Wednesday, March 17, 2010

Foster Family

Our home inspection is next Wednesday.  That's the final step.  It has been such a process, but one I in no way regret.  If you don't mind, I'd like to share our story of what lead us to this point....
It's my cousins fault, really,  She introduced me to a book that I have never been able to forget.  It's about a family that adopts 12 children, all of different races and nationalities.  I knew I wanted to be like that family one day. 
At BYU, I had the opportunity of interning at DCFS.  I was shown a very thick binder full of pictures.  These were pictures of children waiting to be adopted.  It broke my heart.  I wanted to provide a home to each one  of these children. 
Two years later, Chris and I were able to have our first experience with foster care.  It was difficult and left us wondering if this was something we were capable of ever doing again. 
In Idaho, they have what they call "Wednesday's Child" on one of the news stations.  They spotlight a child that is eligible for adoption each week.  I called the hotline number and had them send me more information.  Unfortunately, I knew our time in Idaho would be short.  Still, there was a hole in my heart. 
My sister has been a foster/adoptive parent for about two years now.  Her family was fortunate enough to adopt a sweet, curly-haired little blond.  I love watching him interact with my children.  They currently have a chubby-faced "Dora" (as Geneva refers to her).  They know there might be heartache, but for now...they love.
 I work at Wasatch Mental Health at the Youth Outpatient.  Many of the children we work with are foster children (since we are the only medicaid therapy provider in the area).  I watched one foster parent dog on the biological aunt and was very put off by her attitude.  I walked back into my office and made a call.  I was going to be a foster parent and now was the time.  That was 4 months ago.  Since then, I have had the good fortune of watching my husband become emotionally supportive through the process and pushing us to get everything done...and I have heard my children begging for....a sister...someone who has the same birthday....a classmate....a baby brother...etc...etc....I know this is the right thing for our family.  I know it will be scary.  I know if can be very difficult.  I know all of this, but I also know that I have children out there that need my family.  And maybe...one day....I will be a part of that family I always dreamed would be mine someday. 

6 comments:

  1. you go girl!!! :) love this...thank you for sharing.

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  2. I agree! You are wonderful and any child who gets to enjoy you and your family will be blessed!

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  3. I think you will be a wounderful foster mom and any kid entering your home will be all the better for it:) Good luck!!

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  4. See! This is why you guys are my friends. Thank you!

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  5. What a great blessing you will be to some deserving child(ren). You are my hero.

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  6. My sister has fostered and adopted 12 children. It takes a very special family to do this. It is neat that you desire to be and will be one of these families.

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