Court.
Until we started fostering, I’d never been in a courtroom. Court sounded scary and intimidating but after going a few times I learned to hope for the best- expect anything.
Although I can tell you no catchy little cliché’ could’ve prepared me for what happened at our last day in court. I was alone. Jason was shoeing horses which was fine because neither of us saw it coming.
It was a full house. I scanned the room for a familiar face and quickly made my way to the back after I’d spotted a young couple fairly new to town who are super passionate about fostering. We were making small talk when I caught sight of my caseworker motioning me her way. In times past we’d gathered in the hallway but she headed to the back where the lawyers were- where big decisions were made.
“Well. I didn’t see this coming. Are you ready? This is what they’re offering….”
I could see her lips moving as we sat in the tiny side room with no windows but could hardly hear for the dialogue going on inside my head.
“I need to call Jason.”
And I did. Or I tried. He was in an area with patchy service and before I knew it I was shouting just before I hung up.
“I’m going to step out for a minute to give you time to process.”
“Thanks. Yeah, I’m gonna need a minute.”
Is this real life? Adopt two more? The ink is hardly dry from adopting Jax.
I kept dialing and was about to give up when he finally called back.
“Hey babe, can you hear me?”
“Did you hear me????? Adoption! They’re ready to move towards adoption.”
The rest of the conversation is off the record but when I left the room I couldn’t stop crying.
Our caseworker said the paperwork would take a few minutes if I didn’t mind to wait.
We must’ve been in the tiny room longer than I thought because when I came out the courtroom was nearly empty which was fine because I couldn’t stop crying.
Alone. Crying and waiting in disbelief when I felt someone tap me on the shoulder.
“Ma’am. I don’t know what you’re going through but I want you to know it’s all going to work out. It’s going to be okay. God is good.”
I did my best to muster a nod of gratitude but honestly didn’t pay much mind to the stranger.
Until today.
Tucker and I had gone to Walmart to pick up a few things for the darling little girl who arrived at our house late Saturday night. I’d sent him on ahead to the car as I finished at the register. I was looking down at my receipt when I felt someone tap me on the shoulder.
“Excuse me ma’am, were you in court a while back?”
“Yes.”
Hello, strange man with a long white beard.
“I was there. I spoke to you.”
“Oh yeah…I remember now.”
Shaking my head in disbelief-I kept my cart moving forward as the stranger continued walking, talking and pushing his buggy right alongside me.
“Do you remember I told you everything was going to be okay?”
“Yes, yes sir I do. And you’re not going to believe this but the kids I was so broken and crying over that day are being adopted tomorrow! We are adopting them.”
He smiled and I laughed in shock at the grace-filled conversation we were having as we pushed our carts to a stop just outside the door.
I couldn’t believe it! The very same man who had tapped me on the shoulder to encourage me in court was the very same man walking and talking with me into the parking lot at Walmart today!! And he wasn’t crazy. The man knows Jesus.
As have many of you, I’ve met and served lots of crazy, whimsical, off-the-wall-people. We all agree they’re out there. But this guy, the bearded, white-haired guy spoke the truth in the Walmart parking lot today.
“God is at work. He’s working all of this out. Keep following Him. He is faithful. God is good.”
“Yes. Yes sir, He is…”
I had to walk away. I had to go and tell someone what had just happened. Tucker was in the front seat when I lifted the back hatch.
“Son!! You’re not going to believe what just happened.”
“Momma are you okay? Why are you crying?”
I couldn’t stop. And I won’t stop.
Crying over the faithfulness of our good, good Father.
Crying over kind words spoken in due season.
Crying over broken children being adopted because their souls are worth it!
much love,
P.S. So incase you missed it–TOMORROW-(JUNE 27th) IS ADOPTION DAY!!!!!!!!!!!! <3 <3 <3
We are adopting a set of brothers. They are fearfully and wonderfully made and about to be loved deeply by a whole new herd of people now and forever! The boys are the same ages as our big boys which means we have: two 13s, two 11s and baby Jax who is 14 months . So, now you know how to pray for us. LOL And for the little darling we are fostering who just happens to be 8 days younger than Jax so there are essentially three sets of twins in the house which is totally no big deal, except when I type it and why we stand in desperate need of God’s grace every minute of every day!
We covet your prayers.
Father,
Your way is perfect. Thank you, for visiting me through the stranger in the courtroom and again at Walmart. I stand in awe of your timing. Your grace is truly all-sufficient. Fix our eyes as we trust you and walk forward more faithful than fearful into the courtroom tomorrow. When we enter as a family of five and leave as a family of seven- be magnified!!! You are the reason we live and breathe and move.