As a foster parent I hear often comments like, “I could never do what you’re doing. I could never give them back.” I always smile, thank the person, and usually say something like, “I can’t either, but God can if you’re willing to say yes.”
When Rex and I decided to start down this foster/adoption journey we had no clue what our yes would entail, we were just trying to be obedient and faithful to where we felt God calling us. We’re not amazing parents. Trust us, just ask our kids or our parents. 😉 Honestly, we had no clue of what the next few years would bring. We have had lots of struggles, tears, sacrifices, lost sleep, insert next hard thing here. However, we have also seen such goodness, growth, provision, and pictures of God’s faithfulness in the lives of our family and those that have become family.
This concept, love makes room, has become a mantra for not only my family, but so many other foster/adoptive families in our church. Once you say yes once and you experience what it looks like to enter another families’ story – both the good and bad – and you experience God at work, it becomes harder to say no when He asks. Why, because you know that a no usually equates to you not trusting that He will provide.
Over the last two years, we have had five kids placed in our home. Our first two placements and their parents/grandparents have become family. We have been able to celebrate milestones – sobriety, return homes, birthdays – and able to support and pray during hardships – hospital stays, emergency room visits, hard financial times. The Lord has not only literally made room in that our home now has an extra bedroom, but also broadened my view of Him, family, and my ability/capacity to love.
Just as important as us saying “yes” was countless others stepping up to support that response. Grandparents and their willingness to pick up/drop off and to love knowing they’ll probably say goodbye. Aunts, uncles and cousins welcoming extra kids on family trips. Friends being willing to become babysitter certified so they can watch kids for us from time to time.
Church members providing countless meals, a place to stay while a kid was in the hospital, an extra room added on to our house, so we have space for more. Sunday school classes who adopt birth families and help with diapers and Christmas. Preschool and children’s volunteers loving and sharing Jesus. Money donated because more kids mean more mouths to feed and so much more. Prayers upon prayers upon prayers.
So, yes love makes room, because He gives us the ability to do it – Emmanuel – God with us. So, say “yes”, do the hard. Add another chair to the table for dinner. Invite a friend over, even if you’re house is a mess. Have some folks that may not have a family in town over for the holidays. Take the next step to learn more about fostering/adoption. Knock on your neighbor’s door and ask how you can pray. Trust that love – God – will make the room in your home, schedule, bank account, etc. and then watch Him work.
Heather Wolf
Director of Church Outreach
