Are you serious? Have you thought this through?
In brief, yes. I have invested months of prayer and time preparing. I am aware that it will be gut-wrenchingly hard and also amazingly redemptive and wonderful. At the end of the day, I know it will be hard, but I also know I have been called to do this for the next season of my life. I don't know anything beyond that.
What ages of children will you take?
Currently, I have decided that I will begin with children ages 3 and under. This is the age group that I am most comfortable with, which I believe is a plus as I learn how the system itself works. Older children often come with a lot more baggage and more complicated schedules, so I want to know the system better before I cross that bridge. I want to invest well, so this is where I'm starting.
How many children will you take at a time?
I think I will start with either 1 child or 2 children if they are a sibling pair. I might increase in the future, but, again, I want to learn how the system works and know what I am capable of. I have no desire to burn out early and not be able to continue.
How will you get certified?
I am planning to start the 10-week classes at the end of February, 2012. I am going to get certified under The Children's Network of Southwest Florida - more specifically through Florida Baptist Children's Homes, the same agency that my friends use. I know that there will be a ton of paperwork, references, and an intensive home-study that I will have to complete as well.
When will you start taking in children?
Honestly, probably not until July or August. It is a long process. Also, I will be moving mid-June, so I will have to get the next house settled, inspected, and approved before I will be set to go.
Would you ever adopt a child if became an option?
I've prayed pretty hard about this one too. Where it currently stands, I have decided that if any of my foster kids become available to adopt, I will lay it before God - because I know He will have to let me know whether, for that specific child, it will be harder in the long run for them to be torn away and separated from another parent (me) or to grow up in a potentially fatherless home (though I still have hope!). After that, I just have to trust that He will guide me in the right direction and give me the courage to walk forward into that decision.
Will you post pictures and stories on this blog?
I hope so. I will do everything in my power to protect my children, so I will follow every regulation I am given. If I am able to post pictures (probably without names), I will do so in order to share this journey.
Why are you blogging about it?
I want to share this journey in hopes that others will also have their hearts broken for the foster children in our nation. If even one other person considers fostering, I will be overjoyed. I know I won't mother like anyone else. I know I'm choosing a hard road, doing it alone. But investing in another person's life, showing them the light and love of Christ, is always worth it - no matter how hard or painful. I share the journey because it is not a typical experience, but it is my experience. And it is the story I've been given to tell.
