The What

Ok, so what is this that we are talking about? It is a position called "House Parent." For those of you from the south, this might be a familiar term, but for those of us in the North West, it is very foreign. It refers to two people who live in a home for children and play a parental role. These homes are often part of a greater community; communities found both in the private and public sector.

We will be joining a pre-existing organization, one that has been around for 100 years in fact. For the safety of the kids we will be working with, and for purposes of this blog, we will be leaving our organization unnamed. In references in this blog, we will refer to where we live as "Live Oak."

Live Oak is a community that serves children from 7-21. They come from personal references, professional references, and state references. Each child stays for an amount of time that best suits their needs. Our role will be to live in a house that will be provided, and take care of the daily needs of 8-10 children. We will cook meals, do laundry, drive children to school and dr. appointments, watch movies, cry, laugh and simply live life.

We will work one week on, one week on, sharing our responsibilities with another couple (whom we have not yet met.) On our off weeks, we will live in an apartment separate from the children. When we are "On" we will be very busy, caring for the needs of the 8-10 children, filing paperwork, cleaning and trying to show love.

We are BEYOND excited for this opportunity. We have been praying since we met for the chance to work together. Everything about this next step was very guided by the Lord. Not only do we get to do ministry, but we will get paid for what we do and not need to spend time fundraising. We anticipate this to be a difficult transition, with many days of stress and tears. But, we feel called and able to do this.

This blog will follow our journey. I hope to use it as a place to process my thoughts. To share and update those of you who want to know what we are doing. While our physical address will soon change, our love for friends and family will stay the same. We will need your relationship just as deeply when we leave as when we are near. Please stay in contact with us. Read my blog, call us on the phone, or if you wish, come visit!