What to do when your foster child starts asking about adoption...

...if you thought I had the answer, you thought wrong.

"Mamma, are you guys gonna 'dopt me?"

Uhhhh, help! Who in the world is prepared for a question like that?!!

Our chickadee has been asking that question a lot lately. We aren't even sure what made her start thinking about the topic of adoption. We've never even said the word to her. Usually we just assure her that she will not have to wait much longer to find out what home her "forever home" will be, whether that is a biological parent home, an adoptive home, or our home.

Can you imagine being seven years old and worrying about anything other than swim lessons and spelling tests? I can't.

Today, she said to me, "Zekey-dog is going to be the adopted brother of the baby."

I thought about it for a second. "Well kiddo, Zeke will just be the brother of the baby. When Zeke got adopted into our family, it was forever."

She looked at me knowingly, "But some kids that get adopted get sent back."

Ohhhhh, man. NOTHING is secure to this child. I don't think she can fathom forever.

The only way I've thought of to relate to her convoluted conception of adoption is to think about how I have a hard time accepting that I'm forever secure in Christ. It's something I want to accept as true whole-heartedly, but I can't help but doubt when I am confronted of the ugliness of my sin.

I'm still not sure if I've explained adoption and her situation well to Chickadee, but I pray the Spirit makes up for my tongue-tied fumbling...anyone have tips on talking to little ones about families, foster care or adoption?