I hear that one a lot. People say it to me all the time right after they try to convince me that I am a saint and there is a special place in heaven for me and my family.
It makes me laugh on the inside. I know they are trying to be kind, but I, of all people have no illusions of a “special” place in heaven (unless its in the back row).
There is nothing about what we do that earns us anything in the spiritual realm. We do the things that we do because that is what we are wired to do; and anything less would be a life that didn’t align with our values.
You could do it too
I am not saying that you should do it, just that you could. Anyone with the ability to raise your own kids could provide the basic needs that most children need.
In our state the minimum requirements are pretty “minimal.” You need things that you already have, like a front and back door. You need a window (so there are no basement dungeons and an escape in case of a fire).
You might need to get a fire extinguisher, but as long as your house is not covered in animal feces, there is access to food and water, and you are not running a home for wayward drug dealers – there are only a few requirements in Missouri.
In order to adopt or foster in Missouri, you must:
- Be at least 21 years old
- Be in good physical and mental health
- Complete a child abuse and neglect check and criminal record check including fingerprints
- Have a stable income
- Live in an apartment, condominium or home as long as it meets licensing standards
- Be willing to participate in and complete a free training and assessment process
- Be a part of a professional team willing to voice perspectives and concerns
- Be willing to partner with the child’s family
You can be single or married, with or without children in your home.
Here are the requirements in my home state of Missouri. https://dss.mo.gov/cd/foster-care/becoming-a-foster-parent.htm
One little girl caught us right in the heart when her first dinner time prayer was simply “Dear God, thank you that my new Mommy and Daddy didn’t die too.”
You never know how you will be rewarded
What you will get in return is not some special afterlife promise, rather it is a course in gratitude and humility. One little girl caught us right in the heart when her first dinner time prayer was simply “Dear God, thank you that my new Mommy and Daddy didn’t die too.”
It is a perspective that you could not get any other way.
It is a privilege to see a child overcome crippling fears and begin to express love in a way they may have never known before. It has been a truly rewarding part of our family’s life.
Maybe you could, but should you do it?
There is a lot of heartbreak and struggles that go into this endeavor. You never know the height of the highs or the level of the lows that you will experience, but if your experience is anything like mine it will be well worth it!
If you are willing to put some of your own distractions aside for the benefit of the young forgotten souls in your community – there are rewards waiting for you that words can not define.
If that does not sound like the sort of thing for you, that is fine. Feel free to go on with your life in a normal fashion. There is no shame in not joining us, so long as you are chasing your own passion and living your life in pursuit of the passion you were wired for.
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