How we got to this place

As we have shared our desire to begin the process to become a foster family, the most often question we have gotten is "What made you decide this?"  I decided to start this blog so our friends and family could follow us on our adventure.  First off though, I wanted to share how we got here.  So....here's the answer.

The desire to adopt has been building in my heart over the last 10 years.  I have seen many friends and a few family members adopt over the years, and I always felt like it was something God was calling us to do.  Todd, however, was not as convinced as I was.  He always said "This is something we can talk about later"  Things took an unexpected turn, though, after the birth of Logan, our 3rd son.  Given all the medical issues that came with his birth, I kind of pushed adoption out of my head (however, my heart never fully let it go)  I knew that God might have given us all we could handle with the family He had so graciously blessed us with.  When Logan was 3 years old, and as some of his medical issues began to resolve, the adoption fire began building again.  I became more and more convinced God wanted us to do this.  I remember thinking "I'm just gonna pray that God changes Todd's heart."  I remember talking to my sister-in-law about this and she gently suggested that I needed to pray that God change MY heart if this wasn't something He was calling us to do.  About a year ago, I finally stopped mentioning it to Todd and just asked him to pray about it.  I also began praying about it too.  I knew that IF this was something God wanted for us, that he would change Todd's heart.  Little did I know, God was working on both of us.  Over the past 4 years, we have watched a few families in our church become foster parents.  About a year ago, our pastor and his family became foster parents and we have watched the amazing blessing fostering has been to them through every placement.  Another family adopted a precious little girl after fostering her for several years.  Our pastor has shared several aspects about how fostering has changed their family.  God was using this.  He was chipping away at both of our hearts.  I had always put foster care out of my head because I thought it would be too emotionally taxing.

One night, a few months ago, Todd and I were in bed watching the news.  A devastating story about a little boy, who happened to have Down syndrome, had been locked in his attic by his 'mom' because she was ashamed of him.  He was 6 years old and only weighed 17 lbs  when the police found him.  Thankfully, the little boy lived and is now (I presume) in a foster home.  I was so devastated and moved to tears when I watched this story.  I just looked at Todd and said "Honey, we need to help these kids."  Shortly after that story, Todd said that he also felt that God was calling us to this ministry.  God has called Christians to care for the orphans.  Every family is called to do this in different ways, and we feel that becoming a foster family is how God is calling our family to answer this biblical command.

I said that God was also changing my heart as well.  My heart has shifted gears.  I just want to care for these children, the burning desire to adopt has changed.  I am terrified at the unknown.  I don't think we will fully know how hard this will be until we are in the throws of it.  We are not going into this hoping to adopt, however, we aren't closing that door either.

The first step in becoming a foster family is taking 11 weeks worth of classes (33 hours total).  After that comes home studies, physicals, home interviews, background checks....and more we probably don't even know about.  I have been teasing Todd that our house will be more baby proof than it was with any of our own kids!  We are hoping to be able to take placements by the end of the year. (2011)

We are asking you all to join us in prayer as we begin this adventure.  Pray for the little lives who will pass through our home.  We want to show them the love of Jesus.  As they heal, both physically and emotionally from whatever they came from, more than anything we want to show them Biblical love.  Pray for our boys as they deal with the changes that will come to our home.  Pray for us as WE deal with the changes that will come to our home.

Well, if you've made it this far, this is our story.  So, sit back, buckle and enjoy the ride!  We are glad you are walking this with us!  Our first class is Jan 11th.  1-11-11  :)

Emily