Did you know that there are over 100,000 children waiting to be adopted through foster care? While the main goal of foster care is reunification, 1/4th of children in care have parental rights terminated. What does this mean?
Well, it means that most people can look into growing their families through a foster care adoption.
Today we chat with Chris about how his family opened their home to fostering and help 4 children waiting to be adopted.
Q. How Did Your Adoption Journey Start?
A. We Fostered to adopt. We weren’t sure how this situation would pan out. But, we were able to keep the family together and adopt a sibling group of 4 (two sets of twins).
Q. How was Your Adoption Experience?
A. Me and My wife adopted two sets of twins an addition to the 2 biological kids we had (one special needs). We only wanted to foster 2 kids but we would never split up a family. So, when the call came to foster a sibling group of 4 we consented. At the time they were 3 months and 4 years old.
We currently have a total of 7 kids, and one due in a couple of months.
We have had quite a journey thus far. The day we adopted the kids’ everyone was so elated! The kids got to use the judge’s mantel, and they received stuffed animals as well as gifts. That day we were very proud of them and of ourselves.
People always ask us are these all your kids? And we’re like yep. I would like to encourage anyone who is considering involvement in fostering/adopting. To keep channeling love and charity for these precious souls. Me personally, I found out that it does something special to me internally, knowing that I’m making a positive impact in one’s life. Sure, it takes a lot of patience. But, what one loves to do is never a burden.
If you’d like to know more about our story you can check out The Bonmon’s Octagon. We are here to share our journey and have fun in doing so.
Q. What is the Best Experience You’ve had Through this Process?
A. There were several best experiences. Generally, the realization of helping someone and making a positive impact in their lives created a paradigm shift in our lives. But, some experiences specifically, was they had never been or seen the beach before. So we brought them to Florida with us and we all had a blast! We’ve also taken them to an NBA Pre-Season game and we were all amazed. It was so much fun!
Q. How has Your Life Changed Since You Started this Journey?
A. It’s opened a new perspective on life. We were no longer living for ourselves, we were/are sacrificing our lives to better other individual’s lives. It’s better to give than receive. It does something internally for me, bringing out a joy knowing that I’m making a positive impact on their lives. When we see them, and they see us, they smile, laugh, hug, kiss, and show compassion knowing within themselves that we love them dearly. So, our lives have changed because their lives have changed.
Q. Any Advice You’d Like to Share with People Choosing to Adopt?
A. My advice to anyone that wants to adopt is to do it! There’s a need for families that are willing and able to help others that desperately need direction and love. It’s important that those who have love in their hearts for such a sacrifice to bridge the gap and fill the void in these precious souls. Its a great responsibility but, it’s well worth it.
In Conclusion
In conclusion, we want to thank Chris and his family for sharing how they opened their home to children waiting to be adopted. How beautiful to find so much love and kindness in one home.
For those interested in helping home children waiting to be adopted, check out our Adoption Calculator here.
