Social media stalking does not count when it is your cousins... right? In my opinion, keeping up with the Wolfe family is way more interesting than than keeping up with the Kardashians. Now all drama TV show jokes aside, this family is one to be recognized. My cousin, Devan Wolfe, and her husband, Jack Wolfe, have taken on a life commitment of fostering/adopting children. Their story has continuously inspired me in more ways than one.

Adoption has always been in the back of my mind when thinking about my future family. So, it is especially encouraging to have family that does just that and more. There is no way that I can predict what my future will bring me but I have seriously considered the path of adoption and potentially foster care. The way I feel about adoption is closely related to Devan's simple statement:

"People always tell me they do not know how I do it. For me, I can't not do it." -Devan

Without a doubt, there are many logistics to taking on these responsibilities. There are ups and downs with frustrations, challenges and moments of defeat. However, with those moments come "stability, structure and love," as Devan states below.

"Foster care is hard. There are lots of challenges, plenty of frustrations and more tears than anyone can count. In the last 6 years my husband and I have fostered 26 kids and adopted 4. 26 kids that have had their world turned upside down. Everything they've ever known has been taken from them and they've been placed with complete strangers. Some of them have stayed for a few weeks and some of them a few years. We have loved every child that has come through our home. We showed them stability, structure and love. Most of them have went home to live with their parents. Some of them have went to live with grandparents. Three of them have become permanent members of our family." -Devan

I was not joking when I said I follow their social media posts. Devan shares their story to bring awareness and express real life situations that people may not get to experience otherwise. Through social media, she receives support, promotes advocacy for foster care, and overall shares their story. Below is a screenshot of a heartbreaking moment, but a message of encouragement.

As you can see, foster care comes with heart ache but also many moments that make it worthwhile. Being apart of a child's life long enough to shape and mold them, long enough to make them feel loved is all worth the heart ache. Devan shares her mindset to keep her emotions level when fostering children:

"People always say "I couldn't do it because I wouldn't be able to give them back." It is hard to give them back, but if you keep the mindset that fostering kids has an ultimate goal of reunification to their parents, it makes it easier. Keeping these kids loved and safe while their parents get the help they need, is our main priority." -Devan

There are certainly moments with unexpected outcomes that call for celebration. Jack and Devan have chosen to adopt four children so far. The Wolfe Pack continues to grow making them stronger. Devan shared one of those moments before adopting their latest sons:

Just like anything else in this world, stereotypes and criticisms are made about foster care. I am sure there are many flaws to the system, but not everyone is out to take advantage of a situation. Devan puts a major generalization into perspective:

"There is a huge misconception that foster parents only do it for the money. I'm not sure where this comes from. On average, a foster parent is reimbursed $15 a day. Out of this money you must feed, clothe, provide toys and everyday essentials. I cannot speak for every family, but for my family, we invest at least double the amount we are reimbursed." -Devan

Destiny is the first child they adopted. She has been the big sister to all of her foster brothers and sisters. She is more than excited to share a home with many children who need the kind of love and stability that she has. Destiny has stepped up to take a roll that not many children are asked to take over and over again. She does it with a smile on her face with a heart that continues to grow.

"My 5 year old, Destiny, has learned to love in a way that is so beautiful. With every child we welcome in to our home, she loves with every piece of her heart. When it is time for them to go, she sheds tears because she is losing a brother/sister. She speaks of her brother's and sisters often, long after they are gone." -Devan

Support also lies outside of the household. It takes more than the household for the foster kids to feel involved or accepted. Friends and family that do invite the children in their lives to make them feel normal and loved are also being touched in positive ways. Learning from others is valuable even if it is a lesson from a child. Lessons are being taught while lives are changing. Devan shares how others interact with the kids as well:

"We have amazing people in our lives that treat our kids so good! They treat them like their own family. They celebrate their birthdays & other holidays with us. They take them to the movies and other outings." -Devan

Devan understands that not everyone has the ability to foster or adopt, but here is her final advocacy for making a difference:

"I know that not everyone can foster/adopt kids in foster care, but everyone can do something. There are so many ways to help kids in foster care without being foster parents. The kids want to feel loved and accepted. In the middle of all the crazy emotions and uncertainty of life, they just want a little normalcy." -Devan

My intentions are to inspire you to think of the heroes that surround you. To inspire you to make a difference. Not just with adoption and foster care, but in any way that interests you. Find your passion and make a change. It does not have to be a giant change, a world changer, or a social change. It could even be a goal you set for yourself. Test your limits! My goal for this week is to not procrastinate with my priorities (definitely a tough one). Just a little food for thought!