PATTY IN OREGON
SHARES ABOUT THE
CONTINOUS GOODNESS OF GOD
AND ANSWERED PRAYER
I have been doing foster care for about 15 years, between
working at residential centers. I
believe I prayed a bit too hard way back when I found out I couldn't have children
of my own to raise; over 500 kids wasn't what I had in mind. I did have a beautiful birth daughter though
but was not allowed to keep her and raise her
(That's a whole other story).
In December of ‘08 a cute little 9 year old boy in care
with me. It was hard for me to believe
the history of this fella being in and out of residential settings and numerous
foster placements. Mother was not
abusive but the boy witnessed father and other males in his life be abusive to
her, his siblings and himself. He also
had some other problem diagnoses also which later discovered Aspersers' was the
main culprit. I welcomed him in my home,
prayed for wisdom and off we went.
In the next 6 months or so, I was attacked by this little
one, throwing rocks, breaking furniture, putting holes in my walls and
screaming so loud my eardrums wanted to burst.
He was one very angry child to say the least. Most people would have said, "come get
this kid quick" but God said, "Stick with him". Well I did, I evaded flying objects, hugged
him till he stopped trying to hurt me, (literal hug hold) LOL
Barricaded him with my arms hanging onto the deck rails so he couldn't
escape to hurt me, the animals or himself.
I went to bed at night totally exhausted, physically and emotionally!
All the while telling this boy in a soft, monotone voice that I love him enough
to keep him safe. We finally had a break
through, he accepted my love and my daily explanation of God's love in his
life. His mom and husband also became
part of my family, and together we helped this child understand that we were
not going anywhere, he was safe.
Learning about his Asperser's world helped also to
de-escalate his frustrations and God gave me the strength to go on. This little
fella worked hard learning to control his anger, be flexible with life and
maintain himself in day treatment school.
Last Thursday, after much prayer from parents and myself, DHS stopped
the process to keep this boy from going home and will be able to return to his
mom and step dad at the end of the school year.
We were all so excited when telling him that all of us were in tears as
his look of teary-eyed shock told the story of success and love. It was so like Jesus to show us love no
matter what! I praise Him and honor Him for sticking with us through this. We are totally blessed!!! So no matter what the
circumstances you see around you, He has the plan in place, just hang on!!!!
God Bless each of you!
Pat
Schaffner - pattys409@hotmail.com
