This time last week, Matt and I were with our high school youth group in Nashville, TN. While it was the most challenging trip I have taken as a leader, I was still so thankful for the opportunity to grow myself, grow closer to the students, and seeing their need for Jesus like never before assured me of why Matt and I continue volunteering. I was also thankful for the many people I knew were taking great care of our children and dog to make it possible for us to continue in youth ministry :)
The week before, I didn't send out an update specifically because I was so frustrated that Josh had been denied the clearance to go to Ohio with my parents and the older kids. Even though I figured the families that had agreed to watch D would open their hearts and homes even more to Josh, I was sad for Josh that his mom had this degree of control of him, but was still not showing up for any visits, sad that he did not get to feel like one of the big kids and spend time with my family, and had to make a lot of last-minute adjustments to switch his belongings and schedule. So please continue to pray for Josh's mom and that I would not lose hope and love for her as a person, even as I prepare for my testimony at the new termination trial in 2 weeks- August 3rd. It seems daunting to look at his mom and firmly but lovingly say I think Josh deserves a family that is willing to show up and commit to taking care of him, and she hasn't done that over the last 4 years. I have also been experiencing new frustrations related to Josh's care that I am trying to understand and maybe help others avoid the same things or work to change some: like I posted on FB that it was very difficult to find a place to safely dispose of his extra medications (which many foster children are on and are regularly abused)- I had to walk into a very ominous box in the Sherriff's office, which I probably wouldn't do if I had any fears of police hanging over my head. Second, I have spent about 8 hours in the last 2 months completing phone assessments and in-person assessments for both of the boys, some of which I had to find child care for, only to receive one really far-fetched diagnosis for D, and to be turned away from Community Mental Health, saying Josh was not impaired enough to receive counseling services. So please pray for me to know when or not to continue pursuing counseling for him and being willing to go through the process all over again at a new place and not have the bad attitude that has stayed with me all day today because of that final early-morning appointment.
On D's end, we are just still waiting to hear back from the Michigan Children's Institute in Lansing. If they agree with the recommendation of our adoption agency and grant us custody, we have to wait 8 weeks for family to appeal, then we can schedule an official date with the judge to finalize his adoption. Our adoption worker talked with D's grandma at the last court hearing that I could not attend because of being in Nashville, and she was very happy that all of the kids had good placements and seemed like she would not contest, as she had seemed ready to do.
Thank you for your prayers and support- we feel it!
Courtney (and family)
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