2016 Update!

So a big jump from just reading books, taking one class, to the official announcement that...
WE HAVE OUR FOSTER LICENSE!

Long story short, after talking with a few adoption agencies in Michigan, we learned that children ages 2-6 rarely become available for adoption as the birth parents are given many opportunities to try and sort out issues and properly parent their children, and foster families are given the first opportunity to adopt them if parental rights are terminated. Even if we were able to connect with a child in this age range, it was recommended that we get a foster license so the child could have longer visits with us while we get to know each other and see if we would be a good match.

We attended an orientation at Samaritas of MI in May, completed lots of paperwork, home visits, interviews, and training classes. The biggest things that were required of us were installing an egress window in our basement so the children can continue to play down there, adding a home phone line, creating emergency plans, locking up medications, getting another bed and booster seat. We also talked to a lot of family and friends about the support we would need- background checks for them to be substitute care providers, home precautions, behavior possibilities, acceptable discipline and affection, etc. We struggled with how much to ask of others since this is our family's calling, despite knowing what a wonderful community we have! So 3 short months later, we are just waiting for a call and trying to find other ways to connect with and pray for those already in the world of adoption and foster care.

One night at dinner, I was explaining to our children what the day may be like if we ever do get a call to care for a child. We would be excited, but this may be the worst day of the child's life- taken from their home and family, leaving behind most of their possessions, unknown future and unknown people...I described some of the behaviors I had read about in books and heard about in trainings, and how we would have to have love, patience, and understanding in difficult times. Their expressions turned from excitement to confusion, and our oldest daughter asked, "then why are we even doing this?" Great question! As followers of Jesus, we "have been crucified with Christ, and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me." Galatians 2:20. So we don't make decisions any more about what would be best for us in terms of what would make us happiest, most comfortable, most successful, etc. Jesus demonstrated on earth that he goes to those who are lost, hurting, without families, without love, without food, and he welcomes them in, heals them, feeds them, clothes them...so if Jesus is living in us, we do this also- with faith, by the power of the Holy Spirit, and for His Glory!

Hope this helps to catch any of you up who are interested, and keep a record for ourselves. I will also attach the letter we sent out to family and friends to keep everything in one place.

Peace,
Courtney :)