WTH, Corrine?!

I've been meaning to write this post for a while and have just been so busy I kept putting it off because I wanted to take my time and make every word count...so I'm writing it late in the evening while totally exhausted, having so many other things that need to be done, and I really should be in bed...so we'll see how this goes.

There are some who have wondered (out loud and otherwise) what the hell I think I'm doing.  Here I am a single woman with something like a career, church work, choir obligations, family nearby, health "stuff" and et cetera, and I go and become a foster parent.  (My sanity especially seems to come into question for doing this without a spouse.)  So I want to take a moment here to maybe clear up a few things.

1. I am not insane...or no more than usual.  So let's just make that clear from the outset.

2. The Bible says to care for the widow and the fatherless.  My own faith encourages me consciously or subconsciously to do something to help people less fortunate than myself; therefore, in a way, I cannot help but do this.  If I can positively impact even one life, I have fulfilled a God-driven purpose for my life.

3. In that vein, I have a home large for my own personal needs.  Samson and I don't need all this space for ourselves.  Why not share it?

4. I'd have the same health issues regardless of what I was up to here, there, or whatever.  No matter what, some of these things will be with me for the rest of my life.  I'm not going to sit around a big empty house letting my health degrade my quality of life when I can be finding ways to ensure I've had a quality life despite my health.  I will not let it define or hinder me if I can help it.  (And, in case there was any doubt, I can.)

5. Whom I take into my home is my choice.  When the agency calls and says "can you take such and such a kid," I can say "no."  Or I can say "yes."  It's up to me.

6. Being single has not been my choice.  Of course I'd prefer to do this with a spouse!  But being single does not mean I can't be a parent.  Obviously I can do better even alone than some people can do with a partner or some kids wouldn't be in foster care, so that argument does not hold water with me.

7.  I have so much love to give.  This is probably the biggest motivation behind my choice.  I was born and raised to be a wife and mom and life has not seen fit to allow me either of those roles.  I can pour myself as much as possible into being Auntie and godmother, but still I need an outlet for all that love (above and beyond the dog - sorry, Samson).  These kids need someone to show them love.  As I have a surplus, why not share it with those who are in need?

I don't know if the dissenters out there will ever read this post (in whole or in part) or if they do that it would make any sense or difference.  I felt I would be remiss if I didn't at least try to explain why I chose to be a foster parent and maybe dispel some of the false assumptions some might make.  I still would consider adoption from foster care if something like that were to work out, but presently, I am a temporary mother and provider for kiddos in need.  I have a hard time believing that there is anything wrong with that, and I am open to other suggestions God might have should he decide I should do something different.  I just ask that he allow me the wisdom to recognize the path He has in mind.