Not soon enough

Boy, I am impatient! (are you just figuring this out too, or have you known for a while).

Our Impact class was great! Draining - there was a LOT to learn. But amazing, nonetheless. I, of course, want a child NOW. Craig, thank God, is a lot more rational about this. He's the more level-headed of the two of us, especially when it comes to something like this. I just want to gather all of the hurting kids & bring them home. Craig wants to think, discuss & pray before hand. I am SO blessed that God balances us.

We did get a call yesterday from Bethany saying that our Impact certificates were on the way, along with our home study packet. Of course, now I'm sitting at a window stalking watching for the mail person. I'm even contemplating if we need to frame our certificates. Insane, I know.

There's still a LOT we need to do before we can officially open our home. We need to complete the home study packet; discuss relationships with parents, siblings, spouse; decide what age group; how many children; are we willing to take a sibling group; what type of abused child are we open to; would we be willing to foster a multicultural child. Then we, as a couple & family, need to REALLY talk about the changes this will bring to our family. After that is the home visit, FBI/GBI background check... YIKES!

None of that has put a damper on my excitement. I'm just as excited today as I was back in December when we first began this journey. And I know I'll be even MORE excited a month from now as we see what God has in store for us.

Thanks for sharing this journey with us & your support. It really helps knowing that we have people in our lives who are behind us.

Many blessings,
Allison

Our journey begins....

It's finally here! I've been waiting for this weekend for 2 months now! Tonight (well, Friday night) we started our IMPACT classes to become foster parents.

I really thought this class was just going to be a bunch of information. Not that that would be bad.... but there's a lot of interaction and they ask for feedback. What would you do in this situation type stuff. Really interesting - and eye opening.

As I sat in the class, I couldn't help but wonder what God had in store for us. Of course, I also couldn't help but wonder if we would even be able to foster because of my history. Society has a tendency to look down upon those with depression or sexual abuse in their past. Yet, I was reassured. It's a God thing, I know. We were told tonight that those experiences that I've been through will actually be an ASSET; part of our strengths as foster parents. Chances are I will know what these children are going through. I'll be able to identify with them a little better. How reassuring!

Once again, God is using my past to help further HIS kingdom. He'll lead children to our home who will truly be able to benefit from the love & experience that we have to offer.

It's going to be an interesting ride and a bumpy one too!! I can't wait.

Many blessings,
Allison

You're gonna do what?

As you know, Craig & I have been contemplating becoming a foster family. Tonight we took action! We attended a foster parent orientation down in Atlanta. The information given was amazing. I knew there was a need, but it's heartbreaking to learn just how much of a need there is.

We've only just begun the process though. We submitted our paperwork & handed in our letter of intent. Now it's on to 20 hours of classes, plus CPR/First Aid certification, home visits, etc.

I'm finding that the majority of our friends are supporting this move. Each person has given us great words of affirmation. Quite honestly, I don't think anyone in our lives would object. It's nice to learn how people think of us. Even someone that we don't know all that well said that we would make the perfect foster parents. WOW! That's a lot of pressure.

What I love most about the organization that we're going through is that their primary goal is reunification of the family. I'm ok with that. I wondered if I would be. I know that's a concern for Craig. Ultimately, I do not want to see a family torn apart. If there is a way to reunite them, I'm all for it!

I cannot wait to open up our home to a child who needs a safe place. Ultimately, we'll be opening up our hearts too. This is what God has called us to do.

Many blessings,
Allison

Adding to the brood...

Compared to my husband's family, I come from a rather large family. There were 3 kids in my family, not to mention the numerous foster siblings at any given time. Couple that with 7 cousins on my mom's side of the family & 4 on my dad's side. A family gathering could be quite an event.

Since having my own children, I've wanted a large family. Well, not Jon & Kate large, but larger than 2. God has blessed me with 2 beautiful & healthy children. Yet, I yearn for more. I know what you're thinking - just have more. I wish it were that easy.

One thing I remember from growing up (and it even happens a little now) was the sibling jealousy. Not feeling like Mom's favorite. Living in a family with 3 girls - it was hard to be a favorite. That's where my children come in. Because I have been blessed with a girl AND a boy, I can honestly tell my children that they are my favorite daughter/son. Sneaky - I know! Thinking of adding to my family would through that whole plan off! Hahahaha....

Plus, I was concerned at how my kids would do with adding another child to the mix. Justin has been SO used to being the 'baby', how would he react to no longer being the baby?

Why do I worry??

As you can see from this picture, Justin is in love with Alaina. Granted, I know that Alaina isn't ours & it's totally easy to love someone that doesn't LIVE with you, but he really does love her. He even asked me to have have another baby so he can share his room.


And Chelsea? HEAVEN ON EARTH! The thought of someone else to love just brings joy to her heart.

So, with starting the fostering process, I've chatted with my kids a bit. I wanted to know what THEY thought about it. I mean, they are the ones who would be doing the sharing. Chelsea loved the thought of being able to have an older sibling. Someone to protect her & look after her. After assuring Justin that we weren't looking for a foster home for HIM, that WE would be a foster home to a child, he's on board too!

It's a long process. One that will take months. But I know that God is preparing the way. Opening up our hearts and choosing just the right child to live with us.

Many blessings,
Allison

Decisions, decisions

During the times that my computer chooses to not cooperate, I was able to do a little research on becoming a foster family. We even requested information from Bethany Children Services. There is SO much do to in order to become a foster family and I cannot WAIT to get started.

Craig & I have completely different personalities when it comes to life. He's a 'information' gatherer before he makes a decision. I, on the other hand, like to jump in with both feet and THEN look back. What a blessing that God put us together - we certainly DO balance eachother out.

Anyway, the more I read about fostering the more I know it's a direction we should head. Even the kids are excited - of course, Justin needed to be convinced that we weren't putting HIM in a foster home. Crazy kid!!!

So, the process begins. Just some paperwork to fill out for now. Then some training classes. It will be a long process but worth every second just to shower our love on a child who needs it.

Many blessings,
Allison

Sunday

What a great Sunday!

Had a packed house at small group this morning. I cannot believe that I went into this fearful. I can't imagine NOT doing this. My small group girls are so sweet and have become a big part of my life. My co-leader is becoming a wonderful friend & mentor. I am just SO blessed!

Craig and I spoke briefly about fostering. There's definitely a LOT we need to discuss & work out. I think we both have different opinions as to what age we would take in. He's leaning towards high school and I'm leaning more towards elementary school age. We're in the fact finding stage. Tomorrow I'll make a call to Bethany to see if I can get more info. Bethany is a Christian organization that helps place foster children. There's an information session this Thursday evening. Craig wants to wait for the December meeting, but I am already trying to figure out HOW we can go to the one this Thursday.

Spent the rest of the afternoon napping on the couch. I am planning on stamping this evening, once Craig is home from Inside-Out and the kids are in bed. I've got some invites to make which need to be mailed this week. Hope the inspiration won't take too long to visit.

There's not much on the agenda for the week. Knitting on Monday night, Tuesday is a seminar at unemployment. Wednesday is early release for the kids - Veterans Day. I'm sure things will pick up as the week goes by.

Many blessings,

Allison