Overwhelmed with Joy

Plant seeds. You reap what you sow.

"One gives freely, yet grows all the richer; another withholds what he should give, and only suffers want. Whoever brings blessing will be enriched, and one who waters will himself be watered." Proverbs 11:24-25

Some days are so filled with joy and happiness I have to pinch myself to make sure im still in my own flesh. Life as I have experienced it... has had many ups and downs, mostly up's :) its small hills and huge mountains and as humans its easy to get carried away making "plans" for our life. But what I have realized is that no matter how many things I plan out, that God has THE master plan for my life. I've tried and failed, wanting things to happen at a certain time and in a certain way and when they didnt it was discouraging. After all my years of wisdom now, haha, I know that as long as i'm doing good, setting goals, and seeking out what He has planed for me then its less discouraging and more encouraging as things happen in the perfect timing. This week I saw his plans in action. Its been really hard gathering all the things we need for foster care since we have not been parents yet, but this week that all changed. We were SHOWERED with gifts and the love, kindness, and generosity we were shown has OVERWHELMED US with JOY. 

Here is an update on the foster room so far. It looks a little bare but its coming along quite nicely I think :) The first person to fill it was a close friend Kelsey. Her and her children gathered all these awesome toys and books and blankets! Her daughter Natalie was so excited to be helping other kids, a disciple in the works leading a strong faith already at such a young age. Isaac and I are so happy this family is a part of ours too :) My good friend and past coworker Katrina has also been so generous in her giving, tons of toys, clothes, baby gates. She is an inspiration in herself and a true role model to me as a mother! Thanks to both of you for showing me how great and rewarding motherhood is. 

 I was working out of town this week and I came home to a package on the doorstep. Im thinking in my head I never ordered anything. As I open the package I realize its the fire extinguisher from our wish list. I was ecstatic! I called my mom immediately and she had told me our dear friend Brenda had purchased this from our wish list. But as kind and giving as Brenda is she did not stop there, she got us ALL of our safety equipment that we need and even some things for the kids room too! I have known Brenda almost all of my life and I am so glad that she was able to be a part of my wedding and now our foster family as well. We LOVE you Brenda and THANK YOU so much!

We recently attended a new church and have been blessed by them already in such a short time. We received a letter in the mail with a more than generous gift to help us with out foster care mission. I was blow away, surprised, so happy and have such a heart filled with joy. I did not know so much kindness was possible. The Lord has done great things for us and we plan to keep living our lives for him. We just like the church want to grow, love, and serve.  (Not sure if its ok to mention name, will check and let you know next time) 

Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. Romans 15:13

What I know is that unconditional love is possible, Isaac and I have felt it this week and we are going to pass that on to our foster kids. I want every child to know that not only will we love thembut God will always love them unconditionally no matter where they are. 

P.S. Today is... Husband appreciation day. In honor of the men in our lives let's put away our "honey do" list today and just say "thanks for being a wonderful hubby"  

         So glad that you are my husband Isaac I dont know what I would do without you. I LOVE you. 

          FOREVER & ALWAYS

Disclaimer: Im not exactly a "writer" so hang in there with me on grammatics and error ;) 

Wish List

Last week was very nice, the plus of working during the school year is getting all the breaks the kids do. Kinda like being a kid again or back in college. A week off for Spring break was just what I needed to catch up on life! I had the chance to focus on getting a bunch of paperwork in and get the foster care process moving alone more quickly.

I went to my first foster care support group meeting last week as well. Its a big group of local foster parents that get together and talk about challenges, a place where you can ask experts questions, and also get continuing education. It was very informational but I did hear some really crazy stories! It reinforced that its not an easy road but its very rewarding.

We will be completing our "home study" in the next month or so and we need a few things in order to pass. Foster care is different in some ways in that they are very strict on what needs to be in the home. I have included a link for our Amazon "wish list" and would love it if you could check it out and help us out in way you can to get our house ready for these kids in need. Anything little or big can help in a big way, so pay it forward :)

What I am excited for this summer is yard sales! I know I will be able to find a ton of kiddo stuff and it will be inexpensive enough that if needed I can send the children home with things they dont have once they are reunited with their bio parents.

Our dream is trucking right along, its exciting but also nerve racking at the same time. Its a big step but there is nothing more Ive ever wanted than to be a parent and a mom. This has been such a great adventure so far and I feel so blessed to have family and friends that have encouraged me along the way.

More Bell Family Updates....

Even more exciting news is that Isaac got a new job! He will be a medical scribe for the Emergency Department at Kadlec. Basically its like a paid internship for Nursing and will allow him to learn a ton before he enters the RN program next fall. He finished his last day at Pacific Steel on Friday and gets the next few days off before he starts training. Its going to be a very positive change and will allow Isaac to have a more flexible schedule for school.

Enjoy the rest of your weekend!!

Foster Care Link:

 http://amzn.com/w/QYAEQ6T2VYGA


Thanks again for helping us out!