It's been quite a while since I did a foster care update.
You can read the last one by clicking ---- here.
OR.......
If you are new the blog - you can read about our foster care start ---- here.
the waiting process ---- click here.
our first placement --- here.
our sweet baby angel ---- here.
and a FULL HOUSE ---- here.
We have been foster parents on Guam since April 2011.
We are leaving Guam at the end of May 2013.
Two years as foster parents and a big change on our hearts and our lives.
I had this crazy (unspoken) idea that I was ready for this.
That my own kids were half grown and that I could "babysit" full time for a while,
and then say good-bye to children in our home.
I don't think I am wired that way,
and I don't think that's really what God meant when he said in James 1....
27 Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this:
to look after orphans and widows in their distress
So much has changed about the way I think over the last 24 months.
I have read a lot of books.
Processed
Prayed
Studied
Tossed ideas around with others
LISTENED
Processed more
Changed my way of thinking
and prayed some more about how I need to change my way of thinking....
I have founded a non-profit organization to help foster kids.
(It's called Project 127 Guam)
The idea came from Colorado.
They have a Project 127 Non-profit organization with over 40 churches working together to get foster children into Godly homes. You can learn more by clicking here.
My ultimate goal is the same,
that no child on Guam would be waiting for a home.
I want to show that many churches can work together.
That Christian parents will answer God's call to care for the least of these.
that they will step up;
become licensed as foster parents;
adopt;
or come along side those that are and support them in big ways.
I read a quote that said,
"There are no unwanted children,
only unfound families"
Will you pray with me?
Showing posts with label Guam Foster Care. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Guam Foster Care. Show all posts
Sunday, February 10, 2013
Monday, February 27, 2012
Foster Care Update
An update on foster care:
Our sweet Meleah is 7 months old today -
She left exactly four weeks ago and I have cried every day.
We all miss her so much.
I did hear from the social worker and will share this quote with you:
Our sweet Meleah is 7 months old today -
She left exactly four weeks ago and I have cried every day.
We all miss her so much.
I did hear from the social worker and will share this quote with you:
"she is the star of her daycare and .....
her caregivers there can't seem to put her down"
I am so thankful that she is being loved and cared for and that her sweet smile is obviously contagious to all around her.Thank you for praying for her adjustment to her new life.
The two other girls have been with us for a little over 2 months now.(they came two days before Christmas, if you missed it)
They are 6 and almost 8; Biological siblings of our first foster boy: and in school with our boys on base
They pretty much have Mike wrapped around their fingers withlots of hugs and daddy flips -
You know the ones - doesn't every kid do that thing with their dad?where he holds your hands and you straddle his waist and flip?
I remember those until I was too tall for my head not to hit the floor when I flipped.(*no smart remarks about my height, or lack-thereof)
Although we thought originally that they would be with us until summer,their parents have received a new house through a government assistanceprogram and will be moving soon. This is a positive step for this family anda chance to get on their feet. We hope that everything goes well and thatthe judge will acknowledge their efforts.
In the waiting time - the girls are in need of extreme dental care.Foster Children are on Medicaid - so we have appointments for them this weekon Tuesday and Wednesday at the Public Health Dental Clinic.Both girls will undergo general anesthesia for the procedures that they need.
Please pray that everything goes smoothly and that they do well with the anesthesia.As a mom - I am trying hard not to worry - they have no idea what to expect.And maybe - doing it all at once is better in the long run.I know that (at the very least)they will be super sore for several days.
Soup JelloSmoothies Popsicles all on the grocery list for this week....
Thanks to everyone for your continued love and support of this journey!
Friday, January 20, 2012
Foster Care update
It's been four weeks today since our family became the "Brady Bunch".
3 boys, 3 girls - and only 2 of the 6 with the same genetics.
We have three different nationalities represented
and at least that many shades of skin.
It is AWESOME!
My life is crazy / busy and the dishes and laundry are NEVER done -
but everyone is happy and mostly healthy
and we are rolling with the punches when they come.
We were able to get approval from the judge and the district to put the
girls in school with our boys at the Department of Defense School,
McCool Elementary/Middle on base.
They are in first and second grades and adjusting well to the first week.
Life is easier with everyone
in the same place,
on the same bus,
on the same schedule.
The girls got to visit their parents last weekend and that really helped lift their spirits.
We have also visited with their brother who was our first foster child last spring.
Please pray for this family to get all their things in order to have their family together.
Meleah continues to be a love.
She is rolling over both ways and has discovered her feet.
They are her favorite thing to play with.
Babies make it look so easy to get your foot to your head don't they??
Here are some special pictures for MawMaw and Papa Jack in Michigan.
3 boys, 3 girls - and only 2 of the 6 with the same genetics.
We have three different nationalities represented
and at least that many shades of skin.
It is AWESOME!
My life is crazy / busy and the dishes and laundry are NEVER done -
but everyone is happy and mostly healthy
and we are rolling with the punches when they come.
We were able to get approval from the judge and the district to put the
girls in school with our boys at the Department of Defense School,
McCool Elementary/Middle on base.
They are in first and second grades and adjusting well to the first week.
Life is easier with everyone
in the same place,
on the same bus,
on the same schedule.
We have also visited with their brother who was our first foster child last spring.
Please pray for this family to get all their things in order to have their family together.
Meleah continues to be a love.
She is rolling over both ways and has discovered her feet.
They are her favorite thing to play with.
Babies make it look so easy to get your foot to your head don't they??
Here are some special pictures for MawMaw and Papa Jack in Michigan.
 |
| Her first baby doll from MawMaw |
 |
| Go BLUE! from Papa Jack |
The next court date for Meleah is Tuesday, the 24th.
Although we aren't sure, we assume that all the paperwork is in order,
and the judge will order that custody be shifted from foster parents to
the grandparent. We thank you all for your love, support and prayers.
We ask that you pray for her still,
that she will grow to be a strong woman of God
and that HIS hand will follow her for all of her days.
And that one day, we will see her again.
Thursday, January 19, 2012
Just sayin' (volume 4)
Okay ....hold on to your seat.
HERE I GO!!
So - we have only been foster parents since April.
In those nine short months -
I estimate that 100 people have said to me....
"I just couldn't do it"
listen to me now.
That's a selfish thing to say.
Think about what you are saying.
Basically this....
"I care more about my own emotions and how hard it would be for me
than I do the fact that I have the ability and the means to give a child
in need a good home."
If you are reading this, and you have said this to me -
don't hide from me the next time you see me.
I'm not casting stones at anyone
and I don't have a secret list in my head of all the people that have said this.
(*I need my brain space for more important things.....)
and I have thought (and probably said) the same thing for many years.
Sometimes it takes a little shaking around of your thought process
to see things clearly.
Some of us, (me) take more shaking than others.
So what's the bottom line?
Consider foster care -
You CAN make a difference!
Contact me to learn more about foster care on Guam:
Melda Thornton
MikenMelda@aol.com
HERE I GO!!
So - we have only been foster parents since April.
In those nine short months -
I estimate that 100 people have said to me....
"I just couldn't do it"
listen to me now.
That's a selfish thing to say.
Think about what you are saying.
Basically this....
"I care more about my own emotions and how hard it would be for me
than I do the fact that I have the ability and the means to give a child
in need a good home."
If you are reading this, and you have said this to me -
don't hide from me the next time you see me.
I'm not casting stones at anyone
and I don't have a secret list in my head of all the people that have said this.
(*I need my brain space for more important things.....)
and I have thought (and probably said) the same thing for many years.
Sometimes it takes a little shaking around of your thought process
to see things clearly.
Some of us, (me) take more shaking than others.
So what's the bottom line?
Consider foster care -
You CAN make a difference!
Contact me to learn more about foster care on Guam:
Melda Thornton
MikenMelda@aol.com
Saturday, January 7, 2012
Foster Care Update
If you want to catch up on our foster care journey;
here are a few links:
Decision to become foster parents
first placement
Meeting the Governor and First Lady
Second placement
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The new girls came on the Friday before Christmas -
so just two weeks have past since becoming a family of eight.
All in all -
I think things are going well,
and once again -
I am so thankful that the placement came when Mike had two
four-day weekends back to back to help with adjustments and
just some extra family time without school, homework and sports.
The biggest adjustments for me are the cooking and laundry.
I make a dozen eggs every morning.
I didn't do laundry after the girls came on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day -
and I haven't caught up yet. (although, maybe by the end of the weekend)
The boys have been great to help out.
Isaac has made himself the bedtime story reader.
It's adorable!
And the boys each have to load or unload the dishwasher every day.
(I do a load in the morning and a load at night)
THANK YOU LORD FOR A DISHWASHER!
There are some little things that we are working through.
Educational apathy is my biggest concern.
I'm not sure how to motivate a child to WANT to learn.
It's hard to teach them, if they aren't interested.
I think some of this may be cultural, or be a result of not
having English speaking parents that can help them.
We are hoping, if the placement will be through the summer,
that we can get the girls into school at McCool where the boys go.
I know that they have special ESL* programs there.
(English as a Second Language)
Please pray with us about this.
We have court on Monday the 9th and will request from the judge
that the girls attend McCool.
In other news:
Little Meleah continues to be a LOVE!
She has learned to smack her lips to blow a kiss.
It's the cutest thing on the planet!
She loves to play pat-a-cake
and is really close to rolling over back to belly.
She is also getting up on her toes from a belly position and rocking a little bit. A long way from crawling, but the beginning stages are developing.
She is easy going and will sit (and sleep) in her stroller at the beach or wherever we are without complaining.
She has tried carrots, squash, green beans and sweet potatoes.
peas, bananas and apples are coming in the next three weeks.
Having a child with food allergies -
I am only doing one food per week to make sure she is not reacting
in any way.
The next court date for her is January 24th.
If the paperwork is in order, she will go live with a relative at that time.
We are enjoying each day with her and trying not to think about the days to come.
Thank you for your continued prayers as we journey this road!
here are a few links:
Decision to become foster parents
first placement
Meeting the Governor and First Lady
Second placement
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The new girls came on the Friday before Christmas -
so just two weeks have past since becoming a family of eight.
All in all -
I think things are going well,
and once again -
I am so thankful that the placement came when Mike had two
four-day weekends back to back to help with adjustments and
just some extra family time without school, homework and sports.
The biggest adjustments for me are the cooking and laundry.
I make a dozen eggs every morning.
I didn't do laundry after the girls came on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day -
and I haven't caught up yet. (although, maybe by the end of the weekend)
The boys have been great to help out.
Isaac has made himself the bedtime story reader.
It's adorable!
And the boys each have to load or unload the dishwasher every day.
(I do a load in the morning and a load at night)
THANK YOU LORD FOR A DISHWASHER!
There are some little things that we are working through.
Educational apathy is my biggest concern.
I'm not sure how to motivate a child to WANT to learn.
It's hard to teach them, if they aren't interested.
I think some of this may be cultural, or be a result of not
having English speaking parents that can help them.
We are hoping, if the placement will be through the summer,
that we can get the girls into school at McCool where the boys go.
I know that they have special ESL* programs there.
(English as a Second Language)
Please pray with us about this.
We have court on Monday the 9th and will request from the judge
that the girls attend McCool.
In other news:
Little Meleah continues to be a LOVE!
She has learned to smack her lips to blow a kiss.
It's the cutest thing on the planet!
She loves to play pat-a-cake
and is really close to rolling over back to belly.
She is also getting up on her toes from a belly position and rocking a little bit. A long way from crawling, but the beginning stages are developing.
She is easy going and will sit (and sleep) in her stroller at the beach or wherever we are without complaining.
She has a LOT of hair in the back
and we are getting the ponies going.
And while you are here -
look at those eyelashes too....a heartbreaker this one!
She has tried carrots, squash, green beans and sweet potatoes.
peas, bananas and apples are coming in the next three weeks.
Having a child with food allergies -
I am only doing one food per week to make sure she is not reacting
in any way.
The next court date for her is January 24th.
If the paperwork is in order, she will go live with a relative at that time.
We are enjoying each day with her and trying not to think about the days to come.
Thank you for your continued prayers as we journey this road!
Tuesday, December 27, 2011
Meleah - 5 months
We have been so blessed to have this little angel in our home for the last five months.
She is rolling over - tummy to back
eating a little food
taking baths in the tub,
(instead of the sink!)
weighs almost 15 lbs
wears 6-9 month clothes
gets up once in the night for a bottle
takes super, short power naps during the day
has the nickname of Smiley Cat
(from her Halloween kitty costume)
so happy and smiley
so loved and lovable!!
And we were thrilled to be a part of her first Christmas.
Sadly, however, we are not going to be able to adopt her -
and she will go to live with grandparents after the next court hearing on Jan. 24th
(*provided all their paperwork is in order)
We aren't going to pretend that everything is alright.
We are going to cry our eyes out (more than we already have)
and miss her dearly.
But we are going to do our best to focus on
and be thankful for the time we had,
not the time that we don't.
Thank you all so much for loving her and including her in your prayers.
For your love and support of our decision to be foster parents.
Please continue to pray for us as our journey continues.
She is rolling over - tummy to back
eating a little food
taking baths in the tub,
(instead of the sink!)
weighs almost 15 lbs
wears 6-9 month clothes
gets up once in the night for a bottle
takes super, short power naps during the day
has the nickname of Smiley Cat
(from her Halloween kitty costume)
so happy and smiley
so loved and lovable!!
 |
| First airplane ride - Saipan - Thanksgiving 2011 |
 |
| Chil-laxin' by the pool |
 |
| Taking a dip |
 |
| First time in the ocean - yeah, she's got rolls!! |
And we were thrilled to be a part of her first Christmas.
 |
| Special stocking handmade by Nanny in Michigan |
 |
| Christmas jammies! |
Sadly, however, we are not going to be able to adopt her -
and she will go to live with grandparents after the next court hearing on Jan. 24th
(*provided all their paperwork is in order)
We aren't going to pretend that everything is alright.
We are going to cry our eyes out (more than we already have)
and miss her dearly.
But we are going to do our best to focus on
and be thankful for the time we had,
not the time that we don't.
Thank you all so much for loving her and including her in your prayers.
For your love and support of our decision to be foster parents.
Please continue to pray for us as our journey continues.
Tuesday, September 13, 2011
PLUG IN to foster care on Guam
HEY!
Great news for you!
Did you know??
You don't have to be a foster parent to plug in and help foster care children on the island of Guam.
Here is a link / story about the foster care ministry that we are involved in.
It's called HARVEST HOUSE -
because the harvest is plenty!
click for the Back to School Event
Coming soon we will begin to collect toys and clothes for the foster children's Christmas party.
There are over 225 children in the Guam Foster Care system.
Would you like to sponsor a child for Christmas??
If so, please email me and I will add you to the list.
If you have an age / gender request that you would like to shop for,
I can get you that too!
THANK YOU!
MikenMelda@aol.com
Great news for you!
Did you know??
You don't have to be a foster parent to plug in and help foster care children on the island of Guam.
Here is a link / story about the foster care ministry that we are involved in.
It's called HARVEST HOUSE -
because the harvest is plenty!
click for the Back to School Event
Coming soon we will begin to collect toys and clothes for the foster children's Christmas party.
There are over 225 children in the Guam Foster Care system.
Would you like to sponsor a child for Christmas??
If so, please email me and I will add you to the list.
If you have an age / gender request that you would like to shop for,
I can get you that too!
THANK YOU!
MikenMelda@aol.com
Tuesday, May 3, 2011
HOPE
How do you give HOPE?
It's easy to give a hungry person food
Or a naked person clothes
or a cold person a blanket
or a homeless person a place to sleep
but HOPE?
Sometimes hope starts with
food,
clothes,
a blanket
and a place to sleep.
But it can't end there.
Giving HOPE involves relationship.
Investing
in someone's life
to the point
that your own life
might become
uncomfortable
Are you willing to give HOPE??
May is foster care month. Events are taking place nationwide.
Check here for an event in your area.
Foster care is full of children who need HOPE.
It doesn't just mean that you take in a child.
There is MUCH you can do besides that, or in addition to that.
If you live on Guam,
JOIN US!!
on Sunday, May 29th at 10am
Bayview Church
to hear God's passion for these children.
And to learn about the needs of the orphan
on Guam and worldwide.
SEE YOU THERE!
(*to read other things I have written on this topic, see the links below)
The Cry of the Orphan
The Starfish Story
Touching video
Hungry in Haiti
Feeding hungry children
Preventing orphans
It's easy to give a hungry person food
Or a naked person clothes
or a cold person a blanket
or a homeless person a place to sleep
but HOPE?
Sometimes hope starts with
food,
clothes,
a blanket
and a place to sleep.
But it can't end there.
Giving HOPE involves relationship.
Investing
in someone's life
to the point
that your own life
might become
uncomfortable
Are you willing to give HOPE??
May is foster care month. Events are taking place nationwide.
Check here for an event in your area.
Foster care is full of children who need HOPE.
It doesn't just mean that you take in a child.
There is MUCH you can do besides that, or in addition to that.
If you live on Guam,
JOIN US!!
on Sunday, May 29th at 10am
Bayview Church
to hear God's passion for these children.
And to learn about the needs of the orphan
on Guam and worldwide.
SEE YOU THERE!
(*to read other things I have written on this topic, see the links below)
The Cry of the Orphan
The Starfish Story
Touching video
Hungry in Haiti
Feeding hungry children
Preventing orphans
Sunday, April 10, 2011
Foster Care update
We got our foster care license!!!!!!!!!!
We were approved on March 10th, but somehow our license got sent through the wrong inter-office paper shuffle and was lost for about three weeks. (*OOG)
Phase two of waiting for a placement wasn't very long.
(we didn't think it would be)
But the frustration of waiting at all makes me crazy.
As usual though, God's timing is always perfect.
The boys' last day of school before spring break was Thursday.
Friday, we got the call.
Mike had already taken the next week off for the boys' spring break, so it is really going to be nice to have him home as we adjust from a family of five to a family of six.
We have another 11 year old in our house!
Five boys now, counting Mike.
It really makes it easier for clothes and toys.
We fully understand that this weekend is our honeymoon phase.
So, please pray for us!!
Pray that we can show him unconditional love.
Pray that he will settle into our family well.
Pray that Michael, Isaac and Zion are patient in sharing their parents.
Thank you!
We were approved on March 10th, but somehow our license got sent through the wrong inter-office paper shuffle and was lost for about three weeks. (*OOG)
Phase two of waiting for a placement wasn't very long.
(we didn't think it would be)
But the frustration of waiting at all makes me crazy.
As usual though, God's timing is always perfect.
The boys' last day of school before spring break was Thursday.
Friday, we got the call.
Mike had already taken the next week off for the boys' spring break, so it is really going to be nice to have him home as we adjust from a family of five to a family of six.
We have another 11 year old in our house!
Five boys now, counting Mike.
It really makes it easier for clothes and toys.
We fully understand that this weekend is our honeymoon phase.
So, please pray for us!!
Pray that we can show him unconditional love.
Pray that he will settle into our family well.
Pray that Michael, Isaac and Zion are patient in sharing their parents.
Thank you!
Saturday, January 15, 2011
Foster Care Update
If you missed part one of the this story........ click here.
I have had a few people ask me how the process is going for foster care.
All of our paperwork is in, and we have had our personal interviews and our family homestudy.
We estimate about four to six more weeks until everything is processed and we are approved for foster care.
Isaac and Zion both told the social worker that they want a little sister.
I am not sure, when placing children, how much they factors in, but the social worker thought it was cute!
We are asking friends and family to continue to pray for us and the child(ren) that will be in our home.
Each situation will have its own story, and it will be a hard story.
For many obvious reasons, we won't be allowed to share these stories on the blog, so if you would like to be on a personal prayer list for us, please email me at MikenMelda@aol.com and I will add you to the email update list.
For now, please pray for these two little boys.
Again, I can't tell you their story, but they need a home. They have been in a shelter here on Guam for some time. I believe that God knows what they need, and if we are part of that process, I pray that we will be the hands and feet of Jesus to them.
Thank you for your love and support!
I have had a few people ask me how the process is going for foster care.
All of our paperwork is in, and we have had our personal interviews and our family homestudy.
We estimate about four to six more weeks until everything is processed and we are approved for foster care.
Isaac and Zion both told the social worker that they want a little sister.
I am not sure, when placing children, how much they factors in, but the social worker thought it was cute!
We are asking friends and family to continue to pray for us and the child(ren) that will be in our home.
Each situation will have its own story, and it will be a hard story.
For many obvious reasons, we won't be allowed to share these stories on the blog, so if you would like to be on a personal prayer list for us, please email me at MikenMelda@aol.com and I will add you to the email update list.
For now, please pray for these two little boys.
Again, I can't tell you their story, but they need a home. They have been in a shelter here on Guam for some time. I believe that God knows what they need, and if we are part of that process, I pray that we will be the hands and feet of Jesus to them.
Thank you for your love and support!
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