Yesterday I let everyone know in this post that our foster daughter’s case was coming to a very important crossroads. If you didn’t get a chance to read it, you should. It will make what I’m about to tell you all the more surprising.
Pre-trial was set for today in the case of our foster daughter that has been in our home for almost one year. The motion being presented from the attorney of the biological mom was whether or not to extend the case by 6 months.
We arrived at court promptly at 9:30 this morning. After many other cases were run through, ours was finally called. This one wasn’t crystal clear as to which direction it would take. There were strong opinions on both sides. Steph and I stood, biting our tongue and praying that the Spirit would give the judge wisdom on what to do.
Our prayer was simple – wisdom from God. From there we decided it was in God’s hands, and we would watch what He would do. As we all know, we face circumstances in life that are far out of our control. This was one of them. So we were to wait and see.
We had gathered our kids last night to include them in this faith journey. We explained what was going on, but that God was in control and could be trusted. We prayed and went to bed.
Steph says her mind drifted to Isaiah last night where God says…
In repentance and rest is your salvation, in quietness and trust is your strength…” (Isaiah 30:15a)
The defense attorney went first. She shared how four different experts had signed off on an extension. She shared about the progress the mom had made. Steph and I stood silent, wanting to scream that nobody was thinking about the perspective of our foster daughter. But we didn’t.
The attorney was convincing. I could only help but think that this was more of a black and white decision than I thought. Our foster daughter’s attorney spoke next to present the other side of the case. When she was done, I knew where the case was headed. We were in for a 6 month extension. With that, our little girl’s face was all I could picture, and how tough this would be for her.
But then the judge stopped and said, “Wait a second….”
Life isn’t always full of days where you can see a visible picture of Spirit-given wisdom provided to people. But today I got to see it.
After a lengthy explanation of her reasoning, the judged declared her decision rather unceremoniously:
“I am denying an extension to this case. We can’t be so sure that the mom will get her act together in the next 6 months. It is my job to protect these little ones.”
And with that, my jaw hit the floor.
We are absolutely elated to know this case won’t drag on. It has been so hard on our foster daughter. We want closure for her.
Trial is set for next Tuesday, and that will determine the long-term placement of this little girl.
Thank you for praying, for all your comments here, for your Facebook messages, tweets and texts. I am glad to know this judge was covered in prayer during difficult decisions like this one.
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Brought to tears. Continuing to pray for you and Steph and all of your kids, especially this little one.
I think we are still in shock, but we are excited about it as well. Thanks for praying.
PTL. I’ll be praying. ‘For this cause I bow my knee to the Father’. Ephesians 3:14-21
Thank you, Levie.
so praying for you guys. We built our family through adoption and know first hand how hard uncertainty is on kids. So glad to hear there is wisdom in this judge. Praying she can stay with you for good!
We are so thankful- and will continue with the same prayer until you give us the decision I the court. Thanks for sharing so quickly.
Thanks, Rick. Yes, there is still much to pray for, no doubt.
WOW! so cool how God orchestrates things. We will keep praying.
Chill bumps and tears. God is so gracious. We will continue to pray as this moves to trial.
Same from the Fortney’s! Such a cool testimony!
I think Steph and I spent most of the day in shock. The more we heard about how different yesterday was than most scenarios, the more in awe we stood.
Amen!!
Praise the Lord! As a former adoption/foster care social worker, I would love to find this judge and hug her sweet little neck!!! Blessings on this judge for seeing the truth and wisdom in protecting the orphan and desiring permanency for these little ones!
Yes, even as we started this process, we heard a strong belief in this court in our county. The judge is known for being thorough and for considering the needs of the kids.
I love that GOD is bigger than all of us! He is bigger than “logical decisions” that we seem to think will be made ….. And it’s SO awesome to see God’s provision for his little one today! Hope you both had enough kleenex to enjoy this moment.
Wow, that’s awesome! I can’t wait to hear what happens next week. I will join you in praying for her future and where God will have her. Keep us posted.
Amazing! The Andersons love the Easts! God is good.
Praise the Lord! God is SOOOO Goood! Thank you, Lord, for helping this judge put this wonderful blessing FIRST not the adult!
Thank you so much, Kevin for the update! This is the awesome side of foster care! Three more years….and we can get back into it!
Have a blessed week! The Whole Kiessling family
That will be so good to have you back in the system….
Waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaauuuuuu ,Prayer done diligently and unselfishly can effect much. am so happy to know the judge could see such a revelation. Dear God continue directing the judge’s heart and let everyone put first the kid’s best interest at heart just like the way you do. Bless the Easts that care so much about this little one, and give them more strength and wisdom even for next tue. Forgive the mom and let your saving grace flow through her. MAY SHE SEE YOU THROUGH ALL THIS. AMEN
Exactly. May this mom be surrounded by the grace of God in such a difficult moment. That is our prayer for her.