I haven’t said much over the past 6 months or so about our fostering journey.  It’s been…interesting to say the least.  Laura and I had talked about becoming foster parents for years.  One thing or another would come up and we’d always say we would wait. 

About 8 or 9 months ago we began talking about it in earnest.  We did our research.  We did some soul searching.  We discussed it with our boys.  We prayed about it.  The Lord seemed to be opening the doors for us to foster.  We signed up for the introductory meeting.  For two hours we listened to a foster parent talk about her foster journey.  We signed up for the rest of the training. 

In all honesty, this was Laura’s dream.  I initially agreed because I knew it was something that she wanted to do.   But the more I learned about the foster system, the more I was burdened to be involved. 

One day, while I was reading my Bible, the Lord spoke to my heart.  I was reading in James, where the scripture tells us that true religion is visiting the widow and the orphan in their affliction.  I surrendered my heart to being a foster parent. 

Our first placement completely changed my family’s perspective.  A little girl and her baby brother were placed in our home.  They quickly became part of our family.  As long as I live, I will never forget the day that sweet darling girl placed her hands on my face, looked me in the eyes and said, “Are you Daddy?”  My heart melted.  One morning, I was playing with the little boy.  Just doing the typical Dad thing, holding him up in the air over my head and talking to him.  He grinned at me and I thought, he’s never had a Daddy play with him like this.  That is why I became a foster parent.  Because there are so many children in Kentucky that need what so many of us take for granted—the love of a parent. 

No, they aren’t my flesh and blood.  No, I’m not looking to adopt.  I’m looking to step up and step in to give these precious children what they need most at perhaps the darkest time in their young lives, a father’s love.   Someone who loves them no matter what—the temper tantrums, the night terrors, the arguing, no matter what. 

You’re probably thinking, I could never do that.  I could never open my home, much less my heart, to perfect strangers.  Where much is given, much is required.  My heavenly Father gave me love when I was unlovable.  He opened His heart and His Home for me.   As a Christian, I am supposed to show this world the love of Jesus.  How better than to heed His words and suffer the little children. 

We’ve got our next placement.  An adorable little boy.  We’ve been told that most likely, this will be short term placement.  It’s only been a few days, but I’m already dreading the call from the caseworker that says he’s going home.  I’ll be happy for him and overjoyed for his parents.  But it’s going to hurt.  I’m going to cry.  I’m going to have second thoughts.  But I’ll say yes again and again.