Our 5th Child...for now

It started almost a year ago...It was Orphan Sunday at church.  And now here we are with a baby.

When Andrew and I went on our first date, he told me he wanted 9 kids...yep, on our first date.  He wasn't completely serious but he knew he wanted a lot of kids, whatever God would give us.  Well after 4 children, physically we knew I shouldn't have anymore.  Emotionally, Mentally, and Spiritually however, we were up for more. 

We talked and figured someday when our kids were older,

someday when we had a bigger house,

 someday when we were no longer selfish with our time,

someday we would like to foster children. 

Well, that Sunday last year we met a representative from Olive Crest, a foster/adoption agency.  Our friend Stephanie knew we were interested in fostering...someday...so she introduced us.  I can still remember my stomach flip-flopping as she told me I didn't need a bigger house.  My response without even blinking, "Well, I would but my husband, he wants to wait until our kids are older."  This woman asked to meet my husband.  Wouldn't you know it, when he heard we could keep babies in a crib in our room he responded, "Well, ok then.  Let's do it!" 

 It seemed Someday had arrived.

We applied online...we took some classes...we updated our CPR certification...we locked up our medicine and knives.  Buying and remodeling a home slowed us down but we kept moving forward one class and one piece of paperwork at a time. 

 And then we were certified. 

And then we got the call. 

She's 7 months old, been in foster care for months already, and she would be a longer-term placement than we had originally wanted but here she is...our 5th Child...for the time being. 
Not my plan but God's plan, not my way but His. 
Sometimes not knowing the future and having no control over it can be very freeing!

People say we're crazy but we don't think any of this is crazy.  Somehow we've allowed God to work on us in this last year, to show us, to teach us, to prepare us for this. 

For He has a plan and we're thrilled to be a part of it, whatever it is!

And you can be a part of it, too...just ask me how :)