Fostering is not half bad if you didn't have to deal with adults.......

Those of you who also follow me on Facebook, will know we had an AMAZING day at the Pumpkin Patch and Apple Orchard yesterday.

We explored and and ran through the super huge pumpkins, picked out our pumpkins for decorating, and took LOTS of fun pictures.  Then we went to the apple orchard and let the kiddos run through the rows of trees and pick apples, talk to goats, and checked out the chickens.  There were smiles and giggles all day long!! It was such a blessing to have a happy day with the kiddos.  No tears, no fits, everyone was happy! (That is rare with our four!)

With yesterday full of encouragement, today was a slap in the face.  Papa and I were anxiously looking forward to Thursday.  We were both taking off work and attending the kiddos first juvenile court hearing. (Now, keep in mind that you are supposed to have a hearing within 72 hours of placement.....we have had the brothers for a month, and not one hearing.)  I email the case workers today for a time, and was told there was no court. :(  So, when was it rescheduled for?  Why was it moved? The answers to my questions are always "I don't know" "That is not covered under my job description"

I was absolutely fuming this afternoon.  One thing I NEED is the kiddos immunization records.  Schools are asking for them, our pediatrician is asking for them, and they are kinda good things to have.  I sarcastically want to say "I don't know" "That is not covered under my job description".  But you know what?? It is in my job description, because I am those kids ADVOCATE.  It is my job to fight for them.  It is my job to stand up for them.  Because they cannot stand for themselves.  They are to young and to little to fight.  And you know what....they shouldn't have to.

There is a battle that I myself am not capable of  fighting alone.  That is the spiritual battle that wages war around us everyday.  I needed an advocate.  I needed someone to stand in my place and fight because I am to small and to weak.  God sent that advocate in the human form when He sent Jesus.  Because He stood for me on the cross, I can have life eternal.  Because I stand for these kids, they will have the hope of a better life and they will grow up (at least while they are with us) knowing the Truth.  

Please join me in praying for the over worked case managers.  That they will not grow weary and let kids slip through the cracks.  Please pray that foster parents will have the strength to be their child(rens) advocate, even when everyone else is making it more difficult.