Opening our home and hearts to our little friends certainly comes with its challenges, but there are so many precious, invaluable moments too.

Little breakthroughs, laughter, hugs, a wordless thank you – it is all so humbling. These moments help me to remember, when I am exhausted or questioning what we have gotten ourselves into, why we have decided to help these kiddos.

The other day when picking up our older foster child from pre-k, he ran to me and gave me the biggest hug! I have been cautious (perhaps overly so) with the physical contact. I don’t give hugs with out asking first. Over the last month I now will place my hand on their backs, hold their hands when needing to keep a closer eye on them or tussle their hair. But for big brother to run to me for a hug? Super sweet and special!

Our littlest guy responds so well to one-on-one play time when it’s just the two of us. It is easy to get swept up in the chaos of life and all its demands. And sometimes it seems like all he is interested in is searching out trouble, but when I am able to sit with him and engage in any sort of play; playdoh, cars, legos, etc – his face lights up with the brightest smile and I get a peek at an innocent exuberance I rarely get to see otherwise.

One wonderful outcome of the fostering experience I had not anticipated is that it has brought our own biological children closer. They now have a powerful common experience to share; the struggles of having foster siblings. They often play Minecraft or build lego creations together in my daughter’s room and seem to enjoy their time together so much more.