Focus Topics

The past couple of days I have been quite out of it. Tired, not feeling well, etc. I think part of it is due to the fact that I'm still recovering from gallbladder surgery. (Doc says that could take months.) Another contributing factor could be that it seems a ton has been happening lately, while yet nothing at all at the same time. A ton has been happening in my head, but not necessarily in the real world. My brain is in overdrive trying to take in as much information as possible as I research foster care. I also have been thinking over and working through the application packet and all of the possibilities and choices I will have to make in the near future. Choices that could lead to both short-term and life-long changes to my life. I actually found some comfort from the worry of those choices while listening to an amazing podcast about foster care and adoption that I will share with you in a couple more weeks. But, I think that all of these factors and other life issues has culminated into me being moved to ask you for prayer. Here are some specific things I'm praying over currently:

1. Community. I'm working to build a community around myself. I've begun attending a new church and getting plugged in there. I have been making contact with other single foster parents as well to hear thier stories and gain any advice possible. Pray that I will make the right connections locally and in the foster & adopt world.
2. Finances. Being a single woman, this seems to be a topic for prayer quite often in my life. However, with the loss of some pay at work (due to surgery) and trying to get everything fixed and prepped in the house for FC, this has become an even greater point of focus.
3. Children. I've been thinking about the kiddos in FC for quite some time. Every now and then I wonder if "my" child is already out there waiting for me. I think about what situation they are in now and how I'd love to be able to help them today. I've decided that what I really need to do is to pray for the children in FC and that the right child and I will be placed together as soon as possible.
4. Foster Workers. I've been praying quite often that I will be matched up with amazing workers within my agency and county. Pray for good caseworkers, social workers, lawyers, judges, etc.
5. Adoption. If you know my story much at all, you know that I want to adopt someday. I've learned that the need and opportunity for adoption from FCfost-adopt placement, but do plan to discuss this topic more with my agency.
6. Child Care. As I work full-time, child-care will absolutely be necessary. The FC reimbursement will help to cover any cost associated with child-care, but that isn't really my concern. I want to be able to find the right fit for the everyday routine, as well as for other times that may arise. In FC you can't have just any teenager, or adult for that matter, babysit. There are specific requirements involved. I'm not 100% sure about IL yet, but I know in some states, for example, the regular caregivers must be fingerprinted.
7. Wisdom & Knowledge. How is that for a request?! As I mentioned, I'm learning a lot about the system and what a crazy ride I have before me. There is still so much more to learn and I want to be able to soak it all in. I also need wisdom. This journey is going to require a lot of wisdom in many, many situations. Pray I will find the grace and wisdom to handle each step of the process in the best way possible.