A Purpose in Waiting
In August 2021, Ashley received the call she waited three years to get . . . the call to welcome a foster child into her home.
Three years ago, Ashley and her son, Elijah, volunteered at a local group home in Mobile. As she explained why the kids lived there, he excitedly exclaimed, “Mom, I’ve been asking for a brother! Why can’t we bring one of these boys home to be my brother?”
For years, Elijah had asked for a little brother or sister, but Ashley knew it would be difficult to fulfill this wish as a single mother. His question, though, made her curious about fostering.
“There are moments as a single parent that’s a challenge . . . and doing anything as one person,” Ashley shared. “But God has brought us here so far . . . every step of our lives, He has led us to where we should be.” Elijah’s question opened her heart to the idea and would start a journey that would forever change their family.
Around the same time, she met an ABCH foster mom and spent two hours talking with her. This conversation solidified the call God was placing on her. “I walked out knowing that’s what I wanted,” shared Ashley. “What better way to extend our family while being the hands and feet of Jesus.” She took the next step and signed up for training.
During training, though, she had major knee surgery. She was determined to answer the Lord’s call and attended classes in a wheelchair. “I knew this is what I wanted . . . what the Lord wanted for our family.”
Her physical limitations postponed her licensing, leading to moments of frustration. “I sometimes felt a little impatient,” Ashley said. “I’d ask, ‘God, you brought us to this point . . . all these kids . . . need somewhere to go, they need a loving home, and I have that.” However, Ashley reminded herself in those moments that God works in His time. There was a purpose for the waiting.
Each day, Ashley worked hard to regain her strength and got closer to living out that burning desire to be a foster parent. After three years she finally learned why God had her wait.
On August 27, 2021, she was officially approved to be a foster parent. On August 30, just three days later, sweet little Kingston was born prematurely. After some time in the NICU, he entered her home on September 21st as her first full-time placement. On April 20, 2023, Ashley signed the adoption form to make Kingston a part of her forever family.
Reflecting on her journey, Ashley admires God’s divine timing. “I know the Lord played this out in His time,” said Ashley. “Had I not gone through what I did physically, Kingston may not have been placed with me,” said Ashley.
“He was itty bitty when he was born,” Ashley reminisced. “Now, you can’t even tell he was [born prematurely]. He is your typical two-and-a-half-year-old toddler. He’s healthy and thriving.”
Kingston’s lively personality has brought so much joy to Ashely and Elijah’s lives. “He doesn’t meet a stranger,” said Ashley. “He is the friendliest kid you’ve ever met. He high-fives and fist-bumps everyone.”
Ashley encourages others as a single foster parent, stating, “I know there are other singles that want to be a parent and do foster care. You don’t have to be married to provide love to a child.”
You can help kids like Kingston by fostering. Learn more here.