...but being at work at 8:30 am just does NOT leave much time in the morning for the non-essentials. I think I need to find a new time of day to post because mornings are going to be a challenge from now on. We'll see. It will all get worked out and it is NOT the end of the world if I miss a day or two now and then. I have to remind myself of that :)
It is hard to believe that our boys arrive tomorrow! For so long we have been planning and waiting and the time is finally here. I feel pretty good about things but the first few days are always a little scary and nerve-wracking. We do get to ease into it a bit, though. I think we will have three tomorrow and then another two before Wednesday. Then we will have two new ones next Sunday. The first two weeks will be LONG -- the boys normally will be in school from 8:30 to 4:00 everyday (our off time) but the first two weeks they come home at 1:00. Sooo, it will make for a few long weeks. But that's okay...we're rested and ready to go!
Just in case some of you are new to this blog, I will quickly explain what we do.
We are working in a Children's Home. We will be house parents to 7-10 12 and 13 year-old boys. We take care of them like parents. These kids are away from home for various reasons. They have discipline problems, schools problems, major family issues. Our job is to care for them and to teach them life skills that many have not learned -- neatness, manners, hygiene, play, work, etc. We teach them to function in an adult world while also trying to help them cope with some of the major life issues they are facing or have faced. They live with us and see their parents only on occasion. We are off during the day when they are at school, but when they aren't at school they are all ours -- mornings, nights, and weekends.
It sounds like a lot of work (and it is!) but it is very rewarding. We have been doing this type of ministry since before we were married (eight years!) It is tiring and frustrating at times but it is also so incredibly rewarding. Anyone who knows us knows that we are passionate about parenting. Some kids haven't had the experience of two parents who love them unconditionally. It is our hope to stand in that gap for them.
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So today we are going to a big staff picnic/party. Alaina has been sooooo excited! She has been talking about the "big lake party" all week. Need to go help everyone get ready :)
Before I go, I wanted to show you a couple of LO's that are using some of Shabby Princess's new stuff that will be available some time this weekend. There is sooooo much wonderful stuff. I have had a lot of fun playing with it!
You NEED to go check out the Shabby Shoppe later this weekend. You won't be disappointed!
Yikes, Janet, when you write out your "job description" like that, it sounds really scary! It's a lot of responsibility, and I'm impressed with you and Jason for taking it on. I'll be praying for you as your boys arrive.
Posted by: joelsgirl_Kellie | July 29, 2007 at 01:19 PM
Oh Janet, I'm so excited for you! I was thinking about this just the other day--that your boys are coming! Such an exciting, wonderful, hopeful (and in a way, scary) time! I pray that you ALL have a good transition and this is a great year! That God uses you (as I know He will) in the lives of these boys to truly evoke changes that will steer them in the right direction for a lifetime. What an amazing thing you are doing, Janet!! Have a great day!
--Hollie
Posted by: Hollie | July 30, 2007 at 02:46 AM
I hope things are going well with having the first few boys moved in! I pray that God will bless your year with these boys. Now I am wondering though - do you have summers off then just like a regular school?
Great LO's with SP's new stuff - amazing goodies!
Posted by: MandaKay | July 30, 2007 at 09:41 AM
I am so impressed and humbled by your devotion to the call that God has placed on your life, Janet. God bless and keep you and yours in the palm of His hand as you love those boys in His stead until it is time for them to come home and be loved by their Abba forever.
love, me <><
Posted by: LeeAndra | July 31, 2007 at 01:11 PM