This weekend, we participated in the Launch classes (12 hours). This is typically the introduction prior to starting the content classes for foster parent training. We initially met with the agency the day prior to the last launch, so had to wait for this one. They allowed us to go ahead and attend the other classes, so we didn't have to wait until now to begin, and I am very glad. I wish I would have had the energy to type a post right after the trainings. At this point, I don't recall many of the specifics I would have liked to share, but will get them to share at some point. The bottom line is this ... we are entering into missional foster care. Our mission field is our own home. Does this mean our goal is for religious conversions. No. Our goal is to love children and families because they are created by and in the image of our Lord. We are not doing this for money (you'd have to have many, many kids and spend almost nothing on them to make money). We are not doing this for status. We are becoming a foster family because children and families need to be loved and this is what our Lord has for us to do. This is our path to helping those in our community, and, as a result, helping our community itself.
Sometime, I'd love to share about the horrible history of foster care in America, and the beautiful picture of what it can be when people with a heart for the children and families come together to do this right.
Overwhelmed.
Grateful.
In Awe.
Blessed.
Nothing new to report. Really. Nothing. It's been 12 days since our last class. We're just waiting for our home study writer to call and set up a time for interviews and home inspections. Waiting. Waiting. Then, when they call, I'm sure I'll be in a momentary panic trying to obtain a spotless house!
We are looking for another crib - a non-drop-side. One that we had is not going to work, although, I'm thinking that the four side pieces may make a really neat garden trellis. I'll see if someone can use them in a fabulous garden display.
Saturday afternoon, DB took several items to the Salvation Army thrift store as a donation. He mentioned this morning that the store was having a 50% off sale all day and all items. Our daughter and I were out to run a few errands and thought we'd stop in. I wanted to purchase uni-gender jeans and khaki's in several infant/toddler sizes if they were in good condition and reasonable cost. Thought those would be wise items to have around. Well, we found those and more. It doesn't look like much in the photo, but we were able to get 48 pieces of clothing for $30. A few items were $1, but most everything was 50 cents! Because we were shopping for boys or girls birth to two, we were able to just choose the higher quality items, and not have to look for a particular size. We decided, and hubby agreed, that even if we do not get to use certain sizes, they can be given to another foster family, and for $30, it was a wise investment. I must point out a few special buys, however -- don't ya love a good deal :-). See the striped sweater near the center of the picture? It was marked $0.00. They gave it to me for ... $0.00! A pair of Children's Place khaki shorts uni-gender, of course) with *Tags Still On* for 50¢! Two items in like-new condition (each 50¢) that were exact items our daughter had when she was small (aawww). Oh, and my husband wanted me to mention that red onsie on the left of the picture. It was 50¢ as well. Something on the shoulder appealed to him. LOL! Hope the kiddo is a Buckeye's Fan! We were pretty excited to find this for daddy. (Don't worry, we'll get Husker gear too)!
And, just because we're talking deals, our daughter bought a long lace curtain panel and valance for her room for $2, and we found a Danish plate that was not price marked. They gave it to us for $1.50 - guess they didn't notice the limited edition stamp on the back or know much about Danish collectibles. We'll see if my grandmother has this particular one. If she does, we'll just keep it for us.
I hope we can get on an email list to know about future 50% off days. The thrill of a bargain! The only thing better would be if folks would just donate items directly to foster families. Wish I had realized this for so many years!