At the end of August we will be finished with all of the requirements to become licensed foster parents.  What an amazing journey so far and we can't wait to see what God has in store next.  6 months ago if you had asked us if we had ever thought about being foster parents or adopting through the state, we both would have said "yes and it is not for us".  God laughs and watches us slowing get with His Will.

I (Angela) have grown closer to God in the last few months.  I can't understand how people can handle the stories of some of these children without God, I don't think I could handle it.  We are excited about getting our first placements but of course we are nervous, seriously there will be little children running around our house and they will be looking to us to care for them.  Reality is setting in so are the nerves but we have some wonderful people around us who are supporting us in multiple ways and we are so thankful for all of you.

There is a great need for foster families.  There are so many children needing a safe place to stay and while it is one of the hardest things you will ever do in your life, it is also one of the most rewarding.  Like lots of other people we were scared about the idea of a homestudy and the state invading all parts of our lives, personal interview about your childhood, marriage, friends, family, financial history and more!  But, they do take a close look at you to make sure you are physically, emotionally, mentally and financially stable enough to take care of these kids, but the Missouri Baptist Children's Home people are great and they walk with you through it all.  Some people are afraid of what kind of kid they will be fostering because they hear all of these horror stories, well they are true but not every case is like that.  You have a say in what you can and will accept in your home and you can always say no.  Children are taken away from parents or they give up their parental rights for multiple reasons, the goal of placing a child in foster care is helping the child heal while the mom and/or dad get the help they need.  The best thing for the child is to go back home to be with their parent/s but sometimes that can't happen.  If the parent/s lose their parental rights than the child will be available for adoption. 

I can not even begin to tell you everything we have learned or why you should consider being a foster parent.  Lynn and I believe this is a ministry that we are called to and Lynn as a deacon feels strongly about his role of taking care of widows and orphans.  This is our way to serve, everyone has different ways.  But, if you are interested and would like to know more Lynn and I would love to talk with you more and help you find more information.

Thank you for reading about our journey and for supporting us in prayer.

Angela and Lynn Tarvin