My apologies for being out of the 'blogging loop' lately. This past week really tested me and I just haven't found the motivation to write about it...until now.
As you all know, Abby has been moved out of our home for the past nearly 7 mos. We've been praying for her return...just like in the story of the prodigal son from the Bible. The father waited patiently for him to come home. Well, I don't know how patient I've been, quite honestly, but I've tried my best to trust God each and every step of this painful journey.
So, here is the latest. Last week, Abby came over to our house a couple of times to work on her schooling because they didn't have WiFi at Austin's house for several days. On Thurs., Austin picked her up after he got off from work. About 10 mins. after she left, she sent me a text asking if I could pick her up and that she and Austin had a fight. My heart dropped. I jumped in my car and drove over to get her as quickly as I possibly could, praying the entire way. She got out of his truck and placed her computer in the backseat of my car and we drove home. This time, to our home, not his. Abby and I sat in the garage in my car for about 30 mins. and talked. She, of course, was very upset. I did my best to allow her the freedom to talk without my stating my opinions too much.
She told me a lot of things that disturbed me. She said things like how Austin makes her cry everyday about something. How she's completely isolated over at his house and has no friends there. Things that no mother wants to hear about her daughter. She even said the only thing that keeps her there is the family's dog. That spoke volumes to me. I sat there and just loved on her. I really felt from what she shared with me that she was having a major breakthrough, but I was very cautious about getting my hopes up too high.
Abby ended up staying the night with just the clothes on her back. The next morning when she got up, Chris and I asked what we were going to do about getting her belongings. She said, 'I don't know right now!' Then, Austin called her on the phone and they talked for about an hour until we had to go to Wal-Mart. As soon as we entered the doors, she informed me that Austin was going to pick her up from there so they could 'talk'. This same scenario has played out time and time, again, with less-than-positive outcomes. However, as much as I wanted not to, I had no choice but to let her go. Keep in mind that she knew I was making dinner that night for us. She left with him at 1:30 PM and I didn't hear a word from her until she sent me a text at 11:15 PM. She informed me that they had taken Austin to the ER for dizziness and nausea. Yes, I'm a skeptic. What are the odds that would happen the very next day after they had a fight and she spent the night at home? Well, she ended up not coming home all weekend long. Oh, and while Chris were in the yard working on Saturday, Abby and Austin drove by in his truck and honked. Wait...how is he driving if he was sick enough to go to the ER the night before?
Well, yesterday afternoon, Abby sent me a text saying she's moving home today at 4 PM. That's all the details we know. Our guess is that Austin's parents told her she had to leave, especially if she told them we're not giving them any money to help support her living there. I mean, just about a week or so ago, Abby told me herself that she wasn't about to move home when I told her to consider moving home so she can earn her HS diploma. Why the sudden turn around? All of this isn't quite happening the way I'd hoped. I can't say whether or not Abby has undergone a 'heart change' yet. I guess that will be revealed with time.
With her due here in about 30 mins, I just ask that you will continue to pray for us. I have a feeling that we have a long and rocky road ahead of us still. We're going to have rules that Abby will be expected to follow. She won't be allowed to stay here for awhile only to run back and stay with Austin for a day or more. That won't be tolerated. We plan to discuss our expectations with her later tonight. Pray for as smooth a transition as possible. I know God is with us and that He will never forsake us. At church yesterday, we had a service about prayer. Our minister asked everyone to stand who wanted healing for their family, their health, their finances, their marriage, etc. Chris and I stood up, immediately, along with others in the congregation. We had folks gather round us to hold our hands and pray over us. Talk about mighty and powerful! I know God will continue to work! So, if you believe in the power of prayer like I do, I would be so grateful for you to pray for our family to be restored. Thank you.
'Ladybug, ladybug, fly away HOME...'
