Tuesday, November 4, 2008

I am going to be a G.A.L

And you say.......... but Sharon we already thought you were a gal. ;)
Yes, you are right......I am a gal. (Sorry a little brain dead and it is showing)
But I am in the process
of going through some training to become a
Guardian Ad Litem.
I am sure that some of you already know what this is...but for those of you who do not--
I am becoming a court appointed child advocate-they will not live with us
but I will be a voice for them.
Yes, I will be sworn in by a Judge on the 20th of this month.

After sitting around twiddling my thumbs for far too long- someone who shall remain nameless suggested that I look in my area for places where I could volunteer.
So the next morning I got on my computer and started doing a little research.
I found an organization called Angel Food Ministries and I sent them an email. Although I have not seen them in action I have heard good things about them. Then I found a site on the web that is for volunteers looking for things to do in their area. They were looking for volunteers in my area for the G.A L program I mentioned. I sent them an email on the same day.
The next day I got a call from the Guardian Ad Litem program...yes, that was quick. And yet almost a week later I have not heard from the Angel Food Ministry program. ?
The woman I spoke to was the head of the program in our area....my county.
She said that they only train twice a year and they were in the middle of training now. The next training would not begin till spring. Coincidence?
I don't believe in those. ;)
She said she just happened to have another woman coming in for training to catch up and if I was interested in getting started that I could joining them....I did.
WOW!
I can say that I left the cram session with my head spinning.
I won't bombard you with details......yet. :)
Today I went for another class and yet again left with my head spinning.
This is such an important job.
I have prayed about this...talked to hubby, my former pastor and a few friends.
It will take some time but it should not
take time away from my family...which is my biggest concern.
Children need a voice.....I will become one child's voice.I shall be called a GATHERER. I kind of like that name.
I will gather information (interviewing all those involved in the life of the child)
to make sure that child is taken care of
and does not get lost in the system. And then I will suggest
before a judge what is in the best interest of that child for the future. Of course we know who will be making the suggestion through my voice. ;)
So, I am still praying. I don't want to start something and not finish it.
Two more classes and I will be sworn in by a Judge. Kind of scary.
That is it for now......we will see what God is up to.

And yes, I voted. ;)
God help us.

13 comments:

Anonymous said...

(i say with a chuckle in my voice)Glad you took your friends advice...and so will some lucky kids...you have an amazing heart my friend! I'm sure glad you are just that my really neat friend.
Love you

Mama said...

Sharon, this is just so awesome I can hardly stand it! What a wonderful way to give of yourself -- and I know the blessings will just fall all over you.

Excellent!

Holly said...

I am SO proud of you, Sharon! We loved supporting Angel Tree every year in Texas, where we could deliver gifts as a family to a family being the guardian of the kids. It was the purest kind of joy I have ever experienced.

Praying for you, as you continue the journey. It is such a blast to walk with God, is it not?

Love,
Holly

Holly said...

Oh, I mis-read--Angel Food ministries. Even so, I am very proud of you!

Mary said...

Sharon,

YOU GO GIRL! Yes, I'm shouting for joy. Why? Because a child is going to have a voice through you and we all know who speaks through you. What a loving heart you have, my Sister. I am ecstatic and will be praying for you.

I am so glad you got out to vote. I watched the speeches of both McCain and Obama on tv and pray that the people of the US elected the man that God had chosen to be the next President.

Take care, my friend and good luck on your training. You will be truly blessed.

Love and hugs,
Mary

Denise said...

Sweet sis, I am so proud of you. You will be wonderful at this, I love you.

Anonymous said...

Hooray! I am happy for you that you have found something close to your heart to make a difference.

pam said...

Sounds wonderful. Praying He helps you see beyond the words spoken.

As for "God help us"....indeed. But we MUST remember to see God in any future we can imagine. Pray, pray, pray...everyday for the spiritual perspective in what God is allowing. hmmmm

"Be still, and know that I am God"

Rebecca said...

Wow, what a blessing that child will have...
Last night with the elections, I had such a yucky feeling in my stomach and now I feel so different. Like there's a glimmer of hope for one child out there. I can't wait to hear more about it!

God bless your endeavors.

luvmy4sons said...

That is so awesome. You will be great! Greatly blessed and a great blessing!

Halfmoon Girl said...

I think my comment just got lost, if not, you will be hearing from me twice. Thank you for being willing to be used. It crossed my mind that maybe the reason you didn't hear from the other agency was simply that you were not supposed to be involved in that. God is so going to use you- you will make difference for children- I think that is a high calling.

elaine @ peace for the journey said...

I voted with a "child's voice" in mind yesterday; alas, while the world didn't listen, God did and does everytime one of his precious creation is sacrificed at the hands of men and women.

My heart is heavy tonight. I love the fact that you are going to be a voice for these precious children; I know that you will take this responsibility on with the careful watch of Jesus within.

Keep me posted. I'd love to know some more details.

peace~elaine

concerned parent said...

Sharon you are doing something great! Wow that is just awsome of you to help out with a need as great as this. God will bless you for your voice.