It came in the mail last week!!!! We finally got our permanent foster care license!!! Let me tell ya when we started this journey last January I never thought this day would come!!! Just as a quick over view to give you an idea of what it takes to get your license you must complete about two months worth of classes, mountains of paperwork, reference checks, fingerprinting, background checks, doctors appointments, TB tests, home inspections and meetings. Our process took a little bit longer since we did move to a different house right in the middle. BUT...it's DONE!!!
We started our journey doing what is called Respite care. We are licensed for 0-18 years of age. That means we have been taking really short term placements typically for other foster parents needing a short break or sometimes through our agency while they are looking for more long term places for kids to be. We started doing this because we do work during the day and you can't really send a teen to daycare. So far we have had 2&3 year old girls, 13 & 16 year old boys, 6&3 year old girls with a 7 year old boy and this week we will be getting our first long term placement! It's been a great journey so far and I have loved having all these kiddos in my home!
Our long term placement is a 16 year old teen mama and her eight month old baby! I am excited for this new adventure! It's the best of both worlds for us age wise. We LOVE teenagers and would love to have an infant in our home! I get to learn all about enrolling a high schooler for school this week and a baby for daycare! Praying already for this situation that we can be a light for Christ and Godly parenting.
Something else exciting and some very BIG news that I have debated sharing for multiple reasons...many people from our church and family already know there are two little princesses (toddlers) in our life that have absolutely stolen our hearts. Our good friends are currently their foster parents but the state will most likely be transitioning the girls into adoption soon. If given the opportunity we will be applying to be their forever family. Of course nothing is ever definite in this crazy process and there are sooo many hoops to jump through and things that have to fall perfectly in place for it to happen. BUT...we're going to try. We are blessed to be able to spend a lot of time with them and they are just precious. (The love between the four of us is VERY mutual ;) I can't really tell you much about them or share pictures just for confidentiality reasons and safety for all but know they are beautiful and absolutely darling! We would love to be their parents if God allows it. We of course know that it might not happen. Nothing is guaranteed. But some wise person said love is worth fighting for and this is a battle worth it! :)
All this being said we are soo blessed! We have felt and seen such a huge outpouring of love from our friends and family. Whether it be clothes for kids, toys, cribs, bedding, money etc. every child that comes into our home is well taken care of and prayed for. We have been able to share the good news of Christ with all of them. And I LOVE standing in their doorway at night making sure they are asleep and whispering prayers of thanksgiving and for their little lives and hearts. There is no doubt in my mind this is what God has called us to be doing with our lives...and I cannot wait to share more of our journey with you as it unfolds!
Blessed beyond my wildest imagination,
Stephanie Rachelle
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