Editor’s Note: In honor of National Foster Care Month, we are featuring stories from some of our foster families. If you’d like to learn more about the ways you can Be a Family to a child please visit www.beafamily.org.

As a young girl, I always dreamed of marrying “Prince Charming” and having the perfect little family. As time went on, I did marry the man of my dreams. But the “perfect little family” never came.

A few years passed, we tried fertility treatments that did not work, and then we began to see a fertility specialist. During this time, I know God spoke to me, and I surrendered to His will. I was moved by Proverbs 3:5-6, which says: “Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.”

I gave up my desires to have my own biological children, and He gave me a peace that surpasses all understanding.

My husband and I immediately began attending information meetings for foster care and chose Buckner as our agency. Within six months we had completed all our training and requirements. We became a foster-to-adopt family. (more…)

I had no idea the sound of dozens of children banging on the back of a metal gate would change my life forever.

I was 17 years old and had just gotten off of an eight-hour drive up a mountain to Xela, Guatemala. It was my first trip overseas and I had no idea what was in store for me. 

The kids at the orphanage knew we were coming, and were so excited they were lined up at the front gate anxiously waiting for us to arrive. We could hear them long before we got there as their excitement triggered yells and clanging behind the gate that separated us.  (more…)

Every child I have ever met quickly grasps the concept of ‘follow the leader.’ Many times I have found myself surrounded by shy children in locations all over the world. ‘Follow the leader’ is a great game to help break the ice and makes you an instant hit with the children.  No language is necessary when you are willing to be silly with kids.

The game also is a great metaphor for leadership in service for Jesus.  As I step aside as the leader of Buckner, I hope to be an excellent follower of our new leader, Dr. Albert Reyes. I am supremely confident that Dr. Reyes is uniquely equipped to lead Buckner International for the next generation. (more…)

“The heart of man plans his way, but the LORD establishes his steps.” (Proverbs 16:9)

One of my mission teams to the Dominican Republic was given a gift the day we arrived: Out of the 32 bags that were checked at the airline counter on Saturday morning, 31 of them did not make it to Santo Domingo.

To make matters worse, the single bag that made it was mine. That was an awkward trip leader moment, being the only person with clean clothes and all my stuff.

Fifteen team members had the chance to spend three whole days traveling with only the items in their carry-on bags. “Togetherness” happens when women have a limited number of clothes and three bathrooms. (more…)

“… Man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.” (1 Samuel 16:7)

It can be easy to focus on outward appearances. We look at the things people do and determine whether or not we think they are good or bad, sincere or insincere, deserving or undeserving. But do we really look at their hearts?

We judge others by comparing them to ourselves. Somehow it makes us feel better – like we’re not so bad after all. And it makes it easier for us to justify and minimize our own sins and failures. (more…)