My words have become less this month. I have allowed so many things to come between me and my words that I just feel like a major purge is about to happen. <Insert LOUD scream>
Ahhh! That's better. So where are we at in the licensing process?
Ahhh! That's better. So where are we at in the licensing process?
Our Timeline
December 2, 2014 - We went to an "intro to adoption" class at Bethany Christian Services. That night we learned that we actually wanted to foster-to-adopt, rather than adopt a baby. We contacted the person in charge of the foster care program the next day and unfortunately...we STILL haven't heard from them.
December 27, 2014 - We submitted an inquiry to Hope & Home requesting information about fostering. We figured with the holidays, we'd hear, if anything weeks later.
December 30, 2014 - Crystal, from Hope & Home, called and we had our first interview. Things were getting real.
January 8 - We met with Farrah and toured the agency. When we left that night, we KNEW, without a doubt, that THIS is where we were supposed to be.
January 30-31 - We attended LAUNCH and met other families in different steps of the process. But the most invaluable thing we learned was the heart and support of H&H. We heard from most of the staff and met some of the kids, adopted and currently being fostered, and again, it was reconfirmed that THIS was were we supposed to be.
February 3 - This was when the fun really started. We attended the "Love to Nurture" series, the backbone of H&H, every Tuesday night for the month. We learned about trauma and how to parent, not necessarily better, but different. It has been a game-changer in our house. I definitely recommend reading Kids in Crisis (You can get it on Amazon or if you're local, I'll get you one for free.).
March 5 - And here we are now. Attending the final 4 "core" classes in order to be licensed. We finish our final class next Thursday. We do have to wait to clear Washington State backgrounds (c'mon Washington...there are so many kids waiting for you!), but as soon as those pieces of paper are back and in the hands of H&H...<inhale, exhale>...WE WILL BE FOSTER PARENTS!!
December 27, 2014 - We submitted an inquiry to Hope & Home requesting information about fostering. We figured with the holidays, we'd hear, if anything weeks later.
December 30, 2014 - Crystal, from Hope & Home, called and we had our first interview. Things were getting real.
January 8 - We met with Farrah and toured the agency. When we left that night, we KNEW, without a doubt, that THIS is where we were supposed to be.
January 30-31 - We attended LAUNCH and met other families in different steps of the process. But the most invaluable thing we learned was the heart and support of H&H. We heard from most of the staff and met some of the kids, adopted and currently being fostered, and again, it was reconfirmed that THIS was were we supposed to be.
February 3 - This was when the fun really started. We attended the "Love to Nurture" series, the backbone of H&H, every Tuesday night for the month. We learned about trauma and how to parent, not necessarily better, but different. It has been a game-changer in our house. I definitely recommend reading Kids in Crisis (You can get it on Amazon or if you're local, I'll get you one for free.).
March 5 - And here we are now. Attending the final 4 "core" classes in order to be licensed. We finish our final class next Thursday. We do have to wait to clear Washington State backgrounds (c'mon Washington...there are so many kids waiting for you!), but as soon as those pieces of paper are back and in the hands of H&H...<inhale, exhale>...WE WILL BE FOSTER PARENTS!!
wHAT nEXT?
First off, we just want to thank H&H for their love, support and encouragement. They make every attempt to get to know you and walk alongside of you, to try to prepare you the best that they can so that you can love on these kids that come into your home. It's not going to be easy by any means, but we know that this is what we've been called to do.
Next, we also want to thank our family and friends that have been praying for us as we enter this season. Some people don't understand why we're doing this or make comments and remarks that unintentionally hurt. But to those of you that have just BEEN there and LISTEN, THANK YOU!
As we wait for the final steps that lead us into becoming foster parents, our hearts are excited and nervous, but mostly excited. The kids can't wait to have a new big brother or sister. Their room is almost finished and is just waiting for them. We still have so many questions, but a lot of them are "what ifs" and not actually being in the moment makes it hard to get answers, but we do have some. Our hope is that if we are not able to adopt the child(ren) that come into our home, that we will be a light in their darkness.
And if you're in the Colorado Springs area and are considering foster care, please, please, PLEASE consider Hope & Home. And of course, if you have any questions, please ask.
Next, we also want to thank our family and friends that have been praying for us as we enter this season. Some people don't understand why we're doing this or make comments and remarks that unintentionally hurt. But to those of you that have just BEEN there and LISTEN, THANK YOU!
As we wait for the final steps that lead us into becoming foster parents, our hearts are excited and nervous, but mostly excited. The kids can't wait to have a new big brother or sister. Their room is almost finished and is just waiting for them. We still have so many questions, but a lot of them are "what ifs" and not actually being in the moment makes it hard to get answers, but we do have some. Our hope is that if we are not able to adopt the child(ren) that come into our home, that we will be a light in their darkness.
And if you're in the Colorado Springs area and are considering foster care, please, please, PLEASE consider Hope & Home. And of course, if you have any questions, please ask.
Hope and Home 2014 from Joule Q on Vimeo.