Meeting yesterday morning regarding Tyler and Hailey.
Present:
- The aunt and uncles that entrusted the children to us a year ago. They think the children belong with us. Their support of our family as the best choice for these children has been such an encouragement through this process.
- The great aunt and uncle the took the kids from us 6 months ago. They said they also think the children would have their best life with us. They had incredibly good intentions and love these children, but the special needs are more than they anticipated and more than they can take on at this time in their lives.
- The children's new social worker and supervisor (this is a huge blessing to have new ones, as the old ones were very difficult to work with.)
- The adoption worker that will soon take over their case, and his supervisor. (I can't even begin to state how encouraged I was talking with the adoption worker. He sees the fire to get these children permanency (as does his supervisor), is pushing things through to get us access to those records we weren't allowed to see a year ago... on Monday!, and confided that "waiting periods" are arbitrary and he once went from termination of parental rights to adoption finalization in 24 hours. So it really could be quick. Thank you, Lord!)
- The children's Guardian ad Litem (another huge blessing. The GAL works in the best interest of the children. This is what they needed 6 months ago, and we are so glad to have him on board now.)
- The Executive Director of our adoption agency. Although this was my first time meeting her, her presence was such a comfort. She's an adoptive mom of (soon to be) 3 and really knows her stuff. Her intuition about a lot of the people involved and the situations felt spot-on.
- The transition counselor that has worked with these children since they lived with their birthmom, and through most of their subsequent moves (including in our home). She KNOWS these children. She cares deeply about them, and she is thrilled that we still want them and that they should get their happy ending in our home. She called us yesterday afternoon to talk more and it was wonderful to have her perspective on how things have gone and where the children are (mentally, emotionally) now.
Am I forgetting anyone? Oh, the meeting facilitator! The ones we've had in the past have been... difficult. Pushy, with a pre-determined agenda. God totally worked this out, as the other two facilitators called in sick that morning. This new one was brought in just 15 minutes before the start of our meeting, so she had no preconcieved notions and was willing to listen to everyone to determine our best course of action.
So... what's the course of action?
- Sunday, we are getting together with Tyler, Hailey and all of aunts and uncles for a "Family BBQ." Our kids still don't know what's in the works (the adoption), but I did tell them about the BBQ and they are SO excited. The family is choosing not to tell Tyler and Hailey even that we are coming - they want it to be a surprise. This will be a chance to get re-acquainted, and essentially will be the first step of their transition back home, even if only the grown-ups know the plan right now. (They won't tell the children about moving until after the termination hearing, since that's the big hold-up on us making our final decision.)
- Monday we will read the children's records. This will give us better insight into their past trauma... which helps explain why they react to things the way they do and helps us decide how to address issues.
- The following Monday (the day after Easter) is the termination hearing for birthmom. I intend to be there, to hear with my own ears that her rights have been removed, and to make sure she's not trying to pull what she did before, throwing out yet another family member's name to take the children.
And we move on from there... with an anticipated move back home before May 1st.
I have been checking constantly today waiting to hear what was happening! So excited that things seem to be working out so well. I will be praying for you these next couple weeks. God is faithful!
Posted by: Emily | 03/25/2010 at 01:19 PM
Yay, yay and yay. I am so thrilled for the chance that these children will finally get the lives they deserve in a loving home! Yay family!
Posted by: daffodil_lane | 03/25/2010 at 02:05 PM
I'm praying for you!
Posted by: Amy Madden | 03/25/2010 at 02:14 PM
Oh man...I'm just crying over here for these kids, and for you guys, and praising God that things are moving in the right direction, and that He is sovereign above all. You mentioned so many encouraging things. I initially started crying at the news of the GAL and the fact that he was what they needed 6 months ago. Thank you Lord.
Posted by: Jodi | 03/25/2010 at 02:34 PM
Hilary,
I sit in awe of our God. You have made yourself a willing vessel and He is blessing you. Eric and I are so happy for your family. You will all be in our prayers.
Echo
Posted by: Echo | 03/25/2010 at 03:12 PM
Amazing, Hilary.
Seriously amazing the way God is bringing your kids back to you! :)
Posted by: Stacy | 03/25/2010 at 03:54 PM
Hilary,
I am a lurker here. I've commented once, I think, a while back but I have been reading your blog for a long time. I have been praying for you and your family and I am so thrilled that God is answering prayers for you. God is amazing!!!
Posted by: Crystal | 03/25/2010 at 04:16 PM
All I can say is AMEN!!! I'll keep praying for the wide open doors, as that's what they seem to be.
God is watching you!!! AMEN again!!!
Posted by: Barbara | 03/25/2010 at 04:39 PM
WOW. Goosebumps all over and so excited. Praying you will have tremendous favour and wisdom in every step and that it will go as quickly as possible to the very wisest and best outcome (hopefully you getting your heart's desire!) So amazing.
Posted by: ~beautyandjoy~ | 03/25/2010 at 08:17 PM
WOW! Nothing is impossible with HIM! Blessings to your family, All of them.
Posted by: Carolynn Slocum | 03/25/2010 at 09:37 PM
Soooo exciting! :) What an amazing blessing for everyone!
Posted by: Elizabeth | 03/25/2010 at 11:27 PM
So glad to hear!
Posted by: Eliza | 03/26/2010 at 06:33 AM
Yaay! This is so awesome :)
Posted by: Michelle | 03/26/2010 at 08:14 AM
Brian and Hilary...We are rejoicing with you that the Lord has turned the hearts of the "powers that be" and He is bringing these little ones back home to you both... where they belong! Proverbs 21:1.... The king’s heart is in the hand of the Lord, like the rivers of water; He turns it wherever He wishes.
Love, Chessa
Posted by: Onlyonelifehoneyhome.blogspot.com | 03/28/2010 at 06:12 PM
Hopefully hopefully it all works out!
Posted by: Rebecca | 03/29/2010 at 03:06 AM
Hilary, I haven't been reading blogs much that last few weeks, but I was so excited to read this. I will be praying for you and your family and for T & H. God is in control and I just know there will be a happy ending for you all.
Posted by: Debbie | 03/31/2010 at 07:05 AM