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We have been caring for a baby girl through our local prison ministry since Oct. 2010. She has only known us as her caregivers since birth. In the next few months we will be working to transition her back to her birth mother. This will be a difficult time for our 8yo dd, as she has grown to love her like a sister. My dh and I love her dearly and will really miss her, even though I believe the Lord is preparing us for the respite. We both turn 50 this year, so it has been tough some days with a *very* busy and "very" headstrong little girl. Our greatest concern is that her mother is not showing evidence of having the Lord in her life as she professed earlier in 2011. So, it doesn't look like she will be picking up where we left off in training her according to the principles in God's Word. and seeking support from the Christian community. These next few months will be stressful, not only from having to put this little girl through the visits and the changes, but also because we are almost 4 hours away from the mother because of transfers. So, visits have been few and if the weather gets bad, we will not be able to have consistent weekly visits. The baby is strongly attached to us, so it is important to make the transition soon. Please keep us all in prayer during this process. I know the Lord has good things in store for our family when this is complete, but we need His grace to deal with all that needs to be done to bring us to that point.

Praying with you, Pam. And hugs to you! Sounds like a very difficult situation.

Oh Pam!
I am praying for you and your family as you go through this transition.
Every foster child we have reunited back into their bio-families was difficult.
I can't imagine having one that knows only you and your family. It's such a mixed blessing.
I know you know, but God is in control and holds this life and yours in His perfect will.

Hugs and we are praying!

Blessings!
Kathy

I just prayed for your family and this sweet little one.

I just prayed for you and your little babe as well! May God be with you and guide all of this in the way He sees best, as that is sure to be the best plan. May He be with you every step of the way!
In Christ,
Julie

Thanks for all the prayers. I do know the Lord is in control and I believe He is preparing our family for the separation. It does put one on an emotional roller coaster. I'm trying to focus on positive things and look forward to what God has in store for us. One being another grandchild. I am also looking forward to spending more quality time with Angie in her schooling and she is still dealing with some emotional issues. I just need to take a day at a time. I try to look too far ahead and then I get stressed and frustrated. We will enjoy this precious little girl as long as God wants her with us.

Pam, just wanted to let you know that you and your family (and this little girl and her mom) are in my prayers. ((((hugs))))