Episode 68: Grace, Friendship, Infertility, and Foster Care

This week's episode hits on a ton of different topics, as we interview Kristen Friend, a foster mom of a little over a year.

In the intro though, we did get to hear from Chris, and he and Jihae shared their Highs and Lows. Having 9 people in the house is definitely starting to wear on everyone - but as we continue to have open conversations, and tweak what is working - and what is not, we are continuing to do well!

We did mention this great meme about 'Fairnesss':

A great visual to remember what we are trying to provide for every human in our house! WE just definitely do not have it figured out.

But on to the interview!

Kristen, and her husband Houston, are the Friends! That is their actual last name. They have been married for 7 years, and have been fostering a little over a year. They are currently with their 3rd placement.

We did hit on a vulnerable topic - and that is Infertility and Foster Care and what that has looked like for Kristen. Many people make assumptions that they are fostering so they can adopt children - but that's not the case. They have been able to reunify one of their foster children, and that has been a huge blessing for everyone.

A major issue that Kristen has dealt with, that we have heard from other foster families who don't have bio children, is the fear that they are not doing a good job parenting 'because they haven't had their own kids' - and we are going to claim and proclaim that THAT IS GARBAGE! No parents know what they are doing! Everyone experiences parenting 'for the first time' all the time (we are dealing with jr high for the first time, etc) - so that doesn't make anyone better than anyone else. As long as everyone is actually doing what is best for the children in their care - that's being a great parent. Let's support each other and not tear each other down. #graceforallpeople. Especially grace for yourself!

The Good Word of the Day

Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.

-Matthew 6:34

Major shout out to everyone who walks along all of us on our foster care journeys. Today does have enough trouble of its own - but it helps to spread the burden! Major props to Hope Bible Church for setting up meals for the Friends when they get new placements!!

Thanks for coming on the podcast and sharing your experience and heart with us all, Kristen!

If you want to connect on Social Media:

Kristen aka @FollowtheFriends on Instagram

Jihae on Facebook

Chris on Facebook

Fostering Voices on Instagram

Jihae on Instagram

You can also email us at jihaeandchris@yahoo.com

AND we would LOVE it if you would SUBSCRIBE and leave us a review on iTunes! This helps others to find our podcast so we can share these voices from the foster care and adoption community with more people!