A Day Full of Wonder

Some days in foster care are filled with appointments, paperwork, and hard conversations.

And then there are days like this.

Days that remind us childhood should be filled with wonder.

This week, Buddy and Sis joined dozens of other children at the Ashland Prairie Skies Library for an unforgettable visit from Wild Times Exotics. The organization brings licensed, hands-on wildlife education to communities throughout Central Illinois, allowing children to safely meet and learn about incredible animals from around the world.

The room buzzed with excitement before the first animal even appeared.

There were squeals, wide eyes, nervous giggles, and plenty of "What is THAT?!" as each new animal made its entrance.

A tiny fennec fox with ears almost too big for its body peeked out from a soft blue blanket.

A hairless guinea pig made everyone laugh.

A giant spider inspired equal parts bravery and "No thank you!"

And one especially talented little mammal had the entire room holding its breath as it climbed, stretched, and even hung effortlessly by its tail.

Buddy was completely captivated.

His eyes followed every movement. Questions tumbled out almost faster than the presenter could answer them. Every new animal was somehow even cooler than the last. It wasn't just entertainment—it was discovery. You could almost see little gears turning as he soaked in every fact.

Sis was a little more cautious.

She stayed close at first, carefully watching from a safe distance. But as the program continued and she saw other children gently petting the animals, her confidence grew. Before long, she had stepped forward with a smile, proving once again that courage doesn't always arrive loudly. Sometimes it grows quietly, one brave step at a time.

One of our favorite moments wasn't actually about the animals.

It was watching the children.

Kids from every background sat shoulder to shoulder on the library floor. They laughed together. Encouraged one another. Cheered when someone was brave enough to touch an unfamiliar creature. For an hour, differences disappeared, replaced by shared amazement.

For children who have experienced instability, moments like these matter more than most people realize.

They're building memories.

They're learning that the world is fascinating instead of frightening.

They're discovering that adults can create safe places where questions are welcomed, curiosity is celebrated, and joy is freely shared.

Sometimes healing looks like counseling.

Sometimes it looks like consistency.

And sometimes...

It looks like a little girl giggling at a tiny fox.

Or a little boy staring in amazement at an animal he's only seen in books.

Those ordinary moments become extraordinary because they're happening in the context of safety, belonging, and love.

We're so thankful for our local library, the staff who invest in our community, and organizations like Wild Times Exotics that make learning come alive. Experiences like these plant seeds that may grow into lifelong curiosity and confidence.

As we drove home, the conversation didn't stop.

"Did you see his ears?"

"How did it hang like that?"

"Can we read a book about foxes?"

Mission accomplished.

Sometimes the best adventures don't require a vacation.

Sometimes they're waiting at your local library.

"Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it." — Proverbs 22:6

Every new experience, every safe adventure, every opportunity to wonder together is another small brick in the foundation of a child's future.

And that's exactly what House to Home is all about. ❤️