New Chapter

 "You are loved beyond measure" 

-Romans 8:38-

The new title "Foster Mom" gave me chills all throughout my body. 

I knew that God was calling me to a new chapter in my life. As doors were slowly closing for the past year at the clinic. 

When I first came to the Clinic...I wasn't serving Jesus like I knew I should've been. My mindset was "All these people calling Jesus a Healer, and He decides to not heal my body. Some Healer He truly is." 

I quickly fell in love with the kids at the clinic, and my struggles suddenly became "no big deal". 

I found myself being able to relate to my two first kids so well. Speech therapy time would come, and they would cry. I felt that deep in my soul. I probably would've cried too! 

Fact: In my 20's I had to learn speech all over again. As my Dystonia slowly took over, speech therapy was extremely hard for me. MeKale, who was one of my speech therapists, would stop and take breaks with me, somedays even taking a walk with me and reminding me that Jesus does love me. 

I was so nervous that I wouldn't "fit in", at the clinic but little did I know that I fit in perfectly! 

When Tyler asked if he could share at the next staff meeting a little about Dystonia...I was like "Sure."

Patience goes so far in life. 

Compassion goes even farther. 

In the end, our hearts are what truly matters MOST. 

"You need to chill out, Miss.Chelsi" 

"You are brave. You are strong. You are beautiful!" 

Wisdom from a very wise four-year-old

Fast Forward. Finding a home church was EVERYTHING. 

I remember the FIRST time I walked into Middletown, 

fast Forward to today.

Helping out in the Youth on Wednesday nights. 

Being loved exactly where I am. 

The moment where you are surrounded around people who don't claim to be perfect. 

People who are there for you in the good and the not so good times. 

THESE. ARE. MY. PEOPLE. 

We decided that a makeover in our Sr. High girls' room was a most. 

PLUS, I got to have some down time with Molly & Kirsten.

Our girls loved it so much and we now have a safe/cute space to share our hearts on Wednesday nights. 

Speaking of sharing our hearts, I want to share mine with all of you. 

I have a new favorite quote that I want to share...

"Sometimes people ask why I pursued orphan and foster care. My reply is, "I didn't. I pursued Jesus, and he led me to kids who needed families!"  

You see, God calls us to be out of our comfort zones. 

He calls us to care for his little children. 

I do not believe that fostering is for everyone but for me I know that it's my calling. 

I know that one day I will stand before our Father, answering to how I raised these children and loved them. 

In the midst of getting licensed. 

I stepped into a NEW JOB. 

Talk about change all at once...Sheesh. 

I am still doing what I love.

Being a Pre-K teacher! 

I have had a few rough days with everything hitting me all at once but not to worry cause Angie is amazing. 

I know that God has placed me here for a reason.

I truly know this is where He has called me to. 

I know that Hazelwood is where the Lord wants me. 

I will always love my kids (Forever and always) at the clinic/ABA Preschool.

They know that. 

I made sure that they knew I would always love them.

When I told them I was leaving...I told them that they would always be part of my heartbeat. 

A little replied "You're in my heart always too, Miss. Chelsi." 

I am so proud of them and always will be! 

I know that they will be world changers. 

After all, life is about "Loving other peoples". 

There is nothing that I wouldn't do for them. 

The clinic gave me a brand-new outlook on life. 

God loves us exactly where we are. 

He makes us beautiful and unique. 

Just like the potter makes every piece of clay different...God creates each one of us different. 

I had this saying in my class

"Change the world for better! By loving other people, no matter what." 

I am loved beyond measure, and there are days I have to remind myself that I am loved. I am Deeply loved by Jesus. 

Love always, 

Chelsi