Fostering

I’ve been asked…. Why do we Foster? How can we stand to give the kids back once we have had them? It’s simple, really…..

Why not? We are clearly commanded in the Bible to care for orphans and widows several places. And why not give these kids a chance, even for a little while to live in a home where God is the center and they are loved and cared for in a safe environment. It’s a picture of Biblical love… to genuinely love the helpless, hopeless and sometimes despised.... and it's our calling!!!
We’ve only been fostering a little over two years, but God has s-t-r-e-t-c-h-e-d me wayyyyyyyy beyond anything I ever thought was possible in that short period of time. It is hard. But by God’s grace and strength, we are making a difference. One child at a time…. One tender, wounded heart at a time. Most people I talk to are very appreciative of my willingness to foster and help kids. And I totally appreciate that….. BUT, I think I’m getting a lot of benefits, too. I get to cuddle with and hold little babies and invest in kids. And God is totally using this time to refine my character continually towards HIM! To GOD be ALL the GLORY!!!!!!!

As far as giving kids back to parents/grandparents etc…, it really HURTS! It feels like crap. I cry. Our last placement hurt the worst of all. We got Chance when he was a week old…. a little drug baby. He had just gotten out of the hospital. I can’t give a lot of details, but the first month or so, he had some pretty bad withdrawal episodes. I would sometimes just sit and hold him… tears streaming down my face crying out to God…. Why? How could he let this innocent baby go through this. Eventually things got better. Finally at about 7-8 months, most of his withdrawal symptoms were gone. Then we got the news. They were moving towards termination and no eligible family members had stepped forward. If termination went through, then we would get to adopt Chance! What Joy filled me!!! Then a few months later, an eligible relative stepped forward. 2 months later he was moved to his grandmothers. IMMENSE HURT! But God knows His way is best and He was there with His arms open wide with an abundant amount of grace, love and strength to get through. It still hurts, but we are healing. And we have the opportunity to share Christ and His love with Chance’s grandmother and family. We get to see Chance now and then and we are grateful for the time we get to spend with him. As a matter of fact, we get to see him tomorrow for Blessing’s birthday party!! YAY!
Right now, we are in a transition period. We are taking a break until God sends us another child/children to care for. Yes, I am enjoying this time with our family. I’m trying to get organized so that when we get “the call”, we will be ready. Speaking of which, as a person who usually likes to have a schedule and know ahead what is going to happen, fostering takes me well out of my comfort zone. Most of the placements we have had, we usually have the kids in our home within hours of accepting them. Visitation times can change quickly, clothing and other necessary items to quickly buy…. Whew! It’s an adventure, that’s for sure!!!!
I’m thankful though (most days), that this is where God has placed us. And on those days I’m not thankful, I need to work on it because I should be!