If we would have waited until it was a good time for my family to foster a child, we would have never started.
We had just said goodbye to our first foster daughter that we had for eight months on a Saturday. Two days later we welcomed our new foster son, Devan. The day he arrived, we knew he would be with us for good.
The phone call about him was different for us. He had been born 9 weeks premature at only 3 pounds, 7 ounces. The first 6 weeks of his life were spent at the hospital. Not only that, but we were told his mom had tested positive for HIV, and that we wouldn’t know until he was 18 months old if he had contracted it through delivery or not.
HIV. The three letters hit me hard. We already had 3 children, and I questioned if welcoming this baby in our home could somehow endanger our little ones. I called a good friend who is an ER doctor, and after a lengthy conversation, felt ok about receiving him.
(This is the day he got to our home. At this point he weighed about 6 pounds. He was a tiny little thing.)
The first 6 months with him were hard. Surgery, sleepless nights, and the fact he loved to cry made us, well, uncomfortable at times. Through that time his placement with us was “voluntary,” meaning that his parents had voluntarily given him to a foster agency to find temporary placement for him. It was their intention, so we thought, to come back to get him at some point.
At the 10 month mark, the state stepped in a took custody of him, and that began the year-long process of adopting him. And yesterday, that’s exactly what we did. No longer will his name be Devan. Now he has a new family. He has a new name. And from now and for generations to come, there will now be African American “East’s.” That reality still blows my mind.
(The best picture of our family with the judge at his adoption. Yeah, it’s tough to keep 5 kids focused.)
Our new son is a heartbreaker. He’s got a huge personality, loves to dance, and gets all into football. Not to mention, he’s got good hair – so my wife says.
Let me introduce you to our new son: Levi Kevin East
Steph and I have given names to each of our kids for a reason. We decided on the name, “Levi” based on these verses in the book of Malachi. Referring to Levi, the Scripture says:
My covenant with him was one of life and peace, and I gave them to him. It was a covenant of fear, and he feared me. He stood in awe of my name. True instruction was in his mouth, and no wrong was found on his lips. He walked with me in peace and uprightness, and he turned many from iniquity.” Malachi 2: 5,6
Our prayer for Levi is that he would walk with God in humility, and that he would provide true instruction for others.
As well, I’ve wanted to give him my personal name, Kevin. It was my way of doubly reminding him that he belongs, and that he can find a secure love in me.
So for those of you that are counting, that makes 5 kids under the age of 7. A full boat, or is it??
Thank you all for praying over the last 6 months. This process has taken much longer than we expected, but God has provided abundantly through it all.
Wonderful Kevin. God has blessed Levi to be a part of your family. He will know the importance of being with your family. Our prayer for Levi is that he would walk with God in humility, and that he would provide true instruction for others. God Bless you guys. You are a Godly family. Can never be a better gift for Christmas.
So true. We are grateful for this Christmas gift to our family.
Congratulations. Good hair, indeed! By the way, God fills the boat as he sees the need. 🙂
So true. We consider our family “open.” Meaning, if God so leads, then we will respond.
At the same time, we know that God’s people are called to care for orphans, so I hope to inspire many others to consider fostering or adoption as well.
Kevin, that is wonderful news! Congratulations to you and your family!
Thank you, Kathie.
So….did he have HIV?
Glad you asked. Just a little while ago I realized I left that one out there hanging.
No, he did not. For a child born like he did, they have to take a series of anti-virals for a period of time. Apparently, at around 18 months old, all traces of the mother are gone from his system, so if he hasn’t tested positive by then, then he won’t have it. All of his tests have come back negative.
Thanks for asking.
I’m sitting at my computer crying tears of Joy!!! I love your family and Vance and I are so inspired and encouraged by your journey and the way God has born you two new children this year! Adoption is such a special gift. I’m praying Levi and Kayla become friends in their mothers day out class 🙂
So thrilled for you guys and grateful for seeing such a clear picture of God’s redemptive love!
Thanks Joshua.
“…he belongs, and can find a secure love in me.”
Love that. So excited for you guys!
Next step, teach him the famous East tradition of standing in your hand!
Too late. I’ve already tried to have him stand in my hand. He looked at me funny as if to say, “What are you crazy? You think I’m going to stand in your hand? No way.”
congratulations!!! we are still waiting for the last two in our home to be adopted… what a blessing it is to be a part of God’s plan on purpose. Choosing the route of foster care and adoption is not easy, but it is God’s plan A for a lot of families.
Very true, Cindy.
I would agree that fostering requires you to put your heart out on a limb, without knowing what the future holds. There is something really selfless about that. I think it really reflects the heart of God.
Congratulations on your new son and daughter!
Jared and I are going through the process in the Spring to be foster parents. A big reason we’re choosing to go ahead now is because of your posts- I’m inspired! Thank you for the added motivation. May God bless your family!
That is such great news, Angel. I look forward to hearing how fostering kids in need changes your hearts, and your family.
Please tell Jared I said hello.
Awesome & PRaise the Lord! from the Kiessling family! We are the family that lives in California. We are going to be moving to Nevada. And hoping to be able to to foster care again. We have 6 blessings at home. Calif. laws do not allow more than 6 kiddos in the home…:(……so we are going to change that! In our house anyway! Your family looks great! Blessings to you all!
Thank you, Janet.
We don’t think we are done fostering as well.
We’ll see…..
Congratulations! What an incredible blessing and a beautiful story. He has an amazing family. Thanks for sharing your journey through fostering. I have loved following it!
Thanks, Emily.
So based on your husband’s writing, it looks like you married a really good man. Congratulations!
I hope to continue to encourage foster families like yours.