Monday, September 22, 2008

Josh and the Joy He Brings Us






In 1994, we were neck deep in foster-parenting two very rambunctious, handsome little boys, Robert and Peter. They had already been through a lot in their young lives before coming to live with us. They were, to put it gently, quite a handful. We felt that we were, at that time, a complete little family. After all, there were two of them, and two of us...perfect. The boys had been in our care for almost two years by then and we were just beginning to get the hang of the whole parenting thing.

One early Friday morning, we received a call from the agency that was overseeing our fostering endeavor. They had a little guy who needed a home, "just for the weekend". They had identified a family for this little guy, but they were out of town for the 4th of July holiday weekend.

With that, Joshua, a little roly-poly 5 month old baby boy, bounded into our lives. We had never done the "baby" thing. Robert and Peter had come to us as toddlers, not as babies. "Well", we thought, "it was just for the weekend". "We would survive, and so would he".

That was over thirteen years ago. So much for "just for the weekend". We are so thankful that the Lord chose for him to be a part of our lives. The Lord had a plan for Joshua and for us, way before Josh was ever born. The first five months of his little life were filled with extreme trauma. It breaks my heart thinking of all that he went through, yet God had a plan. We are so grateful that our Heavenly Father is in control of all things. What Satan meant for evil, God has made good.


Josh and his big brother Robert

He has added so much joy to our lives. He is bright, loving and intuitive. We believe that he will be true to his name and someday become a great leader and a "Mighty Warrior", like the Joshua of the Old Testament, for our Lord and Savior.



Joshua has asked me to let everyone know that he now has his own blog page. It can be viewed at believingfollowingleading.blogspot.com. (Yes, in case anyone is wondering, he was much faster at figuring it out than I was:)


10 comments:

Rebecca said...

I just wanted to leave a comment and say how much I enjoyed meeting Josh, and that he seems to have one of the sweetest hearts, and seems like he is such a polite, caring, kind kid. I can see how he would be such a blessing to your family. How wonderful, the ways that God blesses us, knowing the He has a thousand ways to provide for us, of which we know nothing! Who would have ever thought when you thought that you were just taking him home for the weekend!

Ilene said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Believing, Following, Leading said...

great post!
that stuff about Josh is great! It makes me feel like i did a good job as your son! hahaha :>

amy wright said...

I love this story. The day you told it at FBC, I think I was crying...a bit. :) I kind of think that God caused him to spit-up all over that lady because he belonged just to you guys! Ha ha! I love it!

Becky Dietz said...

Love Josh's story---and his blog! Good job, Josh!! And good grammar. WOW!

Anonymous said...

You are so blessed!

Enjoying the journey... said...

What a sweet post and great pictures....your weekend wonder!!

Kara said...

I love your story, Josh's story. Amazing and especially that God chose him to come to you. So amazing. Thanks for sharing.

Dawn Lowe said...

I could listen to your stories about the kids and how they came into your lives over and over!

Unknown said...

I had not heard the story before, I would have never of known I just thought he looked and acted (quirky traits and all) just like his lovely parents. Who would have thought he was born into the family throgh adoption. It's amazing how our Lord can bless us with children. I know at times just looking at my own children it puts me in awe of God and the blessing he has showered upon me, it truely is a wonderful feeling.