Share a little bit about your family.

We are Rick and Jess. We have been married for almost six years. We have five biological children between the two of us and four foster children. They range from ages 35 to 11 months. We love our church, spending family time together, sports, hiking and basically anything outside. We have lived in Arizona for three years and love it so much.

How long have you been fostering?

We have been foster parents for a year and a half. We have had four very special placements in our care in that time.

What made you want to become foster parents?

I (Jessica) have always had a heart for young children and elderly people. I used to work in a nursing home before having my own children. I heard about ABCS from my MOPS group when we were sorting and packing diapers for the New Life Pregnancy Center. I decided to reach out to them and the rest is history.

I (Rick) wanted to do it once Jess started talking about her interest in fostering children. It really motivated me when I was able to meet the kind people at ABCS during our training. We also wanted to show our children what true ministry looks like when helping others.

What has been the hardest part about fostering?

When we get a new placement, it can be hard getting to know their story and working through the behaviors. God keeps it all together for us though. It is also difficult when we have to say goodbye to our placements and are reunited with family.

What has been the sweetest part about fostering?

The sweetest part is reunification and seeing the transformations of the parents and children. We get to share God’s love not only with our children but with the parents as well. When the world looks down at the parents, we use this as an opportunity to give the parents hope through forgiveness and a personal relationship with Jesus.

What advice would you share with others who are considering becoming foster parents?

If it is on your heart, don’t say no. God will use you to do amazing things for these children and parents. There is a special place for anyone willing to help in foster care. Two of my favorite verses for foster care are Proverbs 31:8, “Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves. Defend the rights of all those who have nothing,” And also Psalm 139:14, “I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well.

Is there anything else you would like to share?

I have been reflecting on keeping a firm foundation in Christ. If you can do that, you can take anything that comes your way in foster care. I love the verse John 15:5, “I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing.” We also invite you to join our amazing support group through ABCS. It is very helpful to have a safe place to ask other parents about resources, Godly advice and to ask for prayers.