Tuesday, June 12, 2012

Changes...

Changes are coming to the Bowyer house.

Some of which we knew and have been preparing for.....others have taken us by surprise.

We are going to be empty nesters in the fall.
We have worked and prepared for 23 years to raise our kids to be independent and capable of taking off on their own......and now the last one will leave and start a new season in his life!  It is bittersweet for sure.   It's what we worked hard for.  

My kids have grown into amazing, godly young adults and it is exciting to see them spread their wings and find their own way!  But for TWENTY THREE years my role has been....mom.  Now, I realize that I will always be their mom, but the role changes from teacher to supporter.  And with that change comes time and space.  

Time for something else God has for me.

Space for God to fill with something new.

I have been praying for many months that God would give me a PASSION for what He has next in my life.  And as I prayed, He began to build in me the desire to foster.

what?!

That's what I said the first time He laid it on my heart...
wait Lord, I am just now getting my "freedom" and you want me to bring more children in my house?  
Lord, I am 52 years old......would I have the stamina?
Lord, what will Steve say? 

Yet, I could not let go of the idea.  And each day I prayed, God brought scripture after scripture to answer each of my questions........excitement from my kids and agreement from Steve......sermon after sermon to confirm what I already knew........I needed to be obedient and take the first step.

Change.
BIG change is coming to the Bowyer house.

We have started the process to be respite care for foster families.  That means that we will be a house that foster families can leave their kids when they need to go out of town or just need a break.  I am SO excited to see how this will play out and also VERY nervous at the same time.  

But, one thing I know for sure......if God is calling us, we need to be obedient.  And in that obedience, He will bless it and our efforts.

Please be praying for us as we start this process.  In Arkansas, it can take from 3 months to a year to be certified.  Pray that we would listen and hear God each step of the way!  And that we would be able to be His hands and feet to these precious children caught in a storm they had no control over.

Changes....yep, they're coming!

I love that.

14 comments:

Jill from Killeny Glen said...

WOW Sara! GOOD FOR YOU! We did just that for a few years. Still do from time to time when the need arises though our own kiddos have kept us too busy most of the time. The most rewarding AND heartbreaking experience of our lives.
Blessings as you go through the process.

By the way...I do foster parent training!!!! Wish you were in my classes! :)

Penny said...

How exciting! Sara, that is so wonderful and generous! I know you, your family, and the children you will foster will all be blessed.

Jamie said...

Wow! Big changes for sure. I'll be praying for you in this process. So excited to hear how God continues to work as you walk in obedience. I know you will be a blessing to many along the way.

Skoots1moM said...

your energy amazes me...sending prayers for this special time for you, two!

LuAnn said...

God's Blessings on this new road in your life. "HE" will be with you every step of the way.

You and Steve will be blessings to any child who enter your home.

HUGS !!

Jewel said...

So wonderful to hear! I have always had the impression that you are a wonderful, caring, and godly mother, and you will certainly be a blessing for the foster children and their foster parents! There has been a "foster care and adoption bug" (almost like the pregnancy bug! ha) going around our church in just the last year and IT IS WONDERFUL! I love that you are doing this, and I will be thinking of you and your husband when I see my other friends doing foster care!

Cathy said...

Respite Foster Care is a much needed service and I know God will bless both of you and the children who will someday be in your care.

Kim said...

I had never even heard of the respite care program for foster families. Sounds like a challenge that will also be a blessing! Praying as you go through the certification process.

H-Mama said...

wow. that 'is' really big news. what a great example you and your husband are continuing to be for your kids. huge hugs and thoughts coming your way as you 'ease' into this transition. ;)

The Bug said...

Oh good for you guys! I'm so excited for you :)

Unknown said...

how exciting! I know several couples locally that foster. Thank you for being obedient and a testimony to us to remain faithful to God's calling- in every stage of our lives!

Robin Lambright said...

Listening heart, a willing and obedient spirit = God's awesome plan!

I know that as long as you are seeking His direction first then you will never step on a path that is not directed by his perfect timing!

Blessings as you make these first steps to a new place!
R

riTa Koch said...

Exciting!

(Great to catch up on blog-reading today!)

Lavonda Pflug said...

How cool! I pray God will use you and your home to bless many little lives!