The pastor of the Church I was attending at the time gave me some advice. Advice I had heard more than once from my parents....but, you know we never take what they say seriously! We always have to hear it from someone else. He said, if you feel this is something God is calling you to do, start working towards it. If this is not His will for you, He will close the door.
So, off I went! With no one in my circle having ever been a foster parent, I had to do a lot of research on my own. I am single, and work full time. How was I ever going to find time to do all of the things I assumed you had to do to become a foster parent?!?! I went to the DFPS (Texas Department of Family Protective Services) website. It turned out they were having an information meeting in a couple of weeks, at a church not far from me! First Baptist Church McKinney was trying something new. They had just decided to start a foster ministry and were allowing DFPS and a group of foster placement agencies to hold their meeting there. OK...this will make it easier! So, off I go! All excited! Whew, you wouldn't believe the paperwork we were handed right off the bat. Information on each agency. Information on minimum requirements. One of the speakers was Travis, from Covenant Kids. I felt a real kinship with him, and loved what I read about the agency. So, I decided this would be the agency for me!
They sent me a HUGE packet of paperwork to fill out. And, requirements for letters of recommendation. And requests for financial information. And, vials for drops of my blood (OK, this is an exaggeration, but not by much). Then comes the request that I KNEW meant God was closing the door. A copy of my social security card. Years ago, my purse was stolen. And, in those days I was dumb enough to keep my SS card in my wallet. Ever since then, I have taken all of my information (notice of birth abroad, what we thought was my birth certificate, and transfer documents from the US Navy) each year to the social security office and tried to get a new card. Every year I have been told that I do not have the necessary paperwork. So, even though I knew I wouldn't be able to get a card, off I went to the social security office with the same folder I took with me every year. I waited about 10 minutes, went up to a lady's desk, and heard her say the same words I have heard for years. I am sorry, but you don't have the necessary paperwork....only to also hear her say WAIT, here it is. You card will be in the mail in 4-6 weeks. Can you believe it?!?! God not only opened the door, He threw down a red carpet and escorted me through!
Now...how am I going to find time to take the many hours of classes that are required? Maybe this is how God is going to close the door...nope! For the first time, Covenant Kids decided to do an intensive FULL weekend, plus Friday and Monday night licensing classes. In one long weekend, I was able to get every class I needed to be licensed! Thank goodness for my friend Marla who brought me food and snacks! In 4 days, I had taken every class, including CPR/1st Aid, that I needed to get my license.
As we continue, I will share with you the amazing ways God provided as I was readying my house for the state's home study. I will also share stories about the classes I took, the videos I was shown, the tears I shed at what some of these children go through.
