Why We Do What We Do

I postponed sharing why we chose to foster because I didn't want it to get swallowed up in my last post. 

This is earth shattering {not really} and you are going to be floored with our great list of reasons as to why we are fostering {again not so much.} 

Without further ado, here is: 

Why we chose to be foster parents.

We chose to foster because we had a friend in high school who was in foster care. We saw first hand {as much as possible through a peer to peer relationship} how being in foster care impacted her life. Kid's in foster care aren't just 'those foster kids' to me. They're my friend. She deserved better. They deserve better. I want to be a small part of that better. 

We chose to foster because it is do-able. We made a phone call and someone showed up on our doorstep for a couple hours a week to train us. This lasted about a month. There was also minimal paperwork involved. Then we were licensed. Badabing Badaboom. 

We choose to foster because its something that lasts. So much of life is fleeting. Here today and gone tomorrow. The only thing that lasts is relationships. The only thing that matters is eternity. Through foster care we get a chance to expose these kids to a different lifestyle. They get to see that maybe life can be different in a good way. We plant the seeds of hope. We introduce them to the idea of the gospel {don't shove it down their throats} and give them the  opportunity to respond. Let me be clear. Introducing them to the gospel is not "Do you want to go to heaven? Well good, repeat this prayer after me." Introducing them to the gospel is "you know when you did ---, well thats wrong and you will have to deal with the consequences for that sin, but I want you to know that when Jesus died on the cross for that sin he already paid the penalty so you are forgiven. Now lets tell Jesus thank you and next time lets try to remember to ----" and its gently reminding them that if they ever feel like God is talking to their hearts {conviction} its okay to tell us so we can help them figure it all out {John 3:16}.  Taking them to church doesn't hurt either. 

We choose to foster because life is short and when we are all out of time, we want to let go peacefully knowing we invested the time we had well. Investing time into a hobby, or a banking account, or property, or savings, may sound nice - but truthfully isn't a wise investment. I said it already but it is worth repeating, the only thing that lasts is relationships. The only thing that matters is eternity. 

We choose to foster because it broadens our {bio}children's view of the world. It is easy as a homeschooling family to accidentally give your children a very narrow minded view of the world. To get wrapped up in your cozy little safe home where you get to pick the curriculum and you get to pick the friends your kids are exposed to and you never leave your perfect {yeah right} little "Christian bubble." It's a little 'living on the wild side' to open up your home to a whole lot of unknown. It's not just talking about how things are in the world, its showing them first hand. It gives our children wonderful opportunities to learn and grow. To see that families sometimes look a lot different than ours. We help them to see both the good and the bad. That no one is perfect {most especially not us}, and everyone deserves the gospel {grace and mercy} and LOVE. Not to mention it gives them fantastic opportunities to work through conflict. ;0) It is a fabulous tool for preparing your children to one day leave you & live their own lives in 'the real world.' And it helps you see them in a new light. And your parenting in a new light. Being a foster Mom has most certainly made me a better Mom to my biological daughters!

We choose to foster because there is a need. Everyday all across the United States, in our very own communities. Children are being removed from their homes because it is dangerous and unsafe for them to remain where they are. These kids are not moved out for silly little piddly reasons. It is a big deal. These kids need someone to love them and give them hope. To quote another Foster Parent:


"We are merchants of hope. That is our currency, whether it ends up being six months’ worth or a lifetime supply. As kids, you need hope that a better life is possible. Hope that you’ll have parents who will be there for you. Hope that you’ll have a decent meal, and then another one and another after that. Hope that you’ll get out of the crib, out of the corner, out of the dark room. Hope that the yelling will stop. Hope that you’ll get to touch the grass, look at the trees, laugh at the moon hanging low on a warm summer evening while fireflies dance through the night. Hope that you’ll be heard. Hope that your parents will change. Hope that if they don’t, you can overcome genetics. Hope that this sadness is not forever. Hope that you someone will wrap their arms around you and hold you close. Hope that you’ll find a different way than the drugs and the alcohol and the selfishness and the parade of guys through your mom’s bed. Hope that someone will pick you up when you fall. Hope for boundaries that really just mean someone cares. Hope that there’s more to this life than just this life. Hope that keeps hoping, beyond all reason, beyond all sight. Hope that hung on a cross and took your pain and sin and sadness and brokenness and made it new. Hope that will never end …    - Ben Hoak"

I have nothing more to say. That sums it all up perfectly. That my friends, is why we do what we do. 

Just in case….