Babysitting for 10 Days?

Megan

January 4, 2012
  Who knew 10 days of babysitting could turn into a lifetime?  And that is how it happened, a call, an answer of yes or no, and then the direction of standby.  "Wait for a call sometime tomorrow, we'll be bringing a three-year-old and her one-year-old sister. " We need ten days." is what I heard, then goodbye.  

 

Emily (w/sisters and brother)

   That day came and went in a storm.  The girls were actually almost 5 and 22 months.  I was unprepared for what I saw in front of me.  I do not want to talk specifically because I do believe each child comes from a past that is their own to share.  I don't have the right to share their past as a bubble of pride on my behalf.  Let it be known, I saw in my house for the first time what physical abuse and neglect can look like. From that time on our survival instincts kicked in and God took Mike and I on a three year journey in and out of court, through turmoil and anger, as we saw the true effects of neglect and what it can do to harm a child and debilitate their learning and development for life.  Tears and heartache were a big part of the journey.  We still struggle daily as we battle the symptoms of reactive attachment disorder and ADHD however God's grace is proving to be sufficient in the battle.  Emily and Megan were adopted in November of 2010.  We have learned grace and through the girl's adoption we have been blessed by their smiles and strength in overcoming the obstacles. Homeschooling has been a huge help to instilling value into their lives. I look forward to seeing them mature and be filled with a Godly love that can heal their souls and give them purpose. We love you Emily and Megan Snyder!

Emily and her beautiful Smile

Megan and the kitten