So, we’re back and settling into our pre-trip routine again. But, there’s a different timbre to life these days. The whole family really misses the kids and being home just isn’t the same.

The night we got back, hubby edited our pictures into a cute little slide show with music. The song makes me cry, so I try not to listen to it, but it’s in that commercial where people are doing nice things for each other. Hubby watches the slide show over and over, but I just can’t. I overheard the song this afternoon and I dissolved into tears.

What are we doing to handle the sibling-sized hole in our lives?

Resting: The trip took its toll both physically and emotionally. We traveled to another time zone, and just as we were getting used to it, it was time to come home! So, sleep is a good thing! Missing the kids is making us a little more lethargic, too, at least combined with the physical tiredness. Hopefully, the rest will give us the energy needed to get out and about.

Diversion: Hubby made the video, and is doing some work in the garage. The foster parents are taking the kids out each day to get their minds onto something else, even if briefly. We’re all doing something to divert our minds, and getting ourselves so tired that sleep is a welcome relief. A few weeks ago I shared that I was having trouble shutting my brain off and going to sleep – well, no more! I’m getting really tired and so I am sleeping well. When I have to get up to check my son’s blood sugar in the middle of the night, I go right back to sleep, and that’s been a true blessing!

Praying: We pray a lot around these parts anyway, but family and individual prayer time helps to remind us that all of this – timing included – is in God’s hands (where its always been!)

If I thought waiting was hard before the trip – it was a walk in the park compared to this! Time to remind myself of Proverbs 13:12:

Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but desire fulfilled is a tree of life.