Another Change of Plans

Bonita has moved in!! She decided last night that with or without Linda, she still wants to live with me, so she has moved in. This is the first time in her life that she will have her own room (although she will have to share it with Gizzy at night, haha). I think she is a little nervous, but pretty excited too. I'm excited!!

I talked with their mom some more today, but she is not yet willing to do what is necessary to change Linda's behavior. Linda got in a lot of trouble at school today and their mom called me for some help. Unfortunately (for her), I can't really do anything. She is the only one with the power to discipline (I can't take the cell phone away). I am praying that she will have the courage to step up soon. She never really has with any of the other kids, and the results are obvious.

So, now I am going to focus on Bonita, and continue to really pray for Linda. I have also decided to look into Cyber School for Bonita. I have been talking to her a lot about what school is like, and its very difficult for her because of the other kids. She said that she spends most of her class time in the hall trying to do her work because the classroom is so loud and disruptive. She gets pretty good grades, but she misses a lot of school because she really doesn't like the environment. She has never once gotten in trouble at school, so I think cyber school might actually work for her. Of course, its going to require a commitment from me, but I think we can do it. I work from home during the day anyway, so I can be here while she is in "school". And, she is old enough to pretty much do it on her own, with me available when she needs help. She has been praying for the chance for years, and talked about it nonstop. I feel like she has shown a lot of maturity and good character in the last few months, so I want to give her a chance. I have been so impressed with how she has separated herself from Linda and not followed now her path, and I want to continue to encourage that. Also, I am hoping that maybe Linda will see Bonita's success and rewards and want to strive for that herself.

Of course, that won't start until the fall, so she still needs to get through this school year. Hopefully the consistency of living with me, as well as the peace that is in my house, will help her with that. I've never had just one kid around before, this could be fun! (Although there is no denying that my heart still aches for Linda. I don't even recognize her sometimes anymore...)