It’s been a long journey. About three years ago we took the first steps to becoming foster parents. We didn’t know what to expect or what the journey would hold, but we knew we were called.

Every Monday night for several weeks, we took the time to go to Foster Care Training. After each class we would download the information to our kids and get them in on all the possibilities. We wanted them to know what to expect and didn’t want to do anything that would cause more stress than necessary for our family. 

We had no idea what we were about to walk into. But God did. 

We read the books and blogs. We talked to those who had been there and done that. We prayed and prayed some more. And then we waited. It was several months before we received a call. 

The first call came in March. It was a newborn baby girl. And my heart leaped with excitement and anticipation. The day we had been waiting for had finally arrived. 

When I returned the phone call to pick up the baby girl, I was greeted with a disappointed, “I’m sorry. She’s actually been placed in another county. But thank you for being willing.” 

Bummer. My heart was ready, I think. But on the other hand I was terrified. Maybe I wasn’t ready at all. The unknowns of foster care gripped me. And I didn’t know if I was truly prepared for what we signed up for. 

A couple more months passed and we received another call. This time it was late at night and much different than a newborn at the hospital. It was multiple children and the information we were given was very limited. 

But with hearts thumping, we said yes! 

There are so many details I want to share. And so many stories that would encourage you and challenge you to love the children in your community with more vulnerability and sincerity. 

But it’s not quite time for me to give you all the facts. What I will share is that one of those sweet children that entered our home deep into the night is still here in our home. And soon he will be officially ours. 

Though he’s already a part of the family, we will make it official very soon! And I will be sure to share the big day with you! 

For now, would you join us in celebrating all the ways God has worked throughout this little one’s life and in ours? He has changed us in a good way. 

On the way to church this week, I asked him what he was thankful for. He replied,  “I’m thankful Mommy obeys God, and Ray obeys Mommy.” 
While it might sounds like a simple sweet thing for a child to say, for us this is a gift. 

It’s a gift of trust and understanding about God, about family, about order, and about life. I’ve gotten a lot of questions lately about how Ray is doing and the short answer is that he is thriving. Though he’s been through a lot of unknowns in his short little life, one thing he knows is what to expect at home and from his family. And for any child that is a huge part of their development. 

We aren’t saving Ray out of anything. If anything he is saving us from blindly living in a dreamed up world where heartache doesn’t touch us. Ray helps us stay close to reality and see with eyes wide open the real world. 

I’ll share more soon. But for today, I’ll ask you the same question I asked Ray on the way to church, “What are you thankful for?” 

I’m thankful for the wisdom and understanding of our little boy. God is able to do more than we could have ever imagined a few years ago.

Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute. Proverbs 31:8

Love & Blessings,