I've been so excited to write about this all day!
This morning we had a speaker at Bethel, named Beth, who shared some INCREDIBLE stories. But the ones the stood out to me the most was when she started talking about her foster children! She has some adopted children and a couple of foster children.
If you know me well, you know that adoption is a huge passion of mine, and I have always known that at some point in my life I will adopt! But there's been something I've been thinking very seriously about for a couple of months now...I really think that I am being called to be a foster parent. And today that was very highly confirmed in my mind!
I know that being a foster mother would be one of the hardest jobs in the world. I can't even fathom how difficult it would be to become attached to a child only to let them go eventually! I am already the type of person who gets attached very easily and then I fall apart when I have to say goodbye to someone. So yes, I know that it would be very hard for me, but those will be the times where I will have to rely totally on God to be my strength through it all. And I am willing to do that.
Of course, I am fully aware that I still have a lot to learn about the process and I really hope that I am not being too naive about it right now. I don't even know how all of this is going to work...especially with what's coming up in my near future. I just know that I've sense the call recently, and today I was completely filled to the point of overflowing with joy about the whole thing!
And do you know what the best part about all of this is? This is absolutely, without a doubt, 100% God's doing! And for the first time EVER, my heart is completely open and surrendered to whatever He chooses to do with this. I am so excited because I know He has put this passion in my heart...and now it's going to be about waiting for His direction and timing. And I am okay with that and willing to be patient, because no matter what happens, I know that He will do something AMAZING!!
Anyone who reads this, feel free to give me your opinions on this subject! Especially if you or someone you know has experience as a foster parent! and even if you don't, I would still love and respect any of your thoughts! :-)

The year 2011...
It was a year of so many milestones.
This was the year I stepped way out of my comfort zone and did things that I never thought I would do. This was the year that I learned many things about growing up, and the year I decided that I was not going to let fear make my decisions for me anymore. I did so many things that I can look back on and say, I am SO GLAD I did this!!...like the Miss Duneland Pageant, starting my senior year of college, choreographing a musical for the first time, having so many new opportunities as a singer, and making big [and exciting] decisions about the future.
This was also the year that I finally learned how to be happy again. I know now that when I am struggling I don't have to let it bury me. I finally learned how GREAT our God truly is! It took me a long time, but it finally happened...and I'm changed forever!

2012 is going to bring so many things...
It's the year I will graduate from college. And it's the year I will be taking the biggest step of my life as I move far away to continue doing what I am passionate about...with people that I ADORE! And I know that there must be so much more coming.
All of this is so scary to think about MOST of the time...and I must admit that I am entering this new year with some fear, but of course I know that it is only natural to feel that way. I can sincerely say that I am also very excited about what is coming! And I am ready to head into it, fully trusting that God is going to be with me every step of the way.
I am so blessed to be in Miami with a dear friend for this new year! And I am so blessed in many MANY other ways, too numerous to mention now. All I can say is, "Praise God from whom all blessings flow!"