It’s been over a week since my last post. I don’t think I have let a week lapse without at least one post, since I started this blog.
Life is happening. There are few moments in life when I actually take the time and space to slow down and just live. I am one of those crazies that loves to constantly be creating, dreaming, and playing. Rarely do I just sit and enjoy a movie (without having a craft or something in front of me at the same time). I multi task. At times I love this about myself and at times I hate it. I need to learn to be still and let things go.
Foster care training has been more emotionally draining than I ever expected. It’s forcing me to be still in a way I have never known. I knew it was going to be hard, but I didn’t think the work and hard aspects would come UNTIL we had kids in our home. I was wrong. Hearing stories, being presented situations and possibilities, and the level of introspection that has come from these meetings, conversations, and paperwork…has been a toll.
I can honestly say, we are more excited and the anticipation for what is to come is greater than ever. At the same time, every week that we walk into our class and leave (without withdrawing) I feel victorious that we have not quit yet. In my flesh, I would have given up a long time ago. We are half way done!
In the midst of this craze, we have been encouraged and seen God move. We were given a bed for our foster care room, and I will be sharing more of that soon.
In the last week, we had our best friends in town and it did our hearts good to be able to hang out together.
We also traveled this past weekend to Indiana for a close friends wedding, and in the process got to hang out with more dear friends.
It’s funny how God works in your life to encourage and build into you in the midst of hardship and tribulation. I never thought a quick weekend away (with driving so many miles and traveling with three young kids) could be so encouraging, but it was.
I am thankful that we are not ever alone in this life. We have a God that has not left us and friends and family that build into us.
I am trying to figure out this balance of blogging, processing our training, preparing for what is to come with foster care kids, and gearing up for starting another homeschool year. I wish I had super powers and could do it all, but learning to balance, let things go, and rest can be a hard thing. Where to give and invest is the question on my heart.
What about you? Has your summer flown by too? Are you questioning are you living or is life happening and you are trying to keep up too?
Erin Spain says
You’ve been a busy lady! Can’t wait to reconnect at Haven and hear all about what’s been going on. It’s been too long! Life has been crazy over here too and I’ve let the blog slow down for summer and while the redesign stuff happens. I’ve definitely let family be the priority lately and it’s been great! See you soon!
-Erin @ DIY on the Cheap
Heidi @ Decor & More says
Look at all the wonderful things going on in your life, Erica! God is blessing you and how wonderful that you’re taking the time to take it all in. God Bless!
xo Heidi
living life in the dash says
I love your updates! I love your willingness to open up and share your real feelings. Thank you for sharing your ups and downs and how you get through them. Love that your best friends were here….and the pictures are great!
Cristin says
I came across your blog when I was looking for posts about foster care. We have our last class this week and your feelings about the training and future placements perfectly describe my emotions too!
ericadeuel says
Thank you Cristin for leaving that sweet comment! I am so glad you found me and I will be following your journey as well! Stay in touch…I know support in this ministry is huge!!! XO, Erica
Kendra says
Really awesome, beautiful, and honest post. I loved reading this. Very sweet photos. And C’s missing teeth!! So adorable. Thank you for sharing!
ericadeuel says
Kendra! Thank you for your sweet comments! I’m missing you girl!!