2017 has been really crazy. I always want to be honest with whats going on even when it’s not sunshine and rainbows. God is showing me that what I'm thinking and his whole picture are two different things.
So, here has been whats been going on…
Im moving back to California. Wait, What? Yep exactly what I said. The first four months of this year have been really hard. Hard in all the ways transitions usually are then so much more. After six months at Onthatile I began to to feel like it wasn't a good fit for me. And a week before I flew out in May I thought it would be best if we parted ways. My time at Onthatile was a learning experience and I have a lot of memories. Some Highlights were:
- God allowing me to play a part in Introducing a forever family to one of my El Roi babies
- Getting to place baby N in his forever mommy’s arms
- Realizing this work with babies and adoption is something I am very passionate about and always want to be apart of the process.
- Also very passionate about bonding and attachment and what a vital role it plays in baby development, especially in regards to adoption.
- Deeper relationship with my heavenly father. The Lord gave, and the Lord has taken away; Blessed be the name of the Lord. Job 1:21
I just resigned Now What? I knew when I ended my time at Onthatile it meant I was coming home. I want to use this time to reevaluate my calling by coming back to my home base. With a lot of counsel and prayer I know it is the right thing to do.
Whats going on now?
I wasn't able to get a long term Visa so, I am on a 90 Visa. I have to leave the country by September 13th. During this time I am closing up my life here in SA and to sell and give away anything that wont fit into my checked bags.
My journey here in SA isn't over!
For my last bit of time, Im calling it a Mini Mission Trip. I get to be apart of the other side of adoption, working in a adoption agency. One of the social workers names Lydia at ABBA (adoption agency we used at El Roi, Largest Adoption Agency in SA) who loves Jesus and has agreed to take me on as a “intern” of sorts and let me follow her around for the next 3 months. I hope this will be a time of conversation and questions but also a time where I can encourage her and the other social workers. Fighting everyday to move an inch or sometimes not at all against judges who don't care is draining and discouraging. I started this week and some of the things i will get to do is, go to court cases, meet judges, foster care home visits, Birth mom counseling, adoptions, filing, agency meetings (matchings) and I'm most excited about going to a three day conference for families who want to adopt in August. I am so excited to be working with the ladies who are matching my kids with their families. My babies would grow up in group homes and without mommies and daddies if it wasn't the amazing work that they do everyday. Please be praying that I will be a help with their cases but also be able to pray with and encourage them. I am very excited for these next months!
I wrote this earlier so my little update didn't fit. I got to start my job at ABBA on Wednesday and it was amazing. I did some filing and ask questions and then we got to go to a foster visit update. We got to go to a family home and check in on a this little boy who is now being raised by his grandparents. They have been through so much already and it was beautiful to see how they have embraced this little person. They definitely asked great questions. On Thursday we counseled a young mom wanting to give her baby up for adoption, went to court, and picked up a sweet baby from the hospital and brought her to a baby home close by. So much more greatness happening next week and lots of miles to drive around Joburg.
Whats Next?
Well honestly, I don't want to move back. I'm not super happy about it but the Lord is pretty clearly moving me. God asks us to do things that we don't want to, right? I will take a month when i come back to adjust and go to counseling and sort my life out a bit. I will start working in October and start back at CSUEB in January. Even though God is moving me back to the US I am still very passionate about adoption. After I graduate, hopefully in 12-18 months, I want to join an adoption agency and use my experience to help other families. The future is so uncertain but I know that we serve a Good God.
Prayer Requests:
-My Heart! All these ups and downs for so many months. Its been hard.
-These next 30 days! I hope that I can make the most impact for the next months. Pray for a good time and encouragement with friends and sister ministries as I close up my time.
-I have three boys 3, 4 and 4 1/2 who are waiting for for their families. Judges are not moving to sign papers.
-My dad might come out to “come get me”. I would like his luggage allowance : ) but also for my dad to know and to see what i have been doing these last 4 years. Praying that his passport comes quickly but also for the right side jobs come along so my dad will be able to come.
-Im pretty nervous about the future and all the uncertainty it hold. I could use peace in my heart
-Im still about $700 short for the rest of my trip.If you would like to help, Send me an email!
-I have a bad cold. : ( no fun.
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| Baby we picked up from the hospital. |
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| She was being called Baby Ruth till her mommy could pick a name for her |
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