entered the period of "waiting" for an adoption placement. I hate to say it, but in some ways I feel like my life entered a holding pattern; not overly fun. It seems like everyone else's life is moving right along - babies being born, kids getting older, more babies being born, people graduating, people getting married - and we're just sort of stuck in waiting.
God is faithful, though, and I've been busy. I did a play at the local theater and played piano for a rehearsals for other plays, I have rejoined our local Chorale for the first time since Mom & Dad Latona came to town, I operate a healthy-sized piano studio of 26 kids, and we are both still working with the college students in the local BCM club - we actually had the officers and the campus pastor over for dinner Friday, and we spent time praying for the students and for the work God wants to do with the club on campus. We got to travel to see my parents and my sister during Christmas, and I went back in mid-January to meet my new baby nephew. Of course, Mom & Dad keep me busy too, but they are feeling pretty good, and we have been 6 months without a hospitalization. whew!
Things have been happening on the adoption front too. We connected with an additional agency, Lutheran Services of Georgia, shortly before the end of the year. So far, we've done orientation, submitted an application (not much paperwork), and attended an IMPACT training session, which is required in order to adopt children who are in state DFCS foster care. Yup, that's right, I said foster care. The Lord has been opening our hearts to the idea of adopting slightly older children (past the infant stage) who need a family to call their own. We are both going to get fingerprinted this week (hopefully), and we're currently working on at least 60 pages of paperwork that's required by the agency and/or DFCS, hoping to have it ready for our caseworker early next week. We're also registered to attend a "domestic infant adoption" training session with this agency, as they also place infants who are not in foster care and whose parents voluntarily terminate their parental rights.
So, things are happening. I am not overly happy about having to do all of the paperwork, medical exams, background check, and interviews again, but it's a different agency, and they need it done again, so we're doing it. We still don't know when or who or how... but we're praying that God puts our family together as only He can - miraculously. Thank you for your ongoing prayers for "Baby Latona" and/or "Little Latonas" that will be coming into our lives.
God is faithful, though, and I've been busy. I did a play at the local theater and played piano for a rehearsals for other plays, I have rejoined our local Chorale for the first time since Mom & Dad Latona came to town, I operate a healthy-sized piano studio of 26 kids, and we are both still working with the college students in the local BCM club - we actually had the officers and the campus pastor over for dinner Friday, and we spent time praying for the students and for the work God wants to do with the club on campus. We got to travel to see my parents and my sister during Christmas, and I went back in mid-January to meet my new baby nephew. Of course, Mom & Dad keep me busy too, but they are feeling pretty good, and we have been 6 months without a hospitalization. whew!
Things have been happening on the adoption front too. We connected with an additional agency, Lutheran Services of Georgia, shortly before the end of the year. So far, we've done orientation, submitted an application (not much paperwork), and attended an IMPACT training session, which is required in order to adopt children who are in state DFCS foster care. Yup, that's right, I said foster care. The Lord has been opening our hearts to the idea of adopting slightly older children (past the infant stage) who need a family to call their own. We are both going to get fingerprinted this week (hopefully), and we're currently working on at least 60 pages of paperwork that's required by the agency and/or DFCS, hoping to have it ready for our caseworker early next week. We're also registered to attend a "domestic infant adoption" training session with this agency, as they also place infants who are not in foster care and whose parents voluntarily terminate their parental rights.
So, things are happening. I am not overly happy about having to do all of the paperwork, medical exams, background check, and interviews again, but it's a different agency, and they need it done again, so we're doing it. We still don't know when or who or how... but we're praying that God puts our family together as only He can - miraculously. Thank you for your ongoing prayers for "Baby Latona" and/or "Little Latonas" that will be coming into our lives.
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