A friend recently told me about a foster care and adoption support group that is for the people living in our county. The thing that drew me to the group was their monthly *Parents Night Out*. They have it at a local gymnastics facility! It is for 4 hours and it is for FREE! So I decided I would sing up for this group, because I love date night!
I went to my first meeting in December with the thought that Monte and I would have our first date night in January. The meeting I attended was informal. It was really a Christmas party. I got there early. *you can get places REALLY fast when you are not escorting five kids* I was able to watch the leader of the group interact with her family. She and her husband were very rude and yelling at their foster children and it really took me back. I figured it was probably stressful getting to the meeting and getting everything ready, so I let it go.
Slowly, very slowly, people started showing up. It was suppose to start at 10a (I got there at 9:50a) and it didn't really get started until 10:20a. That is one of my big pet peeves, but again I let it go, not knowing the "best" was yet to come.
The leader of this group stood at the front of this group of probably 40ish foster parents, I was the only one there that had only adopted, and she started bashing her foster children's birth family relentlessly. I am sure my eyes were bugging out of my eyes. I could not believe this was happening. Then her next tongue lashing was for DCS (department of child services) and how horrible they are. Now I will admit that they do have their issues (what government run organization doesn't?), but it was not the time or the place to express these vicious thoughts. AND the kicker was, DCS PAID for the party. They gave this group HUNDREDS of dollars for this Christmas celebration party. I am sure they didn't know what was going on behind their backs.
By this time I was getting sick to my stomach... then the self serving started. They are wonderful. Most people only give during the Christmas season, but they give all year long... blah, blah, blah. Oh and the cursing was just the icing on the cake.
Needless to say, I left that meeting with my heart feeling very heavy. I started emailing a friend that came to the meeting too and suddenly a vision was born. A support group where CHRIST is the center. No bashing, no cursing... just love and encouragement. Isn't that what a support group is suppose to do?
We had our first meeting at the end of December and 9 women showed up with only one week notice. We have started a group on facebook and we are up to 42 women. Not counting the ones that are not on facebook. I have been FLOORED at the response that we have gotten. It obviously was very needed!
We are going to start the Bible Study "Empowered to Connect" by Karyn Purvis. I *kinda* read the book that Karyn wrote, "The Connected Child", but I know I will really like going through the study with other adoptive moms.
Are any of you in a support group? Do you have any ideas on topics or Bible studies? This is all new to me and my prayer is that it is effective, people remain interested and it is stays centered on Christ!
10 comments:
That is so exciting!!!
That is a fabulous idea. Can't wait to see what God does through your group.
Blessings,
Amy
I am so proud of you for seeing a need and doing something about it! Have you gotten in Claudia Fletcher? She would be a really good resource for you for your group. It's 3rd Degree Parenting and her blod is Never a Dull Moment. You can also find her in my friends on FB.
I'll be praying for you!
Ruth Stedwell
Looks like you are meeting a big need based on the response!!! God will direct every decision and bless it abundantly!
Blessings,
Jenny
www.buildingbridgestoorphans.com
i LOVE how you responded to that meeting not by bashing them yourself or complaining, but with ACTION. you are busy with your own family, but you didn't let that stop you from what god had for you to do to be a blessing to others and bring him glory. wish i could be a part of it. i know it's going to be powerful and encouraging.
So excited to be a part of this group! thanks for putting it together :)
We are not....but sooo want to be. I think that is why we blog :)
Found you by blog surfing! And as we adopted twin boys (from Guatemala), I just had to check out your beautiful family! It so nice to "meet" you - your idea is brilliant! (What a horrible first meeting you described - bleh!). I have several adoptive mommy's in my life's circle and they are truly a blessing to me.
What a great idea, Tisha! Good luck! I'm inspired that you saw a need and met it! On a different note, are you familiar with the African Center in Indy? Someone sent me the link since we're getting the word out about our non-profit and it looks pretty amazing online. I'd like to come visit sometime....but I've been saying that about Indy forever (and your family), so feel free not to hold your breath :)
Blessings,
Danielle
I wish we were closer so that I could meet up with you ladies for a study...sounds great!
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