What Already Was—Our Second Adoption Story

Waiting might be one of the most challenging things in life. No one likes waiting. Waiting is miserable and often agonizing. Waiting can be suffering. In his book Christ and Calamity, Harold Senkbeil writes, “We’re fearful in the face of tragedy and the unknown because we’ve never passed this way before; the terrain is unfamiliar, and the perils are formidable . . . We wonder what’s to become of us.” We all have plans that we grasp so stubbornly. We build our lives around our own version of what we think is best and will make us most happy. But we are not omniscient to to know what’s best, nor are we omnipotent to make our plans come true.

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How Do We Prepare to Become a Foster Family?

You wouldn’t jump into the deep end of the pool if you didn’t know how to swim. Similarly, becoming a foster parent is not a decision you want to make a whim. It is a major decision that has the potential to significantly alter the course of your life—more than you can anticipate.

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What Is the Purpose of Foster Care?

Our preconceived notions don’t always line up with reality. Rather, they are often fraught with exaggeration or underestimation.

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FOR A Lifetime—Our Adoption Story

God is the preeminent storyteller. I wouldn’t say I know better than God—His privilege of determining the end from the beginning certainly gives Him a unique advantage—but had it been up to me, I would have made this story much simpler. Continue reading

COVID-19 Ruined OUR Adoption Plans

IMG_20200315_202156_348“If you want to make God laugh, tell him your plans.”

So starts my favorite pro-life movie, Bella. This quote resonates with me because growing up I have told God a lot of things. I told him that I would never be a pastor. I told him I would never leave New England. I told him that 3 kids was enough for me.

But God.

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My Top Ten Books Read in 2019

This is the third year that I have committed to reading 50 books (you can view my completed books list on Goodreads here). With the perfect blend of curiosity, intentionality, and tenacity, you can join me in reading more. If you desire this, I have shared my personal tips and tricks on reading more. As I am continually shaped by what I read, I desire to share books worthy of your time and energy. These are my favorite books read in 2019 (not necessarily published this year). As you read through each section, I hope you will see the overlapping and recurring themes. This is one of the joys of reading more. Continue reading

My Adoption and My Identity

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Here is a short list of some things you might not have known about me:

My precious mother passed away when I was 2 years old.

I grew up with seven brothers and sisters.

I am adopted.

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8 Reasons Why I Am A Foster Parent

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My family of five has had the privilege of being involved in foster care for the past year and a half. We have had the joy of having three different girls in our home and currently have one of them with us. Whether it’s the fact that we have a lot of kids or that one doesn’t look like us . . . people notice and people ask questions. Whether it is from a stranger at the park or a fellow member at church, the question I receive the most is, “Why?” or “What made you want to do this?” Here are my personal reasons for being a foster parent . . .

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