Proverbs 24:12
Once our eyes are opened, we cannot pretend we don't know what to do. God, who weighs our hearts and keeps our souls, knows that we know, and holds us responsible to act."
Becoming a foster parent isn't a decision one must take lightly. You're adding a child or children to your home that have seen, heard and experienced things many times outside of the realm of your imagination.
Their hurt, their fear and their anger is heartbreaking to see. You just want to take them, hold them and let them know everything will be okay and then make it so.
Given time, you will see their nightmares and night terrors give way to them waking up singing! It takes much prayer, much love, much grace and alot of loving them how they need to be loved.
Some children come into your care and need more than what you can give them. This is the most difficult of situations as you may find yourself loving this child and wanting to make everything right, but in the end you rely on the seasoned professionals that they know how to help each child get the *best* they need and deserve.
Foster parenting is certainly not for the feint of heart. It is for those who have a heart for loving, helping and most importantly God's calling on you and your spouse.
When I wake up, my heart leaps for joy that today will be another day full of sticky kisses and hugs, boo-boo's that need kissing, books that need reading, teeth that need brushing, endless laundry to be doing, etc.
I thank the Lord for this calling in our life. We are blessed.
Showing posts with label foster to adopt. Show all posts
Showing posts with label foster to adopt. Show all posts
Tuesday, June 14, 2011
Sunday, May 22, 2011
Foster Parents R Us
My husband and I recently made one of the best decisions we've ever made - we decided to become foster parents!
There are alot of steps one has to go through to become foster parents but we can assure you that on this side of it, for us, it has been well worth everything.
It's time for honesty here, we didn't know what to expect.
Here's what we found. All children love to run, jump, play, watch tv, get hugs and kisses, tickles, bubbles, baths, go outside, and friends.
If you can provide love and provide basic needs for a child then you may well be on your way to become a foster parent.
Did you know some children need a single foster parent? Did you know you don't have to be a home owner? Did you know you can decide how many children you can keep in your home? Did you know that you can decide the age range and gender that you feel you would be best to have live with you for a while?
Did you know there is a need for respite foster parents who can babysit for other foster parents or keep a child or children overnight if the foster families have to go somewhere?
There are alot of options for someone interested in being a foster parent. You will be provided a monthly stipend per child to help purchase groceries, etc. that would provide for your foster child's daily needs and living expenses.
This is not a way to make a living, it IS a way to help a child.
One more thing I want to leave you with...
It is FREE to become a foster parent.
The only cost you may incur is during the process of gathering your paperwork, fingerprints, doctor physical etc. But that cost is VERY minimal (approx. $50.00, but I believe I'm over stating the cost there). But the process itself where you are interacting with the Social Worker is FREE! Your classes are FREE! If you can keep a child in your home but can't drive the child to visits etc., a social worker can do that!
If you've been thinking about fostering or adopting, I'd highly recommend signing up as a foster parent who does respite care and then decide if you want to move into more full time.
God bless you as you pray about what is best for you and your family.
There are alot of steps one has to go through to become foster parents but we can assure you that on this side of it, for us, it has been well worth everything.
It's time for honesty here, we didn't know what to expect.
Here's what we found. All children love to run, jump, play, watch tv, get hugs and kisses, tickles, bubbles, baths, go outside, and friends.
If you can provide love and provide basic needs for a child then you may well be on your way to become a foster parent.
Did you know some children need a single foster parent? Did you know you don't have to be a home owner? Did you know you can decide how many children you can keep in your home? Did you know that you can decide the age range and gender that you feel you would be best to have live with you for a while?
Did you know there is a need for respite foster parents who can babysit for other foster parents or keep a child or children overnight if the foster families have to go somewhere?
There are alot of options for someone interested in being a foster parent. You will be provided a monthly stipend per child to help purchase groceries, etc. that would provide for your foster child's daily needs and living expenses.
This is not a way to make a living, it IS a way to help a child.
One more thing I want to leave you with...
It is FREE to become a foster parent.
The only cost you may incur is during the process of gathering your paperwork, fingerprints, doctor physical etc. But that cost is VERY minimal (approx. $50.00, but I believe I'm over stating the cost there). But the process itself where you are interacting with the Social Worker is FREE! Your classes are FREE! If you can keep a child in your home but can't drive the child to visits etc., a social worker can do that!
If you've been thinking about fostering or adopting, I'd highly recommend signing up as a foster parent who does respite care and then decide if you want to move into more full time.
God bless you as you pray about what is best for you and your family.
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