This week, we will experience our first of 4 classes that we need to attend in order to complete the certification process for fost/adopt. This week's focus is on legal issues. We are not entirely clear on what that will cover, but I'm sure we will spend time in the area of the parents' rights and what that looks like for them to fight for their rights and give up their rights as parents. Then there are the legal rights of the kids, not to mention the lack of love and attention they may have had up to this point in their lives!

I'm sure we are beginning the process of increasing our knowledge....and somehow that leads me to believe, we will also open up our hearts to the pain and lack of love that these kids will have experienced up to this point so far. Place on top of that, the books I have been reading about "attachment disorder", and it just breaks my (Debbie's) heart!! Attachment disorder is just that - kids have not had healthy attachment (hugs, nurturing, love, playful childhood games) in the homes where they have lived so they could quite possibly act out in numerous ways: same symptoms as ADHD, very distant, learning disabilities...and more. All of these things, I am sure we will be hearing more and more details on as we progress in this process. We are already praying that we will be able to form SOME kind of bond with the kids that come into our home and into our hearts....but it's not one sided. These kids may not be willing to meet us there either right away or for many years. That could be quite hard for us and even miserable for the kids.

Of course, there is always the possibility that the kids are happy to be a part of a family that does love them....that's the part I'M hoping and praying for! But it truly is in God's hands....giving us strength and wisdom as each day comes along, as each child develops, and as we grow with them!