Training, Volunteering, and Trusting God: An Update on Our Foster Journey

What Are We Doing Now?

That’s the question we’ve been getting a lot lately—and to be honest, we love that people are curious! So here’s a little update on where Greg and I are in our foster care journey and what we’ve been up to behind the scenes.

After months of research, prayer, and attending way too many informational meetings (seriously, we could probably teach one by now), we finally chose our agency: Hope & Home. Once we made that decision, we submitted our application, and now we’re officially in the licensing process!

Training Mode: Activated

Right now, we’re deep in the thick of training—and let me tell you, it’s not a quick or easy process, but it’s so worth it. One thing that sets Hope & Home apart is their unique training program called "Love to Nurture." Unlike traditional training that focuses just on rules and regulations, Love to Nurture centers around the heart—helping us understand trauma, attachment, and how to truly care for a child’s emotional, spiritual, and physical well-being. It’s not just about meeting requirements—it’s about preparing our hearts to foster.

Once we complete training, we’ll move on to our commitment meeting, where we’ll officially say “yes” to becoming foster parents. After that comes our home study, which is a detailed look at our lives, home, and readiness to care for children. It’s a long road—but every step matters, and we’re grateful to be walking it.

Loving While We Wait

While we prepare, we’ve also been volunteering with an amazing organization called Rise Family Services. They provide support and encouragement to current foster families through things like childcare, meals, and mentorship. Through Rise, Greg and I were paired with a wonderful family doing kinship foster care—that’s when a relative steps in to care for a child in foster care, keeping them within the family.

Each month, we get the chance to babysit two of their foster kiddos, giving the caregiver some much-needed rest. We also provide dinner for their household of nine (yes, NINE!). It’s been such a gift to be part of their lives—and it’s given us a real look at what everyday life as a foster family can look like.

When Fear Sneaks In

As much as we’ve loved getting to know the kids, we’d be lying if we said fear doesn’t sneak in sometimes. Thoughts like “Will we have the energy to do this every day?” or “What if we can’t meet all their needs?” start to creep in.

But then, I pause and remember: God brought us here. He’s been in every detail, every decision, every delay. And just like He’s done before, He will give us exactly what we need, when we need it.

One of the sweetest reminders of that has been watching Greg love on these kids so naturally. Seeing him laugh with them, play with them, and step in with such care makes my heart overflow. It reminds me how thankful I am to have someone who’s not just willing to walk this road with me—but fully committed to it.

“My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” – 2 Corinthians 12:9

That verse has been a lifeline for me. Because this journey isn’t about being perfect—it’s about being willing and obedient.

Want to Help?

If you're reading this and wondering how you can support us—or another foster family—reach out! Whether it's through Rise Family Services, delivering a meal, offering a listening ear, or simply praying over the process, it truly takes a village. And every little bit of support counts more than you know.

Thanks for walking this journey with us. We can’t wait to see what God has in store next.