Home Study Hill

Home Study Hill

It's a steady long climb,

...this home study time...

Our pond must be fenced so we call in a crew.

It's not like as if we have nothing to do!

Fire extinguishers on every floor?

Carbon monoxide alarms, smoke detectors galore.

And don't forget locks on all cupboard door.

Are your guns in a safe? Where is ammo stored?

Dear social worker, come on, are you bored?

All your cleaners and chemicals, are they up high?

Way out of reach, nearly touching the sky?

Children will climb (unless leashed) always on the go.

Our dear social worker have you heard  the word "No"?

Is your income enough? We need proof. Can you show?

So we ask our accountant to exhibit our dough.

Next we need docs that health and auto's insured.

On their way, social worker, please don't doubt our word.

Birth certificates, marriage certificates, adoption decrees.

Now I truly must fall down on my knees.

Is your well water safe? We are on the decline.

The test, it is back and it isn't so fine.

Seven years we've been slurping bacteria slime.

Just a week without water, during revivals, it's no big deal.

The bac must be bleached or we just might turn teal.

Vaccination reports for our five furry friends.

Please, social worker, just WHEN does this end?

An autobiography of just five to ten pages.

Don't forget to include ALL your life stages.

I might get this done as I am a she,

but dear social worker, my man, he's a he!

So we keep climbing this home study hill.

You see now, my friends, it can be quite a drill.

The discipline statement hangs over our head.

What do we say? What leave unsaid?

We live the Good Book and thankful are we.

But dare let them look? Is this country still free?

Oh yes, I forgot, Doctor visits as well.

The health of our family must be pretty swell.

Twenty four hours of training required.

Is it done and recorded? This is making me tired.

Off to the police station, fingerprints to take.

We must lend them proof that we're not a fake.

Your record must be very close to pure gold.

How you live your life each day is a story to be told.

What about guardianship and Last Will?

Are your ducks in row lest your heart doth stand still?

Now let me ask questions, just a jillion or two.

I promise dear parents, we are almost through.

This little home study is good for one year.

Then updates must do 'cause we might have turned queer.

This is just the start.

Yes, we might fall apart.

This endurance test is for the sturdy of heart.

Dossiers for la ninos overseas is quite long.

And believe me, profiles for here are no song.

But because of this story, this home study story,

(We're the first ones to tell you it isn't all glory.)

Please don't be discouraged in your contemplation.

Don't be afraid to rock your little nation.

Our homes are well known to be the best mission.

Children are crying. Let's all go a fishin'!

They'll do more for you than you ever will for them.

As you hand over your heart to one of God's little gems.

No, we'd never turn back. We're glad that we're here!

The adventure of finding our family so dear.

Did I tell you, dear child, you are worth every minute?

A million home studies we gladly would do.

If it meant filling our arms for one hour with YOU.
                                 -Rachelle Yost, May 2013