One family’s journey to becoming a host family with Safe Families.
It all began over 20 years ago, with a gentle sea breeze and soft sand adding to a near perfect day along the beaches near Charleston, SC. It was one of our first dates and our conversation turned to the size of a family we could see ourselves having once the wedding bells had chimed. We both agreed that four to six children “plus” would be ideal. That “plus” conversation was about fostering and adoption. It was our version of a perfect family.
That dream stayed alive during years of job changes, having four of our own biological children, and moving across states. Finally in 2015, Erin was introduced to Safe Families for Children through a friend at church and was impressed with Safe Families mission and goals. We sat down with our children for a conversation about Safe Families, hosting children, and helping families in crisis. All four of our kids were excited about hosting a little person. In the words of our youngest, “They are going to love it here!”
The Safe Families host family training was practical and easy to complete. We had several discussions with our children and the anticipation began to mount. And then the call came. We were privileged to host a wonderful two and a half year old boy. By the way, he really did love it here! Several months later we hosted a beautiful two month old little girl. We still keep in touch with the families and continue to pray for them on their journey.
Our family continues to seek opportunities to host and to be a part of Safe Families because we believe in its mission and we know we are a part of something special. It is our hope to make a positive impact for families in need by providing care for one of their own for a period of time. Erin is a new board member and excited about the growth and opportunity Safe Families has to impact Monroe County and surrounding areas. This experience has had a positive impact on our family and has blessed us more than we ever expected or imagined. To our children, hosting is now their norm and part of who they are. Our one daughter loves the song “Do Something” by Matthew West and considers it our hosting theme song. This is what we do. For us, it is the fulfillment of a conversation begun so many years ago. God is faithful to complete it!