One year ago today

One year ago today, January 31, 2012 we were incredibly blessed to adopt our oldest daughter. Prior to her adoption she had lived with us for around

2 ½ years. We went through several different court hearings and switched from a social worker to an adoption worker that was working with us to help make this all happen. I remember when she first came and was very reserved and quiet. She needed to be taught different things that we take for granted because of our parents teaching us and hers did not. She went from learning to follow a recipe and helping me bake to now doing it all on her own. Usually if there's something that needs baked in the house she volunteers to make it. She has grown emotionally, physically, mentally and most importantly spiritually. During her time with us before her adoption at one of our church's Wednesday night programs she accepted Jesus into her heart. That's what it's all about.:) We're very proud of her and the fine young lady she is becoming. She is very compassionate towards others and does a great job helping around the house. She is relaxing more and learning to have fun and let her guard down. It's neat to see her laughing and enjoying life like she should. She has an obedient heart and my prayer for her and all our children is that they will love the Lord with all their heart, soul, mind and strength. That He is their everything! We're very thankful on this day to have our daughter in our lives. We may not have been the parents that gave birth to her but oh what a blessing it is to be the parents that get to raise her. To God be the glory!

Passing it on

A big part of the frame ministry is to help out and encourage others that God puts in our paths. This could happen in various types of ways. You may know a person or family in need of something and you're able to help meet that need. You may know someone who is going through a hard time or even someone who is doing well but could benefit from a little note of encouragement. It doesn't take much to brighten someone's day. Try going about your day carrying a smile on your face, even just a smile brightens people's days. We've been blessed to be able to help others and also to have others help us. Recently a good friend of ours that lives up the road gave our daughters a big bag of clothes that her older daughter had outgrown. She has done this several times for our family and our girls are always excited to see what's in the bag or bags. Our family is very appreciative for their thoughtfulness. It's fun to see kids wearing clothes that our kids used to wear also. Of course we could sell these items or just keep them in storage but what a blessing it is to pass them on and see the enjoyment they bring to others. So I encourage you to look for ways this week to be a blessing to those that God puts in your path. With a smile, a note, a text, cleaning out your closets and passing them on, etc... We're so blessed to have what we have in this country and we need to be careful not to take that for granted.

1 John 3:17

But whoever had this world's goods, and sees his brother in need, and shuts up his heart from him, how does the love of God abide in him?

Hearts of love

 

Recently my hubby had a special gift made for me. Made out of milk glass the gift was two hearts connected with each other, one being blue and the other pink with metal going around the edges. I can add ribbon and hang it in our van. The hearts are to remember our precious babies that we lost through miscarriage who are in heaven and also all the other children we've had in our home. I love that I will have that gift as a reminder of the children and my love for them no matter how long I knew them. I feel like it's a way of grieving that will help my heart to feel open to grieve in a positive way. I would encourage you that no matter what losses you may have had in your life to allow your heart to grieve. Man or woman, grieving is part of life. Tucking our hurts away doesn't make the pain leave. Even talking about our hurt doesn't make the pain leave completely, but it frees us in a way to continue to enjoy life and not be held down by our hurt. We can move on without guilt but always holding a special place in our hearts for those we love and cannot be with now. So I encourage you to honor your loved ones by allowing your heart to grieve.

Our new adoption journey

Recently the Lord has began working on our hearts about adopting again, this time though adopting a sibling group. With the dynamics of our family we're feeling led to adopt out and keep our license current for respite and emergency care. We always knew we were open to adopting again but just didn't know when it would happen. Since we're going about this adoption differently than our previous adoption I called and talked with the supervisor where we're licensed through. She called me back and was very helpful. We really want to stay with the county we're licensed in and be used where God has planted us. We've started the search and going through profiles of sibling groups that are in the age range we're looking for. Once we find a group we would like to inquiry about we contact our county supervisor to get permission to have our home study sent to the case manager of the sibling group we're inquiring about. Then we wait and see if these are the children God has for us and if not we keep praying and searching and waiting for God's perfect timing. We're in no rush. Even if our home study seems to be a fit for a group of children they would need to live with us for at least 6 months before adoption can occur. That is a state law and we support that law fully because it takes time, sometimes longer than 6 months to see if you and the child or children can bond and to make sure there's no unforeseen issues that may appear that you may need assistance with before the adoption if finalized. We're very excited about this journey and have had several dinner table talks with our children about this and how they feel. They're excited too! We have inquired about one sibling group and now we're waiting. This part of the process can take some time. During one of my devotions the Lord led me to a passage in Proverbs that eventually led me to Jeremiah 22:16. When I read Jeremiah 22:16 it was a wow moment with God. I have read that verse before but that day when I read it God used His Word to speak directly to my heart to confirm what He had called our family to do concerning adoption. Through this journey I will cling to that passage and trust Him to see us through.

Jeremiah 22:16

“He pled the cause of the afflicted and needy; then it was well. Is not that what it means to know Me?” Declares the Lord.

101 Ways to get involved in foster care...

We found this great article on a blog that shares 101 ways you can get involved, BIG or small, with foster care! Thanks to Interests of Children blog for this amazing information!

For lovers of lists who also have an interest in foster care, this is my “Ultimate List of Opportunities” to get involved in helping vulnerable children and families. I’ve tried to separate them by general categories but as you no doubt will notice, there is some overlap. Some suggestions may not apply to your community or your life circumstances. The good news is that, with 101 included you are sure to find something that ‘fits’. Just look for the statement(s) in bold that describe(s) your situation. Above all, I want to emphasize, DO SOMETHING!

A. I have space in my heart and/or home and I’m interested in getting actively involved in foster care now.

1. Become a CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocate) Volunteer
2. Become a Foster Parent
3. Become a Foster Grandparent
4. Provide Respite Foster Care
5. Serve as a Guardian for a Child/Youth in the Foster Care System
6. Become Licensed to Provide Care for a Child/Youth in Your Extended Family who is at Risk of Placement with a Non-Relative
7. Adopt a Child from the Foster Care System
8. Volunteer on a Local Foster Care Review Board
9. Become a “Grand-Friend” to Foster Child/Youth by Attending Their School Activities, Sporting Events, Concerts, Etc.

B. I have reliable transportation and am able to assist with getting around.

10. Transport Children for Sibling Visitations
11. Transport Parents/Children to Visits
12. Transport Families/Children to Court Hearings
13. Transport Families/Children to Medical Appointments
14. Transport Families/Children to Therapy Sessions
15. Transport a Child/Youth in Foster Care to School
16. Offer to Carpool with Foster Parents in Your Neighborhood
17. Transport a Child/Youth in Foster Care to and from Extra-Curricular Activities
18. Provide Transportation to Former Foster Youth in College to/from School

C. I have skills or talents to share with foster children, teens, or families.

19. Provide an Internship Opportunity to a Foster Youth at Your Employment
20. Mentor a Child/Youth in Foster Care
21. Proofread Papers/Help with Homework For a Youth in Foster Care
22. Chaperone/Assist with an Event (Picnic, Sledding) for Foster Families
23. Tutor a Child or Youth in Foster Care
24. Help a Foster Youth Prepare for ACT/College Entrance Exams
25. Teach Financial Literacy to Youth in Foster Care
26. Teach Independent Living Skills (such as Cooking, Shopping, and Using the Laundromat) to Youth in Foster Care
27. Hire and Teach a Foster Youth to do Household Maintenance, Yard Work, Snow Shoveling, etc.
28. Teach a Youth in Foster Care How to Drive

D. My resources are limited but I have time to devote to helping those in foster care.

29. Provide After-School Care for a Foster Family
30. Read to a Child in Foster Care
31. Assist a Foster Parent with Child Care
32. Call Your Local Child Welfare Office to Volunteer to Assist with Administrative Tasks
33. Volunteer to Serve as an Educational Advocate (Sometimes Called Surrogates) for Students Receiving Special Education Services
34. Invite a Foster Child/Youth New in Your Neighborhood to Play Basketball or Soccer, attend a Ball Game, or Other Community Event
35. Assist a Local Shelter or Residential Program By Supervising Outings or Group Activities
36. Ask Your Church or Other Social Organizations to Sponsor a Foster Family
37. Sponsor a Support Group for Foster Parents/Children (provide space, coffee, food, supplies)
38. Talk with Your Local School About Unmet Needs (Time or Resources) of Enrolled Foster Children
39. Encourage a Child/Youth in Foster Care to Participate in Community Events
40. Accompany Foster Child/Youth to Plays, Sports Events, Musical Performances
41. Prepare a Special Meal for a Foster Family

E. My time is limited but I have financial and other resources to share.

42. Buy Back-to-School Clothes for a Foster Child/Youth
43. Buy Back-to-School Supplies for a Foster Child/Youth
44. Pay Extra-Curricular Fees for a Child/Youth in Foster Care
45. Support a Local Angel Tree Program During the Holidays
46. Provide Prom Dress or Tuxedo for Foster Youth
47. Sponsor a Foster Child to Attend Pre-school or a Day Care Program
48. Sponsor a Foster Child/Youth to Take Part in a Community Summer Program
49. Pay Fees/Provide Spending Money for a Senior Trip/Vacation for a Youth in Foster Care
50. Donate New or Used Clothing in Good Condition to a Clothes Closet for Foster Care Providers
51. Donate New or Used Bicycles, Skateboards, and Other Recreational Equipment to a Foster Care Program
52. Donate Musical Instruments to Children/Youth in Foster Care
53. Donate to Local Foster Care Programs
54. Donate to Organizations Providing Advocacy for Children/Youth in Foster Care
55. Give a Baby Bed or Other Furniture to a New Foster Parent
56. Purchase Diapers, Formula, or Baby Food For a New Foster Parent
57. Provide Uniform to Foster Youth for Sports, Band, or Other Activities
58. Sponsor a Child/Youth to Attend Summer Camp
59. Buy Art Supplies for Children/Youth in Foster Care
60. Provide Membership Fees to Local YMCA/YWCA or Rec Center
61. Provide Membership to Local Museums, Zoos, Etc.
62. Buy Bus/Public Transit Passes for Foster Families

F. My interest is in helping young adults with career preparation and transitioning to independence.

63. Donate Your Used Computer to a Foster Youth Attending College
64. Assist Former Foster Youth with Resume/Portfolio for Job Applications
65. Purchase an Interview Outfit for a Former Foster Youth
66. Provide a Cell Phone for a Former Foster Youth
67. Organize a Holiday Break Housing Program for Former Foster Youth
68. Buy Textbooks for a Former Foster Youth Attending College
69. Provide Lodging to a Former Foster Youth During College Holiday Breaks
70. Buy Restaurant Gift Cards for Former Foster Youth
71. Offer Apprenticeship to Former Foster Youth
72. Assist Youth Leaving Foster Care with Securing Housing, Managing Their Budget
73. Donate Furniture to Former Foster Youth
74. Hire Foster Youth for Summer Jobs
75. Buy Bus/Public Transit Passes for Youth Who Have Aged Out of Foster Care
G. I want to assist Biological Families who just need a helping hand to keep their family stable, safe, and secure.
76. Mentor a Struggling Biological Parent
77. Offer to Provide Respite Care to a Biological Parent Who Has Reunified with their Children
78. Provide Holiday Meal to Recently Reunified Family
79. Assist Biological Parents with Attending Necessary Support Groups (AA, NA, etc.)
80. Engage Biological Parents in Community Events and Activities
81. Mentor a New Parent Who is At-risk (Teen Parent, Former Foster Youth, Person with Limited Support System)
82. Help a Struggling Biological Parent with Meals, Household Tasks, etc.
83. Reach Out and Provide Encouragement to a Biological Parent
84. Assist a Biological Parent with Job Seeking/Success Skills
85. Assist a Biological Parent with Transportation to Appointments, Work, etc.

H. My time and resources are limited right now but I have lots of space in my heart for kids in foster care.

86. Talk to Your Kids About Reaching Out to Children/Youth in Foster Care at School/Neighborhood
87. Watch Programs like Home for the Holiday with Your Family and Encourage Friends and Family to Join You
88. Gather Information and Educate Yourself, Family, Co-workers and Friends About the Needs of Kids in Foster Care
89. Read Books  About Foster Care (Like “I Beat the Odds” by Michael Oher) to Become Better Informed
90. Support Programs and the Work of Persons That Highlight Successes or Advocate on Behalf of Children/Youth in Foster Care (for example, Jimmy Wayne and Wayne Dyer, and by Watching Movies/Television Programs About Children/Youth/Families and Their Achievements After Foster Care)
91. Boycott Movies and Television Programs That Provide Negative Stereotypes or Vilify Children/Youth in Foster Care (Unfortunately, there have been a few…)
92. Write to Movie/Television Producers Asking Them to Stop Harming Children/Youth in Care by Promoting Negative Stereotypes
93. Ask Your Employer to Support Foster Care Through Employee/Company Donations of Time and/or Money
94. Belong to a Civic Organization? Invite a Youth in Foster Care to Share Their Experiences
95. Talk With Your Children About Foster Care, Empathy, and Bullying (kids in foster care are often ostracized by both kids and parents)
96. Learn About Pending Legislation Affecting Children/Youth in Foster Care at the State and National Level
97. Call or Write Your Elected Representatives to Encourage Their Support of Child Welfare Legislation
98. Vote for Candidates Who Have Demonstrated Leadership in Improving the Foster Care System (such as Senator Landrieu, Congressman McDermott)
99. Write “Letters to the Editor” Advocating for Children/Youth in Foster Care
100. Use Social Media and Blog/Tweet/Post To Engage and Inform Others About Foster Care
101. Share Information About Programs Doing Great Work in Foster Care

Picture Frames

Another part of the FRAME ministry is to encourage people to set up empty picture frames, size doesn't matter, in their home or office. This is a symbol to remind us to pray for all the children that need a home. You may be praying for a specific child or a sibling group that you know, or even a family you know that fosters or adopts. You may not know who to pray for so when you see your empty frame it reminds you to pray for all children that need a forever home and for the families that are trying to make their forever home a reality. The frames in and of themselves don't change anything but the prayer that goes along with the frames does. Prayer changes lives!

Our new journey in blogging

Our family is excited to begin this new journey in blogging with the F.R.A.M.E. ministry. In 2008 we began our journey of fostering and adoption. Since then the Lord has blessed our family to help over 20+ children and adopt one child. We're also blessed to have three biological children and two children in heaven we lost through miscarriage.  In 2011 the Lord called our family to start the F.R.A.M.E. ministry in partnership with our local church. Our church commissioned us in October of 2011. Since then the Lord has opened many doors for our family to encourage and assist those who are interested in fostering or adoption or even to encourage people who may not feel led to have children live in their home through fostering and adoption but are open to pray for the children and the ministry and give of their time, talents and resources. In January of 2012 we were blessed to be able to share the F.R.A.M.E. ministry at a church in New York where some of our good friends attend and encourage their church to get on board with encouraging those in their area. Later in the year in 2012 the F.R.A.M.E. ministry was able to help support financially a local adoption. What a blessing it would be if we all would minister where God has planted us and encourage those around us. It's awesome how God uses ordinary people to accomplish His purposes.

Now that the F.R.A.M.E. ministry is underway our next step is to start blogging to keep people updated about all the awesome things God is doing in this ministry.

Be looking for upcoming posts about our new adoption journey the Lord has recently called us to.