Mon 18 Aug 2008
Expectations Keep Changing
Posted by Katie under Catholic Life, Faith and Reason, Love and War
At first, we were under the impression that we would foster a baby for a year. Then, we learned that a year is the longest time possible to foster, and actually, 6 months is usually more common.
Most recently, however, we talked with two foster moms who care for babies and both said that their usual amount of time with a baby is 2 weeks; 4 months was the longest a baby had ever stayed with one of the mothers. Yikes! I’m not sure if I can handle a 2-week stay. That doesn’t seem like quite long enough–no time to establish a routine or catch my breath or normalize a sleep schedule.
There’s so much uncertainty with this process. Devin and I know of two different couples who both were able to foster two babies a piece and adopt all of them. On the other hand, we’ve met one family who fostered babies for a year with the hope of adopting and was unable. I’m not really comfortable with the not-knowing but that may just be what Our Lord wants for me. Dear Hannah and Elizabeth, please pray for me.

August 18th, 2008 at 3:02 pm
Wow - much uncertainty indeed! I’m reminded of David’s constant lesson for me during our courtship: “have no expectations.” Boy is it tough, but it helped me take all kinds of changes in stride and remain open to God’s will. Sounds like you are open!
Frances
August 18th, 2008 at 6:26 pm
Yikes!! I know friends of ours who chose not to foster infants for that very reason - to think they would be leaving so soon after their arrival and going back to God only knows what. If I were you, I would spend the entire two weeks praying over them and bathing them in holy water!!!!
You and Devin have my utmost respect and awe. What a cross you have taken up. May God reward you with the greatest of blessings!