Good-Byes

Lindsey has spent the last two years in the foster home of a Christian couple and a houseful of other foster girls. When we met Lindsey, there were six foster girls in that home, ranging in age from eleven to nineteen. They didn't all get along all of the time (that's a whole lot of hormones for one small house!), but I'm so thankful to her foster parents for all the love and time they put into those girls, and for taking them to church and telling them about the love of Christ. Their little church has been wonderful in loving and ministering to these girls, and we were blessed last Sunday to visit there. Everyone was delighted to see Lindsey, and it made me smile to hear so many people tell us how happy she looks.

After the sermon, Lindsey's caseworker took the pulpit. Not only is he a DFCS worker, but he is an ordained minister, as well as an adoptive parent. He spoke about what a blessing this church has been, and what an encouragment it was to Lindsey when the pastor's wife shared her own adoption story. He said he continues to be amazed that most of the kids in foster care turn out to be such decent people, despite what has happened to them. He spoke of how all of this has strengthened Lindsey's faith, and that when she is an old woman, she will look back on this time as a great milestone in her faith journey. I loved the words he shared from an old gospel hymn by Fanny Crosby called "Rescue the Perishing":

Down in the human heart, crushed by the tempter
Feelings lie buried that grace can restore
Touched by a loving heart, wakened by kindness,
Chords that were broken will vibrate once more.

He asked us to come down to the front of the church, and presented me with a small potted rose (yes, he's visited my blog!) and an "It's a Girl" balloon. We thanked the congregation for loving Lindsey and introducing her to Christ; her foster mom shared a few words; the pastor prayed for us; then the congregation all came to hug our necks. I told Ken later that I felt simultaneously like a hero (because of all the thanks for giving Lindsey a loving, permanent family) and the enemy (as they told me with tears in their eyes how much they'll miss Lindsey). The pastor asked Ken to say grace, and then we all headed down to the fellowship hall for a potluck dinner, where Lindsey received some beautiful gifts and a huge card signed by everyone.

We took a bunch of group pictures: Lindsey with her foster parents, with the pastor and his wife, with her caseworker and the other DFCS workers who came to show their support, and with the other girls. I'll send some of those to her foster mom. The one above is of us and Lindsey's foster parents.

"D" is Lindsey's bosom friend, as Anne Shirley would say. They've known each other since they were little, even before either of them came into foster care, and have shared the same room in their foster home. No longer being together has been hard on them both, particularly for D, I think. They'll keep in touch, but it'll be different than living in the same home.Saying goodbye was hard, and there were many tears shed, but this send-off was a great way to show Lindsey that everyone here loves her, supports her, is praying for her, and wishes the best for her.