Distractions & Additions of Guardianship

It's Official: Our Family Is Expanding-- in a way that came as a BIG surprise.

Last week, my uncle in Missouri called and asked if we would consider letting my second cousin, Adam, who is 12 (turning 13 in November)  come live with us. Based on his current living situation my uncle has watched the hope fade from Adam's life. Because of this less than positive impact and chaotic living situation my uncle could see unfolding yet again in Adam's life, my Uncle shared that wanted to provide an option to his daughter (my cousin) for her son -- that option was us.  He hoped to talk to Adam's mother about the whole thing that week but wanted to see if we would be willing before saying or doing anything! Josh and I spent the evening and next day praying over this and decided, we were in.

Hope is something we are always looking toward! And what an opportunity to share hope with a young man seeking this so greatly! We moved forward thinking "we're willing but what are the odds of the mom wanting to do this and the 12-year-old son also wanting to do this. I mean Nevada is pretty far away from Missouri."

Less than 12 hours later we got a call.
We had an emotional conversation but...
Mom wants to do it.
Adam wants to come live with you.
It's a go.

Wow! This is really happening.
Over the weekend we spent time video chatting with Adam. As we got to know him even a little over the computer - it was clear he is looking for hope. He wants to climb a mountain (which works out since we live in the mountains) and is eager for people see him, and care for him in a new way. (His mother was pretty overwhelmed and his biological father was just sent to prison.)

By the end of Labor Day weekend 2013,  plane tickets were purchased and everyone agreed this would be an incredible opportunity for Adam at a crucial age.

So here we are, less than 5 days later, and I admit Josh and I are freaking out! As of September 28 we will be guardians (till at least the end of the school year) of a 12/13 year old!

As I sat outside tonight praying - "Lord I'm not ready!" I felt His comfort surround me saying - "yes you are! I've been preparing you."

I'm leaning into that still small voice! And am encouraged by a scripture that has been following us around all summer: "Be Strong and courageous, do not be afraid,  for the Lord Your God is with you where ever you go!"  - Joshua 1:9

Our family is growing.
It's exciting yet terrifying to be where we are at this moment. We've dreamed about how our family would grow for years and what that would look like,  and yes this is a different angle than I expected. But here we go. Let the adventure begin, we're starting with a preteen!