Day 24: Trusting God

I received that lovely plaque in the mail yesterday from my mom. It's perfect. More and more each day, I learn to trust God with everything - and what a relief it is! He holds us all in the palm of His hands.

Everything has been going great here. The kids are doing wonderfully and we are all getting into the groove. I've learned that motherhood is hard work! It's not always easy, but the rewards far outweigh the work.

"Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the Lord our God." - Psalm 20:7

Day 20: Busy Busy!

Today was filled with various appointments for the kids. In the morning, I made some yummy french toast; they ate it up so fast! Next, three of the boys had dentist appointments. Due to insurance problems, only one child was actually seen by the dentist. One screaming little boy later, we finished up and had a few different evaluations for them. Everything went relatively well! I am slowly learning the ropes with all the paperwork we have to do for the kids; I just hope I can remember everything. I think it'll just take some time to get used to it.

After resting up yesterday, I was re-energized for the craziness of 4 little boys and a baby girl. They really are so adorable and are doing so well, given their circumstances. Bedtime is a little bit of a challenge; it normally involves some crying, rocking, and numerous rounds of "Twinkle Twinkle Little Star". Their tight hugs and sweet "I love yous" make it all worthwhile :)

“Watch, stand fast in the faith, be brave, be strong. Let all that you do be done with love.” - 1 Corinthians 16:13-14

Day 19: A Day Off

After doing the overnight shift with the baby last night, I had a much-needed day off today. I finished setting up my room, read the Bible, chatted with family, went to the gym, and just relaxed! It feels good to be able to recharge my batteries so I can be at my best when caring for the children. Those little ones really tire me out!

Today, I was also feeling quite homesick. Luckily, I was able to video chat with my parents back home. They always know the right words to say to give me strength and guidance in any situation. I am beyond blessed to have such a wonderful, loving family. Being here has made me appreciate that blessing more than ever before.

The rest of the week will be filled with playtime, snack time, bath time, and bedtime. Can't relax for too long! ;)

"Be at rest once more, O my soul, for the LORD has been good to you. For you, O LORD, have delivered my soul from death, my eyes from tears, my feet from stumbling, that I may walk before the LORD in the land of the living." - Psalm 116:7-9

Day 17 & 18: Kid Time!

The past two days have been filled with the energy of 4 little boys and a newborn baby girl! It's been pretty crazy around here, getting settled in and getting to know all of the children. They are all so adorable! I had never held a 4-day-old baby before; she is the prettiest girl. I'm actually holding her as I type this (doing the overnight shift)! The four little boys are rambunctious, funny, energetic and everything in between. I'm definitely exhausted, but excited to settle into this little family. My days are pretty much packed full of playtime, so I will try my hardest to keep this blog updated as often as possible.

I've been missing my family a lot more these past few days, so I pray that God gives me peace here in my new home. I want to give these children all the happiness they so deserve.

"The LORD will fight for you; you need only to be still." - Exodus 14:14

Day 16: Move-In Day

Phew! Today was a crazy, tiring, exciting day! We had to move everything into our new homes and then assist in the moving of one whole house to another. After transporting tons of toys, suitcases, beds, and cribs, I am so sore and exhausted. However, I am also SO happy to be all set up in my new room in my new house with all my kids and fellow houseparents! This year is going to be amazing! HERE. WE. GO.

My new room :)

Another shot of my new room. Love it!

"Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come." - 2 Corinthians 5:17

Day 15: Graduation Day

It's finally here! Graduation Day! :) Today was wonderful. We finished up training in the afternoon and then celebrated our graduation with a little ceremony, complete with certificates, caps, and celebratory banana muffins! It felt good to complete the training and start to focus on our new homes and children.

Before graduation, we watched an HBO documentary called "The Broken Child". It was about the cycle of child abuse & neglect from generation to generation. Although it was quite depressing, it definitely puts things into perspective. The parents of these neglected children are oftentimes just neglected children themselves - forced to grow up without the love and guidance of a family. It's a vicious cycle that Casa works hard to break, one child at a time.

Tonight, we were able to spend the evening with our new kids. With four little boys and a baby girl, we definitely have a full house! All of the children are so adorable and very well-behaved; I can't wait to get to know all of them. We'll move in tomorrow night and officially begin our year as foster parents!! I pray that God grants us peace and strength to love these children with all we have.

"Serve wholeheartedly, as if you were serving the Lord, not people." - Ephesians 6:7

Day 14: Exploring Houston

Today, on our second to last day of training, we received our housing assignments! We were all so excited to see where we'd be placed and who we'd be working with. I am very happy with my housing placement and am looking forward to taking care of a 4 day old (!), three toddlers, and a 6 year old! I definitely have my hands full :)

After we received our housing information, a few of us drove around Houston, exploring the gorgeous Hermann Park. It was so fun! Houston seems like such a great city and I'm excited to see more of it this upcoming year. Below are some pics I took from the day...

Tomorrow is our "graduation" day! Only one more day of training and then we get to celebrate :) These past two weeks have flown by and I am so excited to see what God has in store for all of us.

"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." - Jeremiah 29:11

Day 13: An Official Texan

On Day 13, I became an official resident of the state of Texas! We spent a few hours in the DMV, surrendered our old licenses (goodbye New York!) and received our new Texas driver's licenses. Crazy!

Afterward, we all came home to complete our required 6-hour defensive driving course. I am very glad that's over! We are now allowed to drive the vans :)

We have just two days of training left. I cannot believe how fast these two weeks have gone! On Thursday, we will graduate from houseparents-in-training and soon after, we will receive our housing assignment. I am nervous and so excited to officially start my year as a foster parent. I know my time here is going to fly by, so I'm trying to take everything in and enjoy each moment. 

"This is the day which the LORD hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it." - Psalm 118:24

Day 12: Car Seats

On my twelfth day here in Houston, we completed a lovely training session on installing car seats! After numerous successful installations, we are now all certified to properly tote our children around in the nice new vans :)

On a side-note, my mom sent me a package with a special edition of Time magazine about the life and works of Mother Teresa. What a wonderful read! Mother Teresa is one of my heroes. Everything about her life is such an inspiration to me. Her constant, immovable faith in God and His will for her life leaves me in awe. She never questioned where He was leading her; she followed faithfully like a true servant. Her life is a model to how we should all strive to live - humbly surrendering to the One who sent us.

Well, we have just a few more days of training until our big "graduation"! We're all very excited to find out where we'll be placed. Tomorrow, we'll be spending some time in the good ol' DMV to get our Texas driver's licenses. My New York license will have to be destroyed :( I'll be an official Texan!

"If you fully obey the Lord your God and carefully follow all his commands I give you today, the Lord your God will set you high above all the nations on earth." - Deuteronomy 28:1

Day 11: Shadowing

This morning, I went to church with several other houseparents and two children. We went to St. Michael's Catholic Church. It was a wonderful service - really packed! It always feels like home, being in church. I was so glad to meet other Catholics and join them for mass.

After church, I completed my second day of shadowing a current household. I was there from the afternoon until bedtime, so I got to see a lot of their routine. From lunchtime to story time, there's always lots of playing and laughing! It was great to be with the kids today. Their sweet innocent faces make all of this worthwhile. All of their energy has really tired me out though! I'll definitely sleep well tonight :)

Tomorrow begins our last week of training! I can't believe how fast time is flying!

"Turn from evil and do good; seek peace and pursue it." - Psalm 34:14

Day 10: Astros vs. Phillies

The Houston Astros!

On Day 10 of my time here in Texas, a group of us went to the Houston Astros baseball game! It was my first time attending a professional baseball game and it was really fun! The Astros won against the Phillies, so everyone was very excited. Go team! :)

Astros vs. Phillies

Take me out to the ballgame...

Before the game, I shadowed current houseparents and their morning/afternoon routine. It was wonderful to spend the day with such adorable kids! After observing the routine, I have more confidence that I can complete all of my household duties and be a good houseparent. I really look forward to moving into a house and taking care of children. Just 5 more days of training! 

  

"And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose." - Romans 8:28

Day 9: CPR Certified

Today, we received our CPR certification! After three hours of learning about CPR and perfecting our technique, we all became certified. Although I hope we never have to use it! Afterward, the housemates and I went to Free Birds, a burrito joint here in Houston. After a delicious veggie burrito bowl, we bonded over Remember the Titans. We all have to be up bright and early tomorrow to shadow current houseparents and observe their morning/afternoon routine. I'm looking forward to spending the day with the kids!

On another note, I received a package today from my mom. I miss my home and my family, but I have a peace that I've never quite felt before. I anticipated being incredibly homesick, however I am actually feeling so happy and content with where I am! I know that God has been answering my prayers for strength and guidance. How awesome it is to feel that love.

"And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age." - Matthew 28:20

Day 8: Household Responsibilities

At our training sessions today, we went over our various responsibilities as houseparents. There is a lot of paperwork and documentation involved in our jobs. I hope I am able to learn quickly so that I fall easily into the routine of the house. I pray that God enables me to be the best houseparent I can be, to fulfill all of my duties and to be a blessing to everyone around me.

After the training ended at 5, a few housemates and I went to a cycling class at the gym. I was so happy to finally be able to get to the gym; I haven't been since I moved to Houston! The class was awesome, although pretty different than my spinning class back home. I hope to get to the gym regularly once I have a more predictable schedule.

Tomorrow is another day of training, followed by a weekend full of shadowing and mentoring with current houseparents. I look forward to learning as much as I can from them and spending more time with the kids! Our training ends one week from today, when all of us will finally be able to start our new roles as foster parents. May His peace be with us.

"Those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles." - Isaiah 40:31

Day 7: Childhood

On day number seven of my time here in Houston, we had several training sessions and videos on child psychology and the child's brain. It was very enlightening and informative, especially since we will be dealing with some developmentally challenged children. The psychologist that came to speak with us said that our attention is the most powerful gift we can give these children. Forming strong, healthy attachments as a baby is essential to human growth and development. We learned about babies who were left alone with little to no human interaction in the first months of their lives; these babies either died or were unable to develop into healthy children. Although these stories are eye-opening, it is incredibly sad to hear about kids who have no hope in their lives.

After hearing these stories, I can't help but reflect on my own happy childhood. I knew nothing but love and was surrounded by only stable, caring adults who would move heaven and earth to make sure my needs were met. I was important; I was worthy. This self-worth that was instilled in me since birth has been carried through every aspect of my life. It has made me who I am today. Hearing about kids who have experienced so much abuse and neglect, I cannot imagine what that feels like, especially as a child. Parenting and raising children is the most important thing we do in this life and I am so grateful that God blessed me with incredible parents. I hope to extend that blessing, at least in a little way, to the kids I will be working with here in Houston. No child should be without love.

My amazing family!

 

"I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth." - 3 John 1:4

Day 6: More Training (and KIDS!)

Training Folder
 

This morning was another training session for all of us houseparents-in-training. After some informative childcare lessons, we signed more paperwork and headed over to shadow a house and observe their routine. The best part about this was that we were finally able to meet and play with some of the kids! Wow, they were so adorable! It made me really excited to move into a house and start working with them after we finish training next week. Their sweet happy faces just lit up my day.
 

On the phone with my parents tonight, I was telling them how nice and welcoming every single person is here at Casa. It really amazes me that every new person I meet here is nicer than the last! It's definitely reassuring and comforting to me, being so far from home and family. I look forward to meeting more people tomorrow and completing another day of training. I am so thankful for how everything has worked out. 
 

"The Lord gives strength to his people; the Lord blesses his people with peace." - Psalm 29:11

Day 5: Meeting the Founders

All the new houseparents-in-training!
 

Today was a busy day! In the morning, all of the new houseparents and I were taken to get fingerprinted and drug tested. Afterward, we went to the office to have lunch with the two founders of Casa de Esperanza! It was so amazing to hear their story and learn how they started this wonderful organization. Countless children have been saved throughout the past thirty years due to their humble and tireless efforts. It really made me realize that all big ideas start small. From a tiny house with a few kids to the beautiful neighborhood that Casa has today, it's incredible to see the magnitude of an organization that has grown from such humble beginnings. No matter what you're doing in life or how small it may seem, you never know where God might take you!

After meeting with the founders, some of the current houseparents came over to our house to share their experiences. Everyone who speaks to us about Casa has such a strong sense of community and respect for each other. The love of children is put above everything else. It was great to talk to them and learn more about what it means to be a houseparent at Casa de Esperanza.

Tonight, the roomies and I played a fun game of Cranium and caught up on some TV. Tomorrow is another busy day of training! We will be "shadowing" current houseparents, which hopefully means I'll get to meet some of the kids :) I am so grateful for this opportunity and pray that God guides me to be the best parent I can be.

"Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever." - 1 Chronicles 16:34

Day 4: The First Day

House of Hope

So today was the first official day of my year here at Casa de Esperanza. After breakfast, my mom and I headed over to the house to meet the rest of my housemates and get settled in. It was so hard to say goodbye to her, but I know this is where I am supposed to be. I've been praying for strength and feel a wonderful peace about the year ahead. God is good! 
 

Welcome! 

So, after a sad goodbye to my mom, my fellow houseparents and I were able to hang out and get to know each other. Everyone is so nice and they all come from such diverse backgrounds; it's been wonderful meeting all of them. We had our first training session from 6-9pm. It was basically an overview of the organization and our responsibilities as houseparents. Tomorrow is another day of training, starting bright and early at 8:45am!

Hello Casa!

I'm really looking forward to completing these next two weeks of training and getting started with the kids! I hope I can be a blessing in their lives because I am positive they will be a blessing in mine.

"Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it." - Proverbs 22:6

Day 3: Semi-Unpacked and the Houston Zoo

On Day 3 of my journey, my mom and I made it to Denny's for breakfast (we didn't miss the exit this time!) and then headed over to Casa de Esperanza to unpack a couple suitcases in the room I will be staying in for the next two weeks. I was able to meet two of my fellow houseparents-in-training and two of the current houseparents, all of whom were SO nice! We all chatted for a bit and shared our excitement for the upcoming year. I unpacked some of my clothes, then headed to the Houston Zoo with mom! Despite the extreme Texan heat, we had a blast touring the Zoo. After that, we left for an early dinner downtown at Ziggy's Bar & Grill. The food was amazing! Houston definitely has not let us down in the food department! After dinner, we went to mass at St. Vincent de Paul's Catholic Church. Hopefully I will be able to attend mass regularly during the next year! Next stop: Whole Foods. My first time at this store and I was pleasantly surprised! A glass of wine while I shop? Yes, please! :)

Below are some pictures from the day:

In front of our hotel, Summit Inn & Suites

 Texas!

Mom in my temporary house

  Mom in my temporary house

 In the kitchen

 In my room

The Casa neighborhood 

Welcome! 

Home :)

The neighborhood 

Casa de Esperanza

Casa de Esperanza

The Houston Zoo 

The Houston Zoo 

Chimp! 

 Chimp family :)

I'll call this one the "thinker" 

:) 

 Asian Elephant

<3

 Ziggy's Bar & Grill

Enjoying a nice glass of dark beer! 

First Whole Foods trip!

Tomorrow is my first day of training. I'm excited and nervous at the same time! I'll be sad to say goodbye to my mom, but I know that I have a great year ahead. It's all in God's hands!

"The Lord is my light and my salvation, whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life, of whom shall I be afraid?" - Psalm 27:1

Day 2: Meeting Casa

It's day two of my Texan journey here in the great city of Houston! After getting very lost on our way to Denny's (yes, we were craving a good ol' Moons Over My Hammy), my mom and I ended up starving in front of a burrito joint. At this point, it was almost 11AM, so we went with it! Two awesome veggie burrito bowls later, we headed toward Casa de Esperanza to meet my supervisors and see the neighborhood where I will be living.

Casa de Esperanza is located in a beautiful gated neighborhood, conveniently just a few minutes from our hotel! There are 10 gorgeous houses in the neighborhood, where all the houseparents and the children reside. I met several of my supervisors, all of whom are so friendly and welcoming. I also visited the house where I will be living for the 2 weeks of initial training. All of this has made me so excited for the year ahead; I am really looking forward to moving in, meeting everyone, and getting started! I feel God's peace and guidance during this transition and I pray that everything goes smoothly. Despite being nervous about this new journey, I know He is near.

"Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go." - Joshua 1:9

Day 1: Syracuse to Houston

So here I am, sitting in JFK airport in New York City, waiting to depart on my flight to Houston, TX. I left Syracuse early this morning, headed to my year of service at Casa de Esperanza de Los Ninos: House of Hope for Children. And so begins my journey!

Casa de Esperanza de Los Ninos (www.casahope.org), located in Houston, is a safe place for children in crisis due to abuse, neglect or the effects of HIV. They provide residential, medical and psychological care according to the needs of each child. Full-time staff volunteers are live-in childcare staff who commit a minimum of one year to Casa de Esperanza. Four volunteers will typically live in an agency foster home with four or five children under the age of six.  One of the volunteers will be licensed as the foster parent.  The four volunteers between them will provide 24-hour care to the children in the home.

I applied to the full-time volunteer position back in July, knowing that God had a special plan for this upcoming year. After reading about the organization and the houseparent position, I knew it was where He was calling me. So, I submitted the application and was offered the position a few weeks later. The past couple weeks have been a whirlwind of goodbyes, good lucks, and packing all my belongings into three suitcases. I am so excited and so nervous for this upcoming year. I pray that God guides me and enables me to bless these wonderful children as much as I can. Here goes nothing!

"In all things I have shown you that by working hard in this way we must help the weak and remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he himself said, 'It is more blessed to give than to receive.'" - Acts 20:35