by Julia DesCarpentrie
In this week's edition of "Foster Mom Makeover" we are featuring a new foster mom, Julia. As a mother to three children, the youngest of whom had finally become elementary-age, Julia had recently begun wearing dry-clean-only clothes and high heels again. But that has quickly changed with the addition of a foster baby! Let's take a closer look from top to bottom:
Note how Julia's dark tresses are in need of a haircut that she has not had time to schedule since baby has arrived. The interesting "shabby-not-chic" look was obtained by occasional short naps and her missing hair brush that is lost somewhere in her daughter's room.
Looking beyond the dark circles under her eyes and the mascara applied to only one set of lashes (the baby needed a bottle in the midst of the make-up routine), you will notice a new twinkle of awe with this precious life God entrusted her with.
The button-down pressed shirts have been replaced with comfy cotton tops that can double as pajamas. The unique white striping is compliments of baby's spit-up. Underneath the top is the biggest surprise of all: While most of our audience assumes that a foster mother must have a heart of steel to withstand caring for a child she will have to let go of, we found the opposite to be true. A foster mother's heart is just as tender as every other mother's. But she has a compassion for hurting children that overrides the fear of pain and a faith that her Father will help her through the dark times.
Julia's fashionable jeans and high-heeled boots have been swapped out for work-out pants and slippers. Don't let the pants fool you, there is no exercise plan in action! But the pants also double as pajamas and are comfortable for the many trips for medical and parental visits.
Julia's home and family have also undergone a makeover. Her counters are now littered with bottles and formula, the living room contains several pieces of baby equipment and toys. Every room in the home sports baby paraphernalia! The rest of the family have gained greater compassion and a deepened prayer life as a result of adding this little one to their midst. Daily chores are accomplished quickly to have extra time to hold, feed, and sing to the baby. Laughter is heard more often at the little faces and noises made by the new attraction.
While this transformation will not take Julia to the catwalks of Paris or put her home in glossy magazine pages, it has resulted in greater joy and drawing her closer to her Father's heart. For your own Foster Mom Makeover, contact your local Department of Human Services.
Julia- Congrats! We emailed back and forth over a year ago about foster care. So glad to have a new sister in the ministry! We have two babies right now, so we understand the complete and utter chaos. What office are you with? Email me if you need anything!
Posted by: Victoria Stover | Tuesday, November 17, 2009 at 08:42 AM