Dare I say it..... "improvement??"

It's been a few days since my last post and things are.... well... maybe a little better??

Honestly, it's hard to say if things are actually improving or if I'm just developing an immunity to the behaviors.  Either way, it's a relief.

I'm still not going to detail the struggles we've had... not yet anyway. To my average reader (do I HAVE readers???) it won't make a difference.
I don't want it to seem like I'm dangling the proverbial carrot, because that's not my intent.
It's just that the details and specifics, I'm afraid, will make you feel sorry for me... and I don't want that.
Sure, a little commiseration is nice.
But when it's all said and done the focus really needs to be on D&D.
(That, and I don't want to scare off any potential host families.) :-)

Yes, things have been H A R D.
HARD
HARD
HARD

But hosting isn't supposed to be easy.
Sure, some are easier than others; but overall, most families struggle to some degree.
And that degree of struggle varies between families. Some may have 1 small pouting incident during the whole 5 weeks and thats it. Others will be dealing with temper tantrums and attitudes for the duration.
There are a couple of families who have REALLY had a hard time- infinitely more difficult than what we've been dealing with. And though they're not out of the woods yet, progress is being made.

It's vital to remember that these children come from hard places- not just geographically, but physically, emotionally and mentally as well.
Because of that, many host parents have to develop a new set of parenting skills- and that can be difficult.
(More than just the tweaks you make between child#1 and child #2- but a whole new set of skills.)

So in many ways, this is as much a learning experience for me as it is for D&D.... but I'm doing it in my home... surrounded by familiar things... where I can communicate my struggles and frustrations... where I understand the rules (and the need for them)... where I know the routine... where I know (usually) whats expected of me... and where I know I will always find love, forgiveness and acceptance.

Please pray that we can start to fill the emotional void in D&D's lives.
Please pray what we have the stamina to do it while not loosing sight of our own children's needs.
Please pray that Rick and I stay fully connected for the duration of hosting. It's easy to let things "slide" on the home front when you're focusing so much on other things.
Please pray for the other host families- especially those who are still struggling with serious behavior issues in their host children.
Please pray for the staff and volunteers of New Horizons. This, I'm told, has been one of the more drama filled and labor intensive hosting sessions in memory.
Please pray for "V" the child who was on vacation with his host family who had to have an emergency appendectomy.
Please pray for the families who are already seriously considering adoption, and for those who remain undecided.
Please pray for the families who are facing serious dental expenses for their host children. Pray that a dentist steps forward who is willing to donate their time.
Please pray for the chaperones who are here with the children. Pray that their experience here is a positive one and that they can return home with nothing but good things to say about NHFC and the hosting program. Pray that they can work effectively with the host families and children that are still struggling.
Please pray that in all things, in all situations, through all the frustrations, that  the host families are able to show the children the love of Christ, the and love of family.
Pray for those families who have received permission from their host child's government to seek further medical testing/treatment. Pray that doctors and other professionals will be moved to donate their time and skills to treat/diagnose these children who have no hope of receiving help in their own country.
Pray for potential host families- how are even now considering our winter program.
Pray for the host kids- that they be receptive to the gospel and curious about the children's bibles that have been purchased for them. For those that speak English- that conversations can be had about grace- and forgiveness- and love- and the sacrifice that Jesus made FOR THEM.
Pray that minds will be opened, hearts will be touched and lives will be changed.