Bouch Family

We have always been known to have "extra" children. Our family of eight, which includes four biological children, one adopted child, and one child in foster care, extends way beyond blood. Becoming a foster family was a decision we made as a family. We feel so blessed to share such a strong bond and love for one another that we wanted to share what we have with others.

My advice for those considering fostering would be to follow your heart. Get attached. Many people don't take the step to foster because they are afraid of how it will feel when the child eventually reunites with their family, but these are exactly the people who should foster; the ones who are afraid of heartbreak. Each and every child deserves someone who is going to love them so much that the thought of losing them hurts. That is what parenting is. The beauty of this situation is that if you establish a good relationship with the biological family, you will likely never have to say goodbye. They all become a part of your family.

That's why it's very important to us that children placed in our home stay connected with their biological family. We have done this through regular visits, phone and video calls, and sharing photos and text messages. We also display photos of their family in our home and include them in our daily prayers.

Ask anyone who has fostered and I doubt that you will find someone who says they regret investing in a child's life.

- Terry and Johnetta Bouch