We did it.
10 weeks, 30 hours. Lots of paperwork for DSS and the State of North Carolina. And we did it all together. What a gift.
When it comes to wrapping up what the last three months (and really, the last five years) have meant to us, I thought I’d switch things up from my normal form of writing and do this one interview-based, because Gabe’s heart matters in all of this too! And, selfishly, I want to look back on this moment and how we’re feeling just hours after wrapping up our training.
An important note, though our training is done, we’re not foster parents yet.
Remember the paperwork I mentioned above? That’s all now heading to the state, where it’ll be processed and our license processed somewhere in the next four to six weeks (hopefully). Pray for my heart in the coming weeks, I tend to be a bit impatient when I know something exciting, and in this case life-changing, is heading my way.
Let’s get started…
How are you feeling now that we’ve wrapped up our training?
Gabe: I definitely feel more equipped for this journey (and at least know a little bit more about what we’re walking into now).
Is there anything that surprised you in the 10 weeks of classes?
Gabe: How big an impact shared parenting has on a child’s situation. There’s power in helping children in foster care retain a connection with their biological family when possible.
Five years ago when we decided to start trying for a family, did you ever imagine that this would be the chapter of life we’re in?
Gabe: Certainly not. However, the most exciting part is being able do walk this journey together.
What are you most excited about in welcoming children to our home?
Gabe: I can’t wait to share some of our favorite activities with these kids: walks with Lacy at the park, watching sports, playing card games, etc.
What are you most nervous about, if anything?
Gabe: I just want to us be able to provide a sense of safety and stability for any child whose life has been disrupted.
What specifically do you want our community to join us in prayer for?
Gabe: Please be praying for the two of us as we take on the challenge of parenting children of various ages and experiences. Of course, we’ll need lots of patience and perseverance, but also want to be a part of sharing God’s unconditional love. Finally, that the Lord would use our individual family and life experiences to impact these children and have a lasting impact.
In this period of waiting for our license, we have a couple of remodeling projects that’ll take place in our house. The one I’m most excited about is the kids’ room and I’m jumping with anticipation for this summer when the whole family is heading down to IKEA to get beds purchased and built. I can’t wait to share that with those following our journey too.
Thank you, friends. For your prayers, your check-ins, your gifts in the form of books, clothing, and everything in between. We couldn’t do this without you all. Further proof that it really does take a village.
Until next week,
Paula Willison | A little bit of this, a little bit of that 
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