124. Unexpected Lessons from a Year of Foster Care

Crystal Paine Show

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.

Links and Resources:

• Libby App
• The Devil’s Hand by Jack Carr
• Can’t Steal My Joy by Bekah Bowman
• Episode 65: Our Journey to Becoming Foster Parents
• Episode 89: An Update on Our Foster Care Journey
• Love-Centered Parenting
• 10 Days to Be a Happier Mom
• Sign up for the Hot Deals Email List
• MoneySavingMom.com
• My Instagram account (I’d love for you to follow me there! I usually hop on at least a few times per day and share behind-the-scenes photos and videos, my grocery store hauls, funny stories, or just anything I’m pondering or would like your advice or feedback on!)
• Have feedback on the show or suggestions for future episodes or topics? Send me an email: [e-mail]

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