Why Foster Parenting?

Josh and I first considered the idea of foster parenting about 10 years ago, after we were married only a short time. We found a couple of foster parents then and asked questions. I don't remember the initial reason foster parenting crossed our minds, other than the fact that we didn't get pregnant right away and we wanted a dozen or so kids. :) We had no idea, though, that we still wouldn't have any children 10 years later.

My thought then was: Get a child, fall in love with him/her, and adopt them. Josh's thought was: Be a blessing to many different children and hopefully lead them to God in the process. After thoroughly discussing the hows and whys of foster care it was apparent that it was not the right timing for us. I honestly, at that time, knew I couldn't handle giving the children back to the birth parents. Other reasons, including the fact that we lived in a 26 foot travel trailer and were about to travel all over the USA raising support for Indonesia, made it clear that there was no way we could be foster parents back then.

Fast-forward to 2 or 3 years ago when we were just talking and Josh said how if we ever lived in America again he would like to be a foster parent. Then, when we did end up here, back in America, we started seriously considering it.

Honestly, at first, the reason I wanted to be a foster parent was to simply have the joy of mothering a child--completely selfish. I had a desire and this was one way to fulfill a life-long dream. Now, I can say, since learning more about foster parenting, I want to do it because I know how great the need is and I believe I can be an instrument of healing in a child's life. And yes, even if it means giving the child back to his birth parents--which is the most likely scenario.

I must add that Josh has an amazing ability to teach, and children seem to gravitate to him. I know he'll make a great foster dad! I am so glad that he is not just agreeing to do this but is enthusiastic about it.

Is it tempting to keep our comfortable lifestyle the way it is? After all, we can go wherever we want, whenever we want, and do things without interruption. Yep, it sure is. But it's not about us. It's about the kids, and they are worth it!