Foster Parents and 3 Reasons Why You Should Become One

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At the beginning of 2014, we started the process to become foster parents. We went to orientation and they explained so much as to why we should become foster parents. At the end of orientation the speaker went on to say, if you’re doing this for selfish reasons, if you’re in it for yourself, or if you feel like you’re not ready to think of others first, this isn’t for you.

Starting the Process With The Right Intentions

We started that process because of the infertility problems we were having. So to say that we were going into this process thinking of others before us was the least true.

So with a lot of prayer and thought, we didn’t follow through with it.

It wasn’t until 2018 when we finally felt the calling to start the process back up again. Not for any other selfish reason other than the sole calling to help others. Now yes, we are now in this process of adopting our girls, but that doesn’t mean that is the scenario for others.

What Does it Take?

When you become a foster parent, you’re shown that you’re there for not just the children but bio parents as well (if that be the case, sometimes it isn’t) . You’re to work side by side caseworkers and other people who represent your children as they confront some of the hardest moments in their young lives. You continuously fight for those who sometimes don’t have a voice for their own. And most importantly, you show love unconditionally to a child that is put in your life for that purpose in time.

Many people have asked me why we became foster parents seeing the honest emotional drain we would go through. Honestly, we would do it all over again just to see the outcome playout the way they all have. Some have stayed most have gone but its been a blessing in all ways.

Why should you become a foster parent?

As Foster Parents, You’re Called to Love

I personally always take everything from a biblical standpoint. We are called to love just as the Lord loved us. He gave His life for us so we could then in turn have life. And for those who don’t see it in the biblical way, we are still called to love no matter what. These children and teens, in this point of their lives, need so much love and devotion. Most of them do have their bio-parents in their lives and this is also a chance for you to demonstrate love upon them as well. You’d be surprised the amount of change you can make on someones life, just giving them the amount of love you’d in turn like to receive from others if you were in their shoes.

As Foster Parents, You Learn to Be Selfless

Foster Care is hard on foster parents. You’re emotionally drained and sometimes it’s hard when the children you’ve grown to love and care for, have to leave you and return home. In this whole process I’ve learned that it’s not all about me and my feelings. No matter the constant nights of uncertainty and grieving, you come to realize that what you’re doing, everything that you’re doing, is for the kids.

“Intellectually, “it’s easy to see healthy family reunification is the best outcome whenever it’s possible,” Medefind said. “Emotionally, it can leave a hole in your heart. But embracing a child for life, with all of her trauma and beauty, joy and fear, is costly too. No matter what, you’ll share in the pain these kids have known.”

How Foster Care Became a Christian Priority—Just in Time 

Sarah Eekhoff Zylstra

It Is Worth It

It isn’t easy, but it is so worth it. Is it hard? Yes. But, do not give up on doing good. The changes and the impact that you make on these kids is something so beautiful. Just to see them smile and grow each day is worth it in my opinion.

Luke 9:23 says, Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me.”

Very little in life that’s worth much of anything is easy. For those who feel compelled to join this journey of fostercare, you have to deny yourself, and pick up your cross daily. It’s hard but the end is always worth it whatever the outcome may be.

Right now, is about the time where I would say “SO WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR?!?!?!” Become a foster parent now.

But no, I’m not going to say that. Because this isn’t for everyone. It’s like the orientation speaker said at the beginning “If you’re doing this for selfish reasons, if you’re in it for yourself, or if you feel like you’re not ready to think of others first, this isn’t for you.”

But, If you’re willing to see the reward at the end of the tunnel, If you’re wanting to love unconditionally this is for you.

Need more info on becoming a foster parent?

Want to talk to someone about foster care?

Let me know

Bri <3