Seriously? There is such a thing as a "Professional Parent."

So back at the beginning of the year, our family had decided to expand through adoption. We began the process of home study and paperwork for a private adoption in the state of WA. Then this summer we found out that we would be relocating over 1400 miles away from the Puget Sound. So this process was put on hold until we were settled in our new location.

We closed on our hew home in August and after unpacking, hauling away boxes, and finding a home for everything, we were ready to pick up where we had left off. However, our hearts had a bit of a shift. While we still wanted to add to our family, we were feeling the pull to look at fostering as an option.

Thus began a VERY new chapter for us! We found an AMAZING agency here in the state and began our journey toward the role of foster parents. The process, we were told, takes most people 4-6 months to complete. Being the overachievers we strive to be, we will complete our process this week. Start to finish, 5 weeks!

We have learned so much in a very short time. We have seen the best and worst of humanity toward children in our area. We have met some of the most wonderful, Christian, couples! We love the support our agency offers us through the entire process and way beyond. They require almost double the amount of hours for licensing compared to the state required minimum. That speaks volumes to their commitment to providing the best they can for these kids.

As we come into the home stretch before our first placement, we are adding swing sets, beds, extra toothbrushes/towels, and much more to our new home. It's very strange to imagine our home with more than our one child, I feel like I'm on a roller coaster. I've got in the cart, put on my belt, listened to the safety brief, and am now pulling away from the platform. I have no idea which direction I will be pulled first, or how fast the first big drop will be. I am excited, nervous, determined, and a million other indescribable emotions right now.  Only thing I know for sure is whether it is for 5 days, five months, or the rest of their life: for as long as I get to care for any child, it will be a privilege to give them the best I can during that time.