Closer

We are getting so close to becoming certified. We have just one class left, our physicals, CPR/First Aid, and the rest of our Home Study. Part 2 of our Home Study is scheduled in just a few weeks. 

Tonight in class I learned several eye opening Foster facts. Did you know that there are over 400,000 children in the United States Foster Care system? Did you know that 60,000 are in California? In San Joaquin County, where I live, there are over 1,400 Foster children. 

I asked the social worker tonight what the average length of time is from certification to placement. She replied, "Same day. Definitely within that week". Shocked me. I was expecting weeks or even a few months for some reason. But, she said they have so many children and not enough Foster families. 

If you feel like you can give a child or children a loving, nurturing home, I urge you to consider becoming a Foster parent. The difference you could make in a life is profound and the effects are limitless. One of the reasons I did NOT want to become a Foster parent is because I know I am the kind of person to get attached. But guess what. These kids need someone who will be attached. They need someone who loves them that much. We are hoping to adopt, but we are planning to go through the Foster system. It doesn't always work out the way you expect, and I know I will be heartbroken if a child is removed from my home... but I need to love them with my whole heart anyway, and support them returning to their bio families if that is what the court sees as best. This will be hard. It might be the hardest thing I've ever done, but I cannot deny the strong feeling I have to move forward in this direction. If we can make a difference in someone's life, even for a short time, then I feel, it is worth it.

I believe in God. I believe that He inspires us to do things sometimes that might be out of our comfort zones, but I know that if we listen to those promptings, there are huge blessings that await us. It might take some courage and will take some faith, but if we do what He asks of us, we cannot fail. 

One of my favorite scriptures is 1 Nephi 3:7  And it came to pass that I, Nephi, said unto my father: I will go and do the things which the Lord hath commanded, for I know that the Lord giveth no commandments unto the children of men, save he shall prepare a way for them that they may accomplish the thing which he commandeth them.

As a Foster parent, you might have hard days, but the good will outweigh the bad. If you are called to do this work, help will be available, from a loving Heavenly Father, who is just a prayer away to social workers, counselors, friends, and other supporters. If you're thinking about it, I encourage you to do something about it. 

This just got real. We have officially completed the first part of our foster/adoption process, our PRIDE training with the Positive Parenting group. We have learned so much in the last 6 weeks, and have made so many improvements in our home. We just got back from our family reunion (so fun, more on that later), and then with Girls Camp next week, I'm kind of in survival mode right now. Then, we can tackle fingerprints, physicals, our next set of classes, and the home study. One thing we did to get ready, is order the boys' bunk beds. We're all pretty excited about that. 

Anyway, keep us in your prayers, and really all those precious children in the foster system. We hope to make a positive difference!

A Little Announcement

I don't feel quite ready to share this, but I also feel the need to document our journey, both for myself and for those who may also be going through this process or considering it.

Anthony and I have decided to become foster parents with the intent of eventually adopting. It's interesting because Anthony and I talked about our desires to adopt before we even got married. It just so happened that we conceived almost right away and had Landon a year after our wedding, and 19 months after that, Harper arrived. My heart was turned to adoption when Harper was about a year and half. So, it's been 3 years that I've had this weighing heavily on my heart and mind, and due to various circumstances and strong, unceasing feelings that I've had, we felt the need to start now.

It's been three weeks since we attended our first class. I am taking notes diligently, soaking up every bit of information I can, and applying what I'm learning in our family. Our teacher is a marriage and family therapist, and has been amazing. We are learning so much and have made positive changes in our home already.

We met with our case worker for the first time on Tuesday in our home. That made it seem so real! Like, we are seriously doing this! Now we have paperwork to tackle, fingerprints, physicals, more classes, and then our home study. This process could take 6 weeks and it could take 8 months.

We are well-aware that this is not going to be easy, but I feel a calmness and peace that I can't describe. I have prayed constantly for direction, and have felt Heavenly Father guiding me every step of the way. I know He has a plan. I'm not sure what it is, but I will continue to go forward with faith. It just so happens that the agency we decided to go with is just 2 miles from our home and is also faith based. We have already been given so much support.

We are asking family and friends to also be supportive. How can you support us? Understand that we are aware this will be hard. We understand there are many uncertainties, but we ask that you be positive. To quote Scott Simon, "There are times that the adoption process is exhausting and painful and makes you want to scream. But, I am told, so does childbirth".

We feel strongly that this will be worth whatever sacrifices or difficulties we might face. Our family has a lot of love to give. We are hoping to adopt, but, in the mean time, if we can bless the life of a child, even temporarily, our efforts will be worth it. Of course, our hearts will break if our first placement doesn't end up being permanent. Of course, we will get attached. But, isn't that what these kids need? Someone who is attached and loves them unconditionally?

We are always accepting good thoughts, positives vibes, and lots of prayers. We would love your support on this journey.