Fostering Journey

As fairly new foster parents, we knew we would be learning a whole lot about ourselves upon taking off on our journey. Let me tell you we have! We have faced some tough moments where even our integrity was tested. We've dealt with heartbreak, with confusion, and loss. Sometimes we have felt "not good enough." Other times we have felt that maybe our family is not ready for these challenges...

Through all of these "downs" we have also experienced many UPs!!! The moment when we realized our 1 year old was catching up to his peers, signing "milk," and signing "all done."  The moment when our 4 year old finally learned her colors, and learned to speak English (in what seemed like an over night process!) The moment when our 5 year old said "Mom, I really want to stay here forever." The moment when our 16 year old brought home b's and c's after not being in school for over 2 years and transferring here with f's. Moments that would make any parent proud. Moments we were blessed with even if it was only a brief glimpse of these children's lives.  We haven't fostered one child for more than 4 months at a time but it really doesn't take very long to feel love for these little ones.


Through the heart break, I continue to believe that this is the right journey for us as a family. I think we are benefiting as much (if not more) than the children we foster. I wish there was no need for any child to need a foster home but the sad truth is, that there are many children that need a place to call home. Even if only for a few months. To have someone hug them and read them a book. To cook a home cooked meal for them. To take them to the local library. To explore nature at a local park. To teach them that it's ok to laugh, to cry, and to love.

I hope we continue to have the strength to carry on in our journey. It's not an easy journey, but it sure is a rewarding one. If you feel the tug in your heart to foster, please look into it. It's not as hard as you might think and you will learn so much along the way. You don't need to be perfect, just a loving mom or dad figure for these kiddos for a while.  <3 p="">
~Norm