Washing Aryanna’s Feet

Here she comes …
What will she be like?
Is she shy, withdrawn…
Strong, trying to hold her own?
Time will tell…

Learning so many new names and faces.
Figuring out where her place is…
Dumping out the drawers,
Running, jumping, climbing.
Eating like she never ate before…
Swinging, singing, screaming,
Letting all the tension out.

The first day is done now,
New noises, goodnights, and bedtime routines.
Tears fall as she stops long enough to think…
When am I going back?

The days march on,
Playing, learning, exploring,
Soaking up all the goodness…
Feeling safer now,
Able to test the limits…

Talking, sharing, trying to make sense…
Of what she’s seen and heard and lived.
Only God knows…
And He’s had her all this time.

Messy, muddy, mixed up inside…
Stability, support and compassion,
Trying to provide.

She wants to read about Baby Jesus one more time tonight
He came and He grew and He washed their feet that night…

Now, often as I tuck her in…
I can do the same for her,
Wash her toes, hold her close…
As she trusts with her tender heart.

  • Safe Families Host Family – Rockford, IL