So a quick update. Last week was much better. Something seemed to click with Rachel and God blessed me with a really great meeting with Rachel's social worker's and therapist regarding how Rachel's relationship with her mother will be handled. We were all on the same team, and now we need to communicate with the people who are working with Rachel's mom, as well as Rachel's mom herself, to discuss what this will look like, and where they are at. Please continue to pray for Rachel, but also for her family as this plays out. The word that keeps coming to mind in this process is restoration. Even though no one feels it is in Rachel's best interest to live with her mom, it is so important for them to have healing. Healing can be a painful process, and almost impossible at times without the supernatural intervention of the Lord. I can only imagine how awesome it would be if they really can work through the past and have an honest healthy relationship with one another.

The last couple days have been a challenge because I have been extremely tired (not sleeping well and staying up too late watching episodes of LOST). Rachel had a total melt-down yesterday too. It wouldn't have been bad if I wasn't so tired. Thankfully I had backup support through the foster care agency I work for, as well as my friend Wendy. I am so used to being the one providing the help for others that it is really hard for me to call for help. I forced myself to do it though, and I think it was good for Rachel to see that I wasn't going to let her be abusive to me all night without doing something about it. Rachel is really going through some emotional stuff, and will be for some time. The challenge is treating the behaviors, while trying to get to Rachel's heart. Sometimes when she is shutting her heart away from me ("protecting" herself from possible rejection), it is a really good reminder that only God can really effect change for her.

Lastly, I felt God really using my gifts in the foster parent support group we had today (the program I am in requires that we attend these weekly). I love working in a group, and it is neat to see that God uses me in that setting. One thing that came up was the idea of us writing mission statements for our work as foster parents. We came up with some stuff but I want to make my own. I will post it when I am done.

Sorry it has been awhile since I posted last. I have lots to say but sometimes I go through phases where I don't have the energy to say it all. God Bless you all!