From My Heart: Foster Care
Foster care and adoption is something Isaac and I are very passionate about. Our son Xayvion came into our lives through foster care and in 2021, we welcomed him to our family through adoption. In fact, my family celebrated the three year anniversary of Xayvion's adoption this past weekend!
Isaac and I talked about adopting early on in our relationship and were serious about it even in college. We knew that there are so many kids out there who need loving homes, so it was on our hearts to get involved in the foster care system. We felt called to foster care versus international or domestic adoption because we wanted to help kids close to us. This would allow us to help families in our nearby communities as well.
Foster care is probable the most complicated path - you don’t get involved because you want to adopt or add kids to your family - at least that can't be the sole reason. There is a unique kind of heartbreak as a foster parent and you can be put in difficult situations. While there is room for improvement within the complex adoption and foster care systems, the bottom line is this: every kid deserves a safe, loving home and someone to advocate and care for them. Families in the foster care system also need support as they determine how to care and raise for their children, whatever that may look like.
We know that our God calls us to care for orphans, widows, the poor, the "sinners," those suffering, and our neighbors. In the foster care system, you encounter people fitting all of these characteristics. Our faith is what calls us to this way of living and combined with support from our community of friends, family, and church family, we are able to advocate for children in the system courageously. Being involved in foster care grows and stretches you. Most importantly, it teaches you what it means to love like Jesus.
Isaac and I are certified foster care parents through KidsPeace - a local foster care agency. If you are interested in learning more, check out their website here!