Saying "See ya later" to our Chey Chey

The past 10 months have been a whirlwind. About 10 months ago we decided to start offering respite for our dear friends who were fostering a 3 year old girl named Cheyenne. We were hooked as we felt God opening our hearts and then our home to this very adorable girl. We didn't know the future and the entire adventure, like many things in this life, was a step of faith, step by step by step. December 9th, Cheyenne is going to be going back to her mom. While we have so many mixed emotions, we are trusting God in these unknowns. Our lives became a temporary home for her, a safe place to feel loved and to learn how to love others. We've been so blessed and challenged all at the same time. For not having been parents and then fostering a three year old we didn't bring into this world, we think we did pretty good! But, there's always lessons to be learned along the way. One lesson is what God taught us about forming a relationship not only with Cheyenne but with her mom and her siblings. Again, we consider this a step of faith and know that this is totally rare, but we have been given the opportunity to still maintain a relationship with Cheyenne and her mom. We will be able to have Cheyenne once a month for an overnight or a weekend and we are free to make phone calls to her; we will hear from them about once a week. We have grown quite close to this entire family and are so thankful for every opportunity. All this to say, saying "see ya later" to Chey is totally difficult. It comes with its own share of hurt and frustration and many many tears. Josh and I are clinging to each other through this and that has been awesome. It's easy to get in the mode of woe is us. This is our second baby we are saying goodbye to and releasing from our care. This past August we went through a miscarriage. With the help of the Lord and our dear family and friends we are going to be okay. We love you Chey! Thanks for letting us be your mommy and daddy, if only for a time! You will always be our first daughter! We love you!!