So a few things have happened......

Since the last blog update so much has happened I must sum up. First of all we had to abandon domestic adoption due to our health insurance situation. At that time, pre-existing conditions were still a legal reason for denying health care coverage and when the insurance companies found out we were adopting we were rejected. It seems unfair, but as a business owner, I need to be able to predict my cost and I have to avoid unpredictable situations where costs could go very high. So I understand why they do this. It does not make it any easier to be on this end of the deal, but it is a reality of business, and that is their business. It was also an answered prayer and a way for God to steer us in a different direction

The direction we headed was foster care. The children, while under county custody, are covered by medicaid. We were certified on December 15, 2010 and received two beautiful children on December 17th. I need to leave their names and pictures off of the blog to protect them and their families. But they are both toddlers and have been a blast. I do not know how long we will have them but I can say that we are absolutely loving them as much as we can while we get to be part of their lives.

We received information on Monday that there is also a 5 day old girl who needs a home. Her mother was homeless when she checked into the hospital to have her and the girl is now in the custody of the county. We have a meeting on 2/4 to discuss the situation with the county. I know it sounds crazy that in two months we would grow our family from 4 to 7. I did not know what I was getting into when I became a bio-dad. I did not really know what I was getting into when I became a foster dad. I am sure I do not know what I am doing considering becoming the father of 5.

But here is what I do know. God does not ask us to equip ourselves, figure out everything we have to do and how to do it, and then follow him. Christ said to drop it all and follow him. Sometimes he asks us in fancy ways. Sometimes he asks us in a thought or a whisper, but he does ask and it always aligns with his Word. Our only requirement is that we STEP UP. He takes care of the rest and we are blessed by it. Sometimes it totally sucks, for a while, maybe for a long time (Joseph, Moses, Noah, etc.) But it is always blessed and worth it.

So with an eternal perspective I need to ask for your prayers. If you are reading this you care enough to take the time to figure out what is going on with us, this is it, and we need your prayers. Should we take on another child? Prayers for Jackson, Lily, and the two foster children we already have. Clarity in what we should do now. I still have two open car seats. Should we fill them all? Spiritual, physical, and emotional protection. When you step up Satan redoubles his efforts to shut you down. The comfortable do not have to worry about that attack, they are not doing anything.

Anyway, thanks for your time. God bless you, and please be sure to STEP UP!!!!

The Smalls