124. Unexpected Lessons from a Year of Foster Care

By cpaine | May 11, 2021

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It has been just over a year since we brought home Champ, our first long-term placement in our foster care journey. It’s been a year of learning, growing, and riding a rollercoaster of emotions.

In this episode of the podcast, Jesse and I sit down and recount some of the most unexpected lessons — the grief of goodbye, walking through deep sadness with our kids, what we’ve learned through reunification, how it has impacted our kids, thoughts on caring for a child with special needs, and how our faith has been strengthened and changed through it.

We also talk about a book I’m reading, a book Jesse finished, plus the foster care support group and how sometimes stepping into awkward things can turn into really awesome relationships.

In This Episode: 

[00:33] It’s foster care awareness month and we’re sharing our takeaways from this past year of fostering.

[01:51] My foster care support group is saving my life these days.

[05:42] Jesse finished the book he’s been reading and is still recommending it to me.

[08:49] I’ve been reading Can’t Steal My Joy by Bekah Bowman.

[11:35] Okay, let’s talk all things foster care and the unexpected lessons we’ve learned along the way.

[13:20] Dealing with the grief that comes along with reunification was a huge lesson learned.

[15:30] Our kids have also been impacted and given the opportunity to learn how to grieve.

[17:12] How our grief impacted our initial experience with Baby D.

[20:04] Fostering has impacted our kids and we went into that with eyes wide open, but it’s also given them a chance to grow so much.

[23:01] It’s been amazing to watch our kids become so attached to these wonderful children.

[26:02] Fear is normal. Expect the unexpected.

[27:55] Foster care has also changed my perspective on hot button topics in the world.

[30:14] This past year has deepened our faith like never before.

How to Listen to The Crystal Paine Show

The podcast is available on iTunes, Android, Stitcher, and Spotify. You can listen online through the direct player here. OR, a much easier way to listen is by subscribing to the podcast through a free podcast app on your phone. (Find instructions for how to subscribe to a podcast here.)

Ready to dive in and listen? Hit the player above or search for “The Crystal Paine Show” on your favorite podcast app.

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