Fostering Love!

 

Psalm 68:5 says, “Father of the fatherless and protector of widows, is God in his holy habitation.” He who numbers the hairs on our head will certainly not turn away from the children living as orphans, and this should inspire us to act.

Growing up, the Lord gave me (Valorie) a heart to one day love and help children in need. That day has finally arrived!

 

We are honored to officially be licensed foster / adoptive parents. Joey and I spent 3 hours every Tuesday night training to become foster parents, plus 3 in home interviews, doctor visits, and a whole lot of paperwork. Our home study was approved on October 26^th and I will never forget the overwhelming presence of the Lord the moment I heard the news!

 

For any child to be removed from their home would be traumatizing but their safety comes first. Neglect is one of the most common reasons for children to be removed from their home and placed in care. Drug and alcohol abuse as well as physical and sexual abuse are factors in many of these removals as well. This is extremely heartbreaking but these children need a safe home, love, and Jesus!

 

Below are just a few of the frequently asked questions we have gotten.

 

FAQ’S

 

1. Will you ever have children of your own? Someday, maybe.
2. Do you know the gender? Most likely, we can expect to have a girl.
3. How old will they be? Between the ages of 6 and 12.
4. Do y’all have a preference in culture or skin color? Absolutely NOT! We love and welcome all children.
5. Are you afraid that the child placed in your home will set your home on fire or try to blow it up? We weren’t until now…
6. Will they go to church with you? Of course.
7. How long will the child be in your home for? We could have them for 2 days, 2 months, 2 years… and so on.
8. What if you get attached? The goal is to return the child to their family. However, we ask for your prayers and encouragement during this time as we imagine it may be very difficult.
9. Will they call y’all mom and dad? This is completely up to the child. Many younger children tend to call their foster parents mom and dad but we are just fine with Joey and Valorie.
10. Will you share why your child was removed from their home? No. For the safety and privacy of the child, we cannot share any of the details concerning their removal. Even if we really really like you.
11. How can I help?

 

We are asking you, family, friends, and the church, to do one thing. PRAY!

Pray for the children being placed in our home.

Pray for the families who are losing a child that they can find the help they need to one day have their children returned to them.

Pray for the caseworkers that will walk alongside all of the families involved.

Also, pray that Joey and I will share the love of Christ to our children by the way we live, talk, and teach them.

 

Thank you for caring and learning alongside us! For more information about foster care and adoption click HERE!

 

Love,

Joey and Valorie Kelley