Foster Family

MK lived in China for 14 months before we were united with her forever.  We know that part of that time  MK lived in a foster home though the reports conflict on just how long she was fostered.  The one thing I have always wished I had done was ask more questions about her foster family and the home she lived in, ie, were there other children, was there a foster father, what type of home, what was she like as a baby, who was with her during her lip surgery, etc., etc.  

Monday night I was lying in bed checking blogs and such.  I noticed an email to our orphanage group and it referenced that a foster mother was seeking updates on children she once fostered.  The names of the children were listed in this email.  I scrolled down to find five Chinese names and imagine the shock when I realized one was our MK.  

Admittedly so, my initial reaction was somewhat protective and I panicked a little as I wondered why in the world they wanted an update.  Seconds later, my initial reaction turned to joy as I realized what an opportunity this could be for us to learn more about MK's early months of life.  Priceless.  I quickly sent an email to the contact and requested a photo of the child she was looking for just to make sure it was MK that the foster mother was seeking.  Hours later, I opened an email that contained the precious picture above.  MK is on the right and our friend's daughter is on the left.  This was taken during a one year birthday celebration - they celebrated her life!!!!  We have never seen this pic before.  From here, we are going to submit a page of questions to the foster family.  A contact will record the foster mother answering these questions and we will be given a DVD to share with MK in the future.  Amazing.

Just weeks ago, MK asked me about her foster mother.  She wanted to know if we ever met her. She knows we met Maddox's entire foster family. I told her I had a picture of her holding MK and I would share that with her if she would like.  We also discussed what a foster mother was and her role in MK's life.  I tried my best to use terms that she can comprehend comparing the foster mother to a teacher; sharing how a teacher loves their students and cares for them while their parents are away.  

It won't be long before the questions become harder for us to answer.  I pray that we will foster her heart to accept the life circumstances that she faced before she could even utter a word.

**Since I posted this, I asked MK what she wanted to know about her foster family.  I told her we could ask whatever she wanted to know.  She said, "Wait a minute, do you have her cell number and now you are going to call her???"  Then she said, "Well, I just wish I could have told them goodbye."  So sweet.