It has been four weeks since Faith moved in. The past four weeks have been a dizzying combination of appointments, school, baseball, and adjustments. I'm very impressed with the three younger kids for handling the transition with patience and grace. The past four weeks have been busy, fun, and at times painful. Tonight, I was reminded how painful this whole process can be. We knew going into this that foster care and adoption is difficult, especially with older children; however, nothing can prepare you for that actual experience. That's to say, you can read tons of books and listen to the finest experts, but nothing exposes you to truth like the reality of having a 15 year old move in and join the family. The past several weeks have been a roller coaster of emotions and I'm sure that we are only beginning in our journey. Today, I got an e-mail that quoted a well known writer, Oswald Chambers, "If through a broken heart God can bring His purpose to pass in the world, then thank Him for breaking your heart." Sometimes, God has to rearrange some things and this process is painful. But I wouldn't miss this adventure for anything.
Over and over, God reminds me and whispers, "I've got this under control." This is a chaotic season in our lives. The ups and downs of foster-to-adopting, the business of our normal routine, and internal need to try and make everyone happy can be overwhelming. But just when I start to sink, I hear God whisper, "I've got this under control." So, as we approach the Thanksgiving holiday, I can't help but be thankful for a God that has it under control. I'm thankful that He doesn't need me to fix all the problems, make everyone happy, or be perfect. He just wants me to relax and love him. Love leads to action. So, by loving God, I will love others. That sounds 
easier than it is. Loving others in spite of their faults, even when they are unlovely. But God does it for me, so how can I deny others? Anyway, as I start to get stressed out with all the to-do lists, travel arrangements, packing, baking, and scheduling that needs to get done, I am relieved to know that God has it under control. I'm trying hard to refocus on others. The other stuff will work itself out. So, today I re-worked my to-do list. Mopping and cleaning the bathroom got bumped for some quality "nail painting" time with Faith and Sofia. 
