Ok, so here's the deal.
Last week we had two couples who we are good friends with start foster parent classes. YEAH!!! We are very excited for them, and for all of the kids that will get to call them mom and dad in the coming years. After talking with both of my friends as they were coming to the decision to foster, they both commented on similar things. While having friends that are foster parents was not the initial seed that planted interest in fostering - it made it less scary to know someone who is already doing it, their stories, their challenges, and the blessing that it is to foster.
In correlation with all of this...Brian and I have also had a running brainstorm on how we can further allow God to use fostering in our lives to glorify himself. Enter: blog. I would LOVE to be able to use this blog as a tool for advocating foster parenting - along with our regular family updates. I would LOVE to use the stories of our crazy lives to make people less afraid of what fostering is, and to liken people to the idea of fostering. Or if nothing else, just make people aware of all of this craziness.
So....if I haven't lost you all already... I want to know if you have any ideas that could make this more effective. Ideas on how to increase readership with people who may be interested. Ideas on what bloggy-type stories might spark interest in fostering.
This may seem like a strange post...but I want your input! ...We'll see where God takes it from there...
I'll pray about this, and let you know if I come up with any ideas.
ReplyDeleteI would definitely love to read about what path you were on that led you to foster... The ups and downs of what fostering looks like in your family... Everyday stories of just living life. It's definitely something I have thought about, but I find myself wondering what if we go through with it and I find that I just can't do it. What effect does it have on your heart? That sort of thing. Hope this helps!
ReplyDeleteI added your blog to my notification box thingy.
ReplyDeleteKatherine - thanks for your prayers. That's actually the best advice I've gotten yet!
ReplyDeleteStephanie - Thanks so much for your ideas. It really helps to know what kind of questions people have about fostering.
I think that everyone who considers foster care is worried about the emotional tole it takes. It is very difficult when you get attached to kids and then they have to leave. But the difference you leave on their lives - and that they leave on yours is worth it! I'm sure I'll be posting about this soon...as we have a little boy who will be leaving soon!
Yondalla- Thanks so much!
I am so happy you found me and I really think your blog is going to be exactly what is needed. People need to hear a heart of someone in the midst of the emotional roller coasters as mentioned in the comments above. My husband and I were wondering the same things, but in California there is a required set of classes to complete before starting the Foster Certification process that really helped us think through all the different ways to be involved! We just completed our certification process and are waiting to be matched up with a placement. I can already tell I love ALL of you:)
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