What an experience I've had the past couple of days! I attended the Alabama CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates) conference in Birmingham today. CASAs are assigned to foster children to meet with them on a regular basis, get to know them, and provide information to the court during hearings concerning their cases. The goal is to ensure that kids don't linger in the system, that they receive the services they need, and that placements are appropriate. It's a wonderful program! There is a new CASA program starting in Lee County hopefully by next Spring, and we want BigHouse to be a strong partner with them. So I signed up for the conference.
Last night I drove up Hwy 280 to Mountain Brook where I stayed with Heather's family, whom I haven't seen for a couple of years at least. They were so hospitable - sheets turned down on the bed and all! I got to visit with them for a long time and tell them all about what God is doing at BigHouse; it was great!
This morning I got to the conference - on time, without any traffic or parking problems! Answered prayers! I made a new friend at breakfast, Cari who works with a non-profit called Family Bridges which serves at-risk families in Clay, AL. She went to high school with my sweet college roommate and dear friend, Jennifer! So we had a lot in common.
The speaker I followed to each session today was Holly Schlaak who wrote a book called Invisible Kids. She was an excellent speaker - engaging, passionate, knowledgeable. She told several stories of her experiences working as a caseworker and Guardian Ad Litem for foster children in Cincinnati, OH.
The whole day I felt overwhelmed by the need of these children, the sinfulness of our fallen world that has led to the destruction of our families and children, and the broken heart of God. I felt so burdened to share the love of Jesus with someone - and what an appointment God had in store for me! I met a man named Rufus - a security guard in the parking garage and I shared with him a little bit about my day, and that I wanted him to know that Jesus loved him. He shared with me that he was a believer and he was glad that I had stopped to talk with him.
I got back to my car, completely overwhelmed by the love of God and His willingness to use me for anything. It was wonderful, and all too much. So I called my friend Julie and had a great conversation. Afterwards I was just driving in traffic, not paying attention because I was busy worshipping, and then I looked around and noticed I was in Alabaster on Hwy 31 - NOT on 280 like I thought! So I was all confused, and got on I-65 like the GPS wanted me to, but was still like 2 hrs from Opelika, so I called Julie back and she told me I could spend the night at her parents' house in Clanton. I'd stayed there once before with her, and her parents are wonderful, so I definitely was ok with that option.
Her parents - SO SWEET! I was so relieved to get here and feel at home, and got fed a delicious meal, and took a shower, and now I'm ready to get in the bed. God is SO GOOD to me!
