Last March we changed our referral request from 1-2 children 0-2years old to 1-2 children 0-10 years old. When we sat down with our social worker to decide what our max age would be we first thought 0-9, then 0-14. Then, we decided to just go with 0-10 as we had been together for 10 years (really no reasoning behind that, but what had to choose something!).
So, we emailed our agency saying we were changing our home study and request. Immediately our family coordinator wrote back asking if that meant we'd accept a referral up to 9 knowing they'd likely turn 10 during the process? Or, did we want to change our request to up to 10, turning 11? Without hesitation we agreed to 10/11.
Fast forward three months....
We got a call the day before our referral letting us know they had a potential referral for us. BUT, they wanted to be sure we would approve of this referral being the one child was already 11, almost 12 by the time we brought them home.
I knew immediately my answer was yes, but I called Bobby to be sure. He assured me that we had no reasons not to, and we both felt confident this was it!
That child was our wonderful Nahagi--who slipped into our family ONLY by God's sovereign hands placing him in our home. From 0-2 to 0-10, to 0-11....
Yes, it may be hard.
Yes, this is a new ballgame for us.
But, he is such a blessing.
I can tell you Nahagi and I have shared many tears, yet so much laughter. He has a lot of hurt and loss, yet he is open and willing to be a part of our family. We have fought our way through many trials, yet he is always ready for a hug and forgiveness.
He is our eldest child. Our wisest child. Our most helpful child.
And this weekend we got to celebrate HIM. With friends AND family...
His first birthday party (he was so cute/timid about his invitations!), his first birthday cake (he looooved it!!!), and his first sleepover! {Initiation into adolescence parenting COMPLETE}.
I bet not many people can say they met their 12 year old's father 10 years ago :)
P.S. Coming soon....a new blog name and design!
So, we emailed our agency saying we were changing our home study and request. Immediately our family coordinator wrote back asking if that meant we'd accept a referral up to 9 knowing they'd likely turn 10 during the process? Or, did we want to change our request to up to 10, turning 11? Without hesitation we agreed to 10/11.
Fast forward three months....
We got a call the day before our referral letting us know they had a potential referral for us. BUT, they wanted to be sure we would approve of this referral being the one child was already 11, almost 12 by the time we brought them home.
I knew immediately my answer was yes, but I called Bobby to be sure. He assured me that we had no reasons not to, and we both felt confident this was it!
That child was our wonderful Nahagi--who slipped into our family ONLY by God's sovereign hands placing him in our home. From 0-2 to 0-10, to 0-11....
AND NOW 12!!!!
Oh how thankful I am that God divinely placed him here as our child.Yes, it may be hard.
Yes, this is a new ballgame for us.
But, he is such a blessing.
I can tell you Nahagi and I have shared many tears, yet so much laughter. He has a lot of hurt and loss, yet he is open and willing to be a part of our family. We have fought our way through many trials, yet he is always ready for a hug and forgiveness.
He is our eldest child. Our wisest child. Our most helpful child.
And this weekend we got to celebrate HIM. With friends AND family...
His first birthday party (he was so cute/timid about his invitations!), his first birthday cake (he looooved it!!!), and his first sleepover! {Initiation into adolescence parenting COMPLETE}.
P.S. Coming soon....a new blog name and design!
