Our Family’s Foster Care Journey
Our foster care journey began when we were a young family with a one-year-old and another baby on the way. Life was already busy, and we were adjusting to the rhythms of parenting a toddler while eagerly awaiting the arrival of our second child. But amidst the excitement of growing our family, we felt a strong, undeniable call to open our home to children who needed a safe place to stay. Little did we know, this decision would transform our lives in ways we never expected.
The Decision to Foster
We had always felt a deep sense of compassion for children in difficult situations, but when we were pregnant with our second child, the call to foster became more pressing. We knew that we had a stable, loving home, and we wanted to extend that love to children who were facing uncertain and often heartbreaking circumstances. By the time our second child was about 8 months old, we were officially licensed and ready to welcome our first foster child into our home. Our first placement came with excitement and was overwhelming. A newborn baby boy was being discharged from the hospital, and he needed a place to go. When he arrived, we learned he had tested positive for a very serious STD and was detoxing from multiple substances. This was a stark introduction to the challenges of fostering. We now had a one-year-old, an 8-month-old, and a newborn, all under one roof.
Our first month of fostering was a rollercoaster. The newborn baby had to stay in PCH (Phoenix Children’s Hospital) for two and a half weeks to be treated for his health issues, which added an extra layer of stress and uncertainty to an already difficult situation. Despite the challenges, we did everything we could to support him, provide comfort, and ensure he received the medical care he needed. His health issues were intense, but we were determined to give him a safe, loving place to heal. During those weeks, we found ourselves juggling a lot—our newborn, our toddler, and the unknowns of fostering—but it was all worth it to see our foster baby begin to improve. As time passed, our baby boy’s health improved, and we were able to bring him home. We loved him as one of our own, and the bond we formed was deep and immediate. He was a part of our family, even if just for a year. Eventually, the decision was made that he would be adopted, along with his brother, and we were grateful that he found a forever home.
The day we had to say goodbye was one of the hardest moments of our journey. Letting go of a child we had grown to love felt like a piece of our hearts was being torn away. But we took comfort in knowing that he would be with his brother and have the opportunity to grow up in a home that was able to offer him permanence. We stayed in touch with his family, and watching his story unfold over the years has been a source of joy for us.
Fast Forward to Today
We are now in our 8th year of fostering. We’ve had 11 placements, with each one leaving a mark on our family. We’ve been through the highs and lows of foster care, but the blessings far outweigh the challenges. One of the most beautiful aspects of fostering has been the opportunity to provide a safe space for children in need, whether it was for a few days, a few months, or a longer-term stay.
For the past two years, we’ve had our sweet little girl with us, and she has become a cherished part of our family. We’ve also had another biological child during this time, further expanding our family and deepening our understanding of the complexities and rewards of parenting. Balancing the birth of another biological children with foster children has been a delicate dance, but it’s one that has enriched all of us in ways we couldn’t have imagined when we first started.
Foster care has become so much more than just a part of our family story—it’s woven into the very fabric of our lives. Not only have we been fostering, but we are also deeply involved in our church’s foster care and adoption support group, where we work alongside others who share our passion for supporting vulnerable children and families. The community of people we’ve met through fostering has been a source of immense strength, encouragement, and inspiration.
On top of that, I’ve had the privilege of working for AZ127, a nonprofit organization in Arizona dedicated to supporting foster families and families navigating the child welfare system. In my role, I work one-on-one with mothers whose children are in the DCS system, helping them navigate the complexities of foster care, reunification, and the difficult season they’re in. This work has opened my eyes to the realities faced by birth families and the power of support, compassion, and second chances.
Foster care has been, without a doubt, one of the biggest challenges we’ve ever faced as a family. The emotional toll, the uncertainty, the tough decisions, and the heartbreak can be overwhelming. But it has also been one of the biggest blessings. The growth, the love, the connections with children and families, and the sense of purpose we feel in doing this work are indescribable. Foster care has shaped who we are today. It has taught us about resilience, grace, and the importance of opening our hearts to others. It has brought our family closer together, taught our biological children valuable lessons about compassion and empathy, and deepened our faith. We’ve learned that while we can’t save every child, we can be a safe place for the ones who come through our door, offering them the love and care they deserve, even if just for a season.
Taking a foster placement home isnt for everyone but we like to say their is a place in foster care for everyone. It takes a village and we need people in our villages! For those who feel called to step into this challenging, yet rewarding, role, we encourage you to consider it with an open heart. The need is immense, and children in foster care need people who are willing to provide love, stability, and hope in a world that can often feel unpredictable and cruel. We know that this journey isn’t always easy, but it is always worth it.
Our family’s story is one of love, growth, and transformation, and we are deeply grateful for the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of the children who have come through our doors. We are stronger, more compassionate, and more connected because of them.
As we look ahead to the future, we are excited to continue on this path, knowing that fostering will always be a part of our family’s mission. It’s a calling we are honored to live out, and we invite others to consider answering that call to care for the vulnerable, too.
This true story is brought to you by The Templeton Family. If you or someone you know is a foster family and are interested in sharing your story with us, please visit Tell Your Story.
Created by Jolie Chabala, Bananas Foster