We are afraid that we will soon be experiencing our first heartbreak at CLM. Josiane, Mayara, Diana and Diego have had several visits with their father and his wife in the last month. They, along with their extended family, have expressed their interest for the children to come back to live with them. This was scary at first for especially Josiane because she has vivid memories of how alcohol affected her father's behavior. However, two years have passed while they have been at CLM, and he has made many positive changes in his lifestyle. The judge and our director feel very comfortable with allowing the children to return but it is still the children's decision. After this Friday's visit, each one will be asked what they want to do. As you can imagine, this will be a difficult decision for all of them.
Emotionally, we are torn, as well. Obviously, we want them to have their own family but they are already a part of our CLM family! We have to admit that in the flesh, we have fears about them returning to a potentially similar situation that brought them to us in the first place. Since we never truly know how long a child will be with us, we have to see each day as a gift from God, believing that He alone must be their rock and refuge. Please pray for God's direction for each of the children and for us as we face this new challenge.
3 comments:
Only God knows what the future holds for thses kids, and we just need to keep praying His protection over them all. Love you guys and miss you!
Kathi
Have the children decided what they wish to do yet? I am so grateful that the children of Brazil have been blessed with so many missionaries who care and love for them. You all are showing the children that there are good people in the world, which restores their hope in humanity. Now whether the children decide to leave or stay, at least they know a safe place of refuge is. You all have also introduced them to God's love, and just maybe their father and step mother will be more open to hearing the Gospel also.
However, being a parent of one, I can only imagine the emotions that you are feeling.
Love and miss you both,
Jenn and Jadyn
As we say with our own children, we equipt them spiritually, mentally, emotionally and pray pray pray that life turns out good for them. It is our prayer that there will not be so much torment when they return home. What heartache you must be experiencing.
Our prayers are with you, Jill and Ed Dickerhoof
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