Blessing Galore

Hello all,

It has been quite awhile since we last updated about our blog. So much has happened this summer. Kevin has been busy studying away for his 1st board exam (COMLEX level 1).  We have been preparing to take in foster children. I (Anna) was diagnosed and treated (it worked) with antibiotics for a strange tick born illness (anaplasmosis) that caused extreme fatigue and body aches for over three years. Finally we have been preparing for our big trip home this year, which will likely be the last trip home for at least a year...maybe more.

But, it has been awhile since we updated you about our foster care journey. We have officially completed all of the requirements to take children into our home. We are super excited about receiving a placement. We have decided for the first few months to do respite and emergency care. Respite care is taking care of another family's foster children so they can have a break. It is kind of like overnight babysitting. It is incredibly important that foster families be given a break from time to time. We want to ease into this big life change slowly, what better way to do that than practicing.

Emergency care is for children who were just removed from their homes. While the State attempts to locate a kinship placement the child is placed into the care of a foster home. Sometimes this is only for a short period of time. But, a lot of the time they do not find a kinship placement and you are given the opportunity to continue to foster the child as a long term placement.

We are hoping to start taking full time placements sometime this fall between September and November depending on different factors including Kevin's board exam and rotation sites, my (Anna) job, and several other factors. We are sure the right placement will come in time, and we do not want to rush that. In the meantime we are praying for the children who come into our home, as well as preparing our hearts for this change.

We are so incredibly thankful for the kindness that has been shown to us as we make this transition. Our friends and family have been very supportive of us along the way. Random strangers have literally loaded the back of our car with toys and clothes for the children who will be living with us. I have had several families donate diapers and clothing. We have been given a carseat and have a stroller and high chair if we need it.

We have collected enough clothing that the children who come into our home will have clean clothes to put on when they arrive. Many times children come to you with only the clothes on their back and sometimes a trash bag with a few of their things. We wanted to make sure that no matter how big or small they are, they will have at least something to wear until we can take them out to buy new clothes (the state provides a small clothing allowance for each child in care).

The day before we became active I had a friend come over and help me sort and fold all of the tiny clothes that were donated. She then made a list of the things I didn't have. For those of you who do not know me (Anna) I am not a very organized person. So, having someone come help me be organized was a huge blessing. I posted online a list of things I was looking for, and within 10 minutes I had about 15 emails from people who wanted to give us what we didn't have. The next day I had tripled the amount of clothing I had on hand.

The bottom line here is we are so incredibly blessed. Christ called us to make this huge change in our lives. We obeyed Him very excitedly, but we quickly came to find how big of a decision this was. Not just emotionally, but financially as well. But, every step of the way He has provided for us. This continual reminder of His love and presence has been such an encouragement to us as we begin this chapter of our lives.

Thank you so much for being a part of our journey through reading our blog. If you would like to know what you can do:

1. Pray, pray, pray. Pray for us, pray for our future foster placements, and pray for Kevin as he prepares to take his board exam in a few weeks. The board exam is an 8 hour test that is required for Kevin to continue his medical school journey.

2. If you live nearby, consider helping us by becoming respite providers. That way if we ever have to go out of town and the child cannot come with us, we know that you can love them while we are away.

3. If you live out of town...consider becoming respite providers for other foster families! It is SERIOUSLY a huge need. All it takes is a background check, 1 home visit, and 3 forms (here in MO at least).

4. Be excited for us if we want to tell you all about our journey. We kind of talk about it A LOT.

We are so thankful for your prayers, your donations, and your encouragement. We are so blessed to have so many loving people in our lives!

Kevin and Anna Quinby