Monday, March 21, 2011

Failure Is Not An Option

Wow, I'm sorry that it's been so long since I've given you all an update! Bronchitis, numerous trainings, and family visits have kept me a bit occupied, but now it's time to sit down and fill you all in on our continuing journey. Due to recent conversations I've had with some people, I feel as though I need to clarify something that is weighing heavily on my heart... Ronnie and I did not choose Foster Care as an easy and glamorous lifestyle. We are not doing this just to become parents. Nor are we doing this with the thought that we can change our minds if it gets too challenging. There is no "return policy" for these kids, as one person so rudely suggested. They are not appliances. They are not hamsters. They are not dollar store items. They are CHILDREN! They are human beings! They are God's precious miracles that have survived tremendous tragedy and lived to tell the tale. We should feel HONORED to be the ones who take in these hurting souls and give them a place to heal. These kids need all of the love and support we can give them, no matter how daunting it may seem. And here's the thing... we are merely weeks away from becoming licensed Foster-Adoptive Parents. Now is NOT the time to question us about our choices or try to get us to change our minds. This is what WE have chosen for US and, quite frankly, what a lot of others should also choose to do, if only they were brave enough to take that leap of faith. While we do have room for children, we do not have room for naysayers. We do not need people's criticism, we need their encouragement. We KNOW that this is what God has put upon our hearts, so we ask that you please keep your negativity to yourselves and surround us with prayer as we enter this new world. God has called us to do this, so we KNOW He will equip us with everything we need along the way. We are not expecting it to be easy and we are not expecting anything from these children in return. They are not here to meet our needs, we are here to meet theirs. We are doing this for the love of God's Children. Period. And for now, that's all I have to say.

-Heather

6 comments:

  1. That is so great of you guys! My oldest brother and his wife have been married for 15 years, and have never been able to have kids. So they turned to foster/adoption. The people that can do that are simply amazing. They got their first group of kids in 2008...and currently have their 4th group...2 sweet little girls, which they are currently in the process of adopting. It is so wonderful to see the things that they have done for all those children, and I know you guys will do the same! :) Best of luck as you embark on this next part of your lives!

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  2. Heather, this post and the other ones on here brought tears to my eyes. I am so proud of what you and Ronnie are doing. There are so many kids out there that need good parents, and you and Ronnie will be absolutely wonderful. It's crazy, but you two will learn so much more about yourselves in the process, and it'll give you such a unique glimpse into how God sees his children. Blessings.

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  3. You know I've got your back sister! And I ABSOLUTELY can't wait to meet your angels :)

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  4. Go girl! Welcome to the world of parenting. EVERYBODY has an opinion, and it's usually how you're doing something wrong, and they can 'fix' either you or your kids. (Don't make me count how many people have come up to me in WalMart with a comment ...!)

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  5. Very Well Said :) You both will be such a blessig to all the children you are able to take in and help to heal!! It is so AWESOME that God has called you to do this. Bill and I keep toying with idea also and need some more prayer to decide if we would like to do Fostering/Adoption ourselves. You both are an inspiration!!!! God Bless :)

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  6. I think you guys are doing a very courageous thing. What God has called you to will not be easy, but you are right--He WILL give you everything you need for this journey. You are actively doing what God's calls all believers to do...care for orphans and widows. I will be praying for you guys and I look forward to staying updated on how God works in and through you!

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