Only 9 Hours Left...

We have 9 hours left of  licensing classes.  THANK THE LORD!!!  

I have to be honest, I am SO sick of these classes!  I hate being away from the kids and I miss my Saturday's.  Although they have been informative, I can totally understand why people decide not to do this. Not only is the process long, but the state rules are rigid and pretty unrealistic.  For example, in a recent class we learned that we probably shouldn't allow our little 2 year old foster daughter to sit on our laps because its not appropriate(?)....here's the kicker....and so as a result, we also shouldn't allow our OWN children to sit on our laps because it will cause the foster child to feel different and unloved.  Are they kidding me?  Perhaps this rule would apply to an older child, but sorry, I'm not going to change the way I love my kids.  I know that they have to say and cover all area's of the rules and regulations, but much of it is completely unrealistic.  Don't even get me started on the spanking topic...apparently if you spank, you abuse (they group any type of physical discipline in the abuse category) and no spanking (even your own children) is allowed within earshot of the foster child. It really upsets me that a few bad apples have spoiled the bunch. But we'll be fine; we will continue to parent the way we feel God has called us to parent and I know this little child will feel loved and accepted while she is here. 

As far as the Concurrent Planning Program, I think that right now its better for us to do traditional foster care, mostly because we really cannot say with 100% certainty that we are staying in southern CA long-term.  Once we know either way, we will get started with adoption, but are unsure as to what that will look like.  We are praying for God's guidance and perspective over the entire situation.

Something interesting to note:  We learned this past weekend that if you adopt from CA's foster care system, not only are you given a monthly stipend until the child turns 18, but the child also receives MediCal until they turn 18.  This makes adopting from the foster care system so doable for the average family!