foster care

We were asked early Friday morning if we could take in a boy whose family has been blown apart by a nasty thing and who was in the care of a retired couple, along with his older brother. Something came out in counseling that caused the social worker to require the boys to be separated. They brought him here Friday evening.

What's funny about this is that only days ago a friend said, "What compassionate friends I have" in response to the sacrifice and loving-kindness of two mutual friends who are caring for people who aren't relatives. She said, "I just don't think I could do that," to which I replied with a shrug, "We don't have to."

HA.

She doesn't have to.

Lord, is this Your wack idea of payback? Lord, thank You for this opportunity...

He's the fourth of six kids, has an easygoing disposition, obedient, not terribly messy or noisy, seems pretty unaffected by any harm that might have happened to him. He does have the tendency to interrupt and to think that every question within earshot is for him or at least fair game, and to say things in a way that makes you feel like he's trying to educate you. Quirky is a good word. But his family has big problems, and the kids didn't get socialized or taught a lot of practical behavior. I'm praying for his protection, as it looks like he's going to yet another home in about a week, that he never doubts that he is precious and wanted and enjoyed. I feel like inserting here "by You and that retired couple anyway" because we've prayed and don't believe we're called to adopt him or have him long term.

fos-ter:

1.	to promote the growth or development of; further; encourage: to foster new ideas.

2.	to bring up, raise, or rear, as a foster child.

3.	to care for or cherish.

At least for now, these are the goals...