We are now officially houseparents at the Promise House. And life is starting to get very interesting . . .
We moved into the Promise House on Monday. I also started a couple seminary classes Monday as well. Our apartment is stacked from floor to ceiling with cardboard boxes. It seems like a pretty big task getting all that stuff in it’s spot . . . but we’re making some headway on it. At the same time Sophia has gotten really sicker. She was fighting a little cold all last week, but we thought she was about past it. But now the fever has come and the mucus is flowing like milk and honey (but not near as tasty)!
Meanwhile, we’re learning what it means to be houseparents. We take our first solo flight tomorrow. Keri, the other houseparent is going to get to take a few days off. Tomorrow will be her first day off since Thanksgiving.
Right now there are three girls here. There is a new one coming tomorrow. Despite the stress of getting a house in order and a sick baby, we have enjoyed our first few days here and have learned a lot.
And there is a lot to learn! . . . cleaning schedules, chores, laundry schedules, water, breakfast, lunch, dinner, snack, thermometers, computers, alarm systems, etc., etc.
But really, it’s all about creating an environment where these girls can feel safe, taken care of, and loved. It’s about giving them opportunities to learn basic life skills and how to care for a baby. But most of all, it’s about creating a home where they can experience the love, grace, power, wrath, holiness, purity, passion of Jesus through relationships.
For example, “Rejoice” told me tonight that she didn’t need friends. She didn’t want friends. That she was her own friend. I’d probably say the same thing if my mom had abandoned me and then I had jumped from foster family to foster family for years. At the Promise House it’s our job to make it ok to be vulnerable . . . to let someone in and be friends.n
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