Good News... and Quick Update

We received some unexpected good news the middle of last week...

When we had to make our tough decision about Maya and Lexi, we found out that their half-brother's (Shiheem) grandfather (approx 40) had been interested and willing to take in the girls for quite some time. The agency (KVC) never really looked to him as a possible resource for the girls, and didn't keep him well informed as things changed for them. We had called to share our decision with him, and he expressed his love for the girls, and his willingness, even desire, to provide a permanent home for them. This has relieved us greatly as we have felt so strongly about all of our decisions regarding them, and this would offer them the chance to be with family.

Due to some interstate paperwork (he lives in MO, so there is cross-state junk to deal with), they were required to go to another foster home while everything could be looked at to make his interest a formal interest, and viable option. Consequently, the home they have been in since leaving us has been AWESOME for both of them. Although Maya continues to have her "episodes", Elisa (her foster mom) is able to devote much more time to her needs, and has really made some good progress. Lexi continues to steam ahead, and is always so resilient. She truly is a special girl. Both girls have been enrolled into a preschool program and are both thriving in their environment. Although it is still heartbreaking they are not with us, it is comforting to know they are being so well cared for, and are progressing so quickly.

So...for the good news!!! (Sorry about that) The call we received shared with us that MO and KS have finally got their paperwork in order to begin transferring the girls to Alfred's home.(Grandpa) We NEVER expected this to actually be completed in this fast of a turn around. When crossing state lines, these things can drag out forever. Alfred will be having the girls over for some in home visits, and a couple of overnight stays, and then they will transition to his home permanently within the next few weeks. On Friday we drove up to St. Joseph to deliver the beds we had bought for the girls, so he could check off his final requirement to begin their visits. This is truly AWESOME news, and more importantly is a MIRACULOUS event. Alfred is getting married this month, in just a few weeks, and his soon-to-be wife is also a wonderful lady. It is amazing that with all they have going on, they are so focused on caring for these two special girls, and bringing them into their family, forever. The girls have already been included in the wedding ceremony, and will be getting new dresses in the next couple of weeks.

Having to decide to let them go has been one of the hardest and most challenging decisions we have ever had to face. It has not only impacted me, Tamra, our 3 little boys, and our extended families, but has impacted both of them, and their family as well. The impacts continue to be felt by our family, as I'm sure by the girls too. But, and that is a big BUT, our decision could not have been made without the guidance of our Heavenly Father, and only after days and weeks of painful prayers, and long-suffering. I KNOW, without a single doubt, that although this decision still hurts in so many ways, we made the decision we were supposed to. I know, that although my family continues to struggle with losing part of our hearts, that we did the right thing. And I know, that although it may take a lot more time, our wounds will heal, we will have gained something we will need in the future, my boys will be bettered, and our girls are where their Father in Heaven wants them to be.

I am grateful for this news...for this miracle. I am grateful we have been blessed with a miracle such as this. I am grateful for the strength of our family, and to know that we will all be able to rely upon our strength for eternity. I am grateful for my wonderful, beautiful, and STRONG wife who has managed to stay afloat through all of this even as I have been traveling. I am most grateful for these times when one can literally feels the arms of our Savior wrapped around us, and the comfort that can bring. I am grateful for the confirmation those same arms are tightly wrapped around Maya and Lexi, and that they too are being comforted. I am grateful for the love from each of you that we have felt at different times over these last few months, and thank you for your prayers on our behalf. And I am so very grateful for my eternal family, and to know that Christ suffered our pain once before, and through Him we can be made strong enough to make it through this trial.

rr