Guys, I posted this on my Facebook account but felt led to share it here too. An insight into our first day with our new foster kids.

Grace and Peace,

Crystal


What do I call you?

We arrived at Children's Services filled with the oh so familiar feeling of excitement and fear in meeting the next children we will be committed to loving and caring for. We sat in the waiting room, waiting and staring at the posters full of warnings. "Second Hand Smoke Is Bad for Children" and "Never Shake a Baby, Never", large posters demanding our attention looming above the pamphlets of "children and parents rights" in foster care. Then we see them walking down the cement hall, through the visitation areas, two little scared faces heading to their uncertain fate. Guided by a rather rotund social worker with heavy eye make-up, the two little people walked into the office where we sat waiting. A little girl with beautiful bright eyes, slightly curly light brown hair and adorable dimples stood, trying not to make direct eye contact. Next to her, her little brother, a thin, blond haired, fair skinned little boy with large, bright eyes. The social worker explains that they have been eager to meet 'a real foster mom' and guide them over to me to complete the 'transfer'. To my surprise the little girl, now barely 5 years old, holds out a tiny, pink rose to me. "This is for you," she says timidly. "It smells like strawberries, and this is for you too." She pulls out of her pants an old penny and hands it to me as well. Looking closely at her I see her fear and trepidation. Her brother, exactly 2 days younger then Emily, asks to go to the play room now, already understanding what happens during visits to the CPS office. It is then I notice his teeth, already all beginning to raught in his mouth. I thank the little girl for the gifts and introduce her to her 'new family' who is eager to meet her, as well.

We head out to our car and everyone loads up. Everyone just a bit anxious to see what the future holds. The girl, Sierra, timid and shy. The boy, JJ, loud and aggressive. The evening began to paint a small picture of what they have seen. I imagine a world of drugs, violence, lack of food and having to care for themselves. Again, my heart breaks within me. I watch them eat feverishly, greedily, wondering how much we will let them gorge; fearful of it being taken away. They picked pizza, a familiar food to every foster child we have had. After each having 4 large slices of pizza and a large bowl of ice cream, they hesitantly agree, they have finally had enough. I find myself thinking about how hungry they are, for more then just food.

Later, after baths and stories, it is time for bed. We tuck them in, explain where we sleep and that it is okay to wake us if they need us. We assure them I will sit outside the bedroom door until they fall asleep. Sierra says, "Ya know, next time my daddy makes a bad choice and goes to jail again and I go into a shelter home, maybe I can come back and stay with you guys, and then on the weekends too." I marveled at how much her little mind comprehends and tries to sort through. I sat down within their sight and then the question came. Sierra sat up and quietly asked, "Um, so what do I call you?" I explain that she can call me whatever she desires. I sit in the hallway and begin to sing. Five songs later I stop. To my surprise Sierra sits up a bit and says, "That made me sleepy and quiet could you please sing about God again." I reply, "sure I can Sierra." And quietly think to myself, and whatever else you need for as long as He has you here...

Thank you so much for sharing that. My heart truly breaks for these children knowing how they must feel. They are so blessed to have you guys in their lives.

Wow...that brought tears to my eyes. Thank you for your willingness to obey and take on such a task as being a foster parent. I can only imagine the trials and the joys that come with it. God bless...

I have tears in my eyes. We take so much for granted in the privileged lives that we live. All children deserve to be safe and be loved and have a stable home. God bless you for giving it to them.

Wow .... im crying like a baby. You are amazing for what you do.

Gosh Crystal.

I'm proud of you and Greg for giving and giving and giving.

I love learning through your learning.

hugs

It's terrible, the life that brought them to your door. But you and your family are wonderful.

you guys are just tops. i think its wonderful and i wish i could do the same. i can't believe how many little lives you are touching.... in such a positive way.

Thank you for sharing. It was so heartwarming to read how much you love these little ones right from the start. You are blessed with an amazing gift of mercy and compassion.

Thank you so much for sharing this! Wow...

Guys thanks for all your kind comments. Please know that we truly aren't anything special, we are simply willing to serve these little people... VERY imperfectly I might add. Just thought I would invite you guys into our world a minute.

Grace and Peace,

Crystal

+100000000000

You guys are amazing! I pray that someday I can do the same for kids.