Foster Fridays: Interview with Rachel

This is a continuation of our “Adoption Awareness” series. We wanted to feature some local parents that have a heart for children in need of forever homes. If you’d like to share your story, feel free to contact us!

Today we have an interview with Rachel. Thank you, Rachel, for sharing with us!

FLM: Can you tell us a little about your family?

R: Troy and I have been married 22 years!  We have 5 (adopted) children, ages 12, 7, 5, 4, and 2! We keep very busy, but we wouldn't have it any other way!

FLM: Can you tell us about how your interest in adoption first came about?

R: That's actually a funny story!  We were only barely married, and were standing in a grocery store picking out ice cream when Troy picked up a huge bucket!  I looked at him and said, "How in the world are we going to eat all that?" He replied, "We are going to have to get us some kids!"  I remember laughing and saying something to the effect of "You don't just get kids," but we often look back and think that may have been the first seed planted about adoption in our family.  We initially adopted overseas, and then a few years later turned our hearts inward towards our own community.

FLM: What was, or is, the hardest part about adoption for you?

R: In our case we are dealing with several different gene traits and personalities.  We have to remind ourselves that each one doesn't necessarily think like us, or even another one of our children, and that's ok!  We like to think our children our growing us just as much as we are growing them!

FLM: What's been the most rewarding part?

R: Ultimately our children.  We never planned to have 5, but we feel like we are the rewarded ones!  Some days I still can't believe this was part of God's plan for us, that He trusts us enough to raise these children!  On the other side, just doing what we could for the child(ren) in our care made us feel like we were making a difference for that child, and hopefully for the birth families also.

FLM: What’s one thing you’ve learned from your experience that you weren’t expecting?

R: How easy it is to love a child at first sight.  I'll never forget each day I first laid eyes on each of our children.  I remember their faces, what they were wearing. I even remember the first sight of the children who blessed us only for a short while.

FLM: In conclusion, what would you say to families interested in foster care or adoption?

R: Do it!  I'm a huge advocate of adoption and foster care.  Is it easy? Not always. We did a lot of research initially and then just jumped in.  Make the leap. Ask the questions. Build a support system of family and friends. Get to know other foster/adoptive families.  You are needed.