Just Like Old Times

Tomorrow morning a case worker is coming by to visit. This will be about the 1,456th case worker visit we've entertained over the course of our journey; they've really become a non-event, for the most part. Even the kids don't seem to notice: they know to move out of the way of the cars coming down the driveway; to say "hello"; to be ready to give their names, grades, and ages when asked; to help a newbie find the "right" door - no one uses the front door; and to become scarce when there are "adult conversations" going on.

Our home has also become accustomed to our visitors. In the early days, to prepare for a case worker's appointment, the carpets bore vacuum marks, not a trace of dust was visible, the kitchen sink and counters were free of dirty dishes, toys were tidily stored in coordinated bins, beds were made, and the trash cans were all emptied. That was then.

This is now. Forty-some kids later. I might run the Dustbuster under and around the kitchen table to get the biggest of crumbs out of the way, baskets of unfolded laundry are stacked against the wall, and a path is cleared through the living room to a chair or two.

My nerves are a little jittery about tomorrow's visit: so far the downstairs, upstairs, and the stairs have been vacuumed; the bathroom is cleaned; a bulk of the laundry is done; the living room, the dining room, and even the vents have been dusted. It's just like old times.

Initially, there was much concern regarding the cleanliness of our home - on my part. The case workers seemed more interested to know that the children were safe, healthy, and happy - and seemed to ignore the dirty dishes and dust bunnies. This realization helped to change my perspective, and relax my cleaning standards.

But tomorrow is a different story. We are being interviewed, considered, and (I feel) scrutinized to see if we are an appropriate placement for a child. We've already said "yes" to this placement, and now - in a situation unusual to us - need to wait for the social workers to say "yes" to our family. And while it's a little nerve-wracking to think that our offer could be declined, there's a gratefulness that the system is paying so much attention to and taking such good care of this child.

If nothing else, the house will be clean - for a few hours, if we're lucky - and we will have known that we were obedient in our answer. And just like old times - all the times we've walked through, slogged along, and been carried - we will know that God 's plans are best.